A look back at our year’s accomplishments

OCTLA is bigger and stronger than one year ago

2023 December

Au revoir. Adios. Arrivederci. “Parting is such sweet sorrow, that I shall say good night till it be morrow.” My time as president of the Orange County Trial Lawyers Association is coming to an end. It has been my pleasure to serve our membership. It was such an honor to represent OCTLA during our 60th anniversary. I am so appreciative of the support given to me by all of the past presidents of the organization. Your thoughts, guidance and support were very appreciated. Throughout this year I reported on the outstanding work accomplished by OCTLA. So, without further ado, here is what OCTLA did this past year.

Lobbied Sacramento on Justice Day. We started the two days by hosting an awesome nightcap party where TLA members across the state could hang out, enjoy libations and relax. Then, on Justice Day, our members met with legislators to educate them on bills that are important to consumers in California such as fighting financial elder abuse and forced arbitration.

Membership increased in 2023

Increased membership! OCTLA is bigger and stronger than one year ago and continues to grow each month.

Social events galore! Whether our members were betting on horses, throwing axes, golfing or hanging at a brewery, there was plenty of opportunities to have fun, enjoy the company of fellow trial lawyers, and make new connections.

Education for all! In-person and Zoom education flourished this year with topics ranging from AI, to picking a jury, to minors’ compromises. There was certainly knowledge to be gained for everyone. Top Gun Awards Gala! Over 400 people came together to honor our five Top Gun Award winners. Over $250,000 was raised for CASA – OC. OCTLA’s charitable mission is a cornerstone of our organization and I am very proud of our membership in making such a huge impact on CASA-OC and their goal of training more advocates to assist foster youth in Orange County.

The new Board of Directors

All good things must come to an end. The agenda that the board set for the 2023 year was ambitious to say the least. The board took no challenge alone and worked together to offer multiple different options for our members. Their work has come to end and it is my honor to introduce to you the 2024 Board of Directors: President, Whit Bertch; President Elect, Aaron Hicks; 1st Vice President, Clare Lucich; 2nd Vice, President Michael Jeandron; Secretary, Garret Chambers; Treasurer, Jason Argos; Parliamentarian, Tom Antunovich; Board of Directors: Michael Berry, David Blain, Brooke Bove, Amber Esposito, Edwin Hong, Benjamin Ikuta, Alain Kinaly, Laura Knox-Raphael, Rob Marcereau, Jonathan Michaels, Geoff Rill, Allegra Rineer, Amanda Robinson, Farnaz Salessi, Atticus Wegman, and Steve Young. Congratulations to the newly elected Board of Directors!

I know the organization is in good hands under the leadership of Whit Bertch. He has been waiting a long time to take over the reigns as president and he has quite a few innovative and exciting ideas to get started on. I can’t wait to see what the future holds for OCTLA!