Stronger Together

A year of purpose, partnership, and progress

As I write my final Advocate article as President of the Orange County Trial Lawyers Association, I am struck by what an extraordinary year this has been for OCTLA and for our statewide plaintiff community. When I chose the theme “Stronger Together” for 2025, I hoped it would feel meaningful. I did not yet know how deeply it would shape our programs, our culture, and the way we supported one another. This year, that theme became the lens through which we collaborated, lifted each other up, and advanced the cause of justice.

OCTLA has always been known as one of the most inclusive and collaborative trial lawyer associations in California. In 2025, that spirit grew even stronger. Our board meetings, MCLE dinners, community events, and educational programs were filled with the energy that comes from people who believe in service, mentorship, and supporting their peers.

Mentorship and internship

Mentorship became one of the defining elements of the year. From the start, we emphasized that investing in young lawyers is essential to the future of our profession. That commitment came alive at the Bridge the Gap mentorship event hosted at Greg Bentley’s home. Seeing seasoned leaders spend time guiding young lawyers was inspiring. Their willingness to share their experience, answer tough questions, and offer encouragement demonstrated exactly what Stronger Together means.

The 2025 Summer Internship Program was another major success. Our interns gained hands-on experience at firms across Orange County, built confidence, and developed professional relationships that will help guide their careers. OCTLA continues to lead in creating meaningful opportunities for young lawyers to grow and learn in a supportive environment.

Education remained central to OCTLA’s mission this year. Our MCLE dinners at The Park Club consistently drew members eager to sharpen their skills. The quality of the speakers and the engagement of our members showed how committed our community is to stay at the top of its game. When lawyers come together to share knowledge and learn from one another, it strengthens our entire profession.

Our Palm Springs Seminar, presented with CAOC and CAOIE, sold out early and delivered outstanding programming. But some of the most memorable moments were the small ones: experienced trial lawyers sharing breakfast and practice tips with new associates, conversations that began in hallways and continued long after the sessions ended, and the genuine sense of camaraderie that filled the event.

Trial lawyer associations working together

A major highlight of 2025 was the continued strengthening of the partnership between OCTLA, CAALA, CAOC, and CAOIE. Each organization has its own identity and traditions, but our shared mission brings us together. This year reaffirmed how powerful that unity can be. At CAOC Justice Day, our members met with legislators to advocate for the rights of the people we serve. When trial lawyers speak with a unified voice, we protect the civil justice system and the clients who depend on it.

Throughout the year, our statewide community showed up for one another. Whether at CAALA Vegas, CAOC Hawaii, regional MCLE programs, or collaborative events, trial lawyers shared strategies, supported colleagues handling tough cases, and celebrated victories. The willingness to help one another, without hesitation or ego, is what makes California’s plaintiff community truly unique. Additionally, our new partnership with OCTLC added another layer to our commitment to mentorship and community, bringing our organizations together with shared purpose and strengthening our ability to serve those who rely on us.

Beyond the courtroom to the community

This year also reminded us that our work extends beyond the courtroom. Our partnership with NEGU, the Jessie Rees Foundation, was one of the most meaningful parts of 2025. Their mission to bring hope, joy, and encouragement to children fighting cancer resonated throughout our organization. From our volunteer Joy Jar event to year-long fundraising efforts, our members gave generously. The compassion and commitment displayed this year reinforced that being a trial lawyer is not only about litigation. It is also about giving back and lifting up those who need us.

The Top Gun Trial Lawyer of the Year Awards Gala provided a powerful conclusion to the year. Top Gun has always been a celebration of the very best of our profession, and this year’s event carried special meaning. Honoring lawyers who tried the hardest cases and stood strong for their clients reminded us why we do this work. The energy in the room, filled with colleagues, sponsors, families, and friends, captured the essence of what OCTLA represents. It was a night that showcased the impact of a united legal community.

It has been a privilege to serve you

As I reflect on 2025, I am filled with gratitude. Serving as OCTLA President has been one of the greatest honors of my career. I am grateful to the executive board, board of directors, past presidents, volunteers, staff, sponsors, and every member who contributed time, ideas, and support. I am grateful for the partnerships strengthened, the friendships deepened, and the shared belief that we are part of something bigger than ourselves.

Most of all, I am grateful for the opportunity to lead an organization that reflects the best of our profession. OCTLA is defined not by competition but by collaboration, not by ego but by generosity, not by individual accomplishments but by collective impact. It is an organization built on the belief that we rise by lifting others.

As the year comes to a close, I am optimistic about what lies ahead. OCTLA will be in excellent hands under incoming President Clare Lucich. The challenges we face as trial lawyers are real, but so is our collective strength. When we support each other, share knowledge freely, mentor generously, advocate with purpose, and remain united, there is no limit to what we can achieve for our clients and our community.

Thank you for allowing me to serve this year. Thank you for your dedication to justice. And thank you for believing, as I do, that we are, and will always be, Stronger Together.