Stronger together

Pushing forward into summer

2025 June

This spring, OCTLA members have truly embodied what it means to be stronger together – not just in words, but through action, connection, and community. Our members continue to work tirelessly for their clients – both inside and outside the courtroom – while actively engaging in ongoing education to sharpen their skills and deliver the highest standard of advocacy.

One of the season’s highlights was our unforgettable annual Palm Springs Seminar at the Omni Rancho Las Palmas Resort in Rancho Mirage. Held May 2nd and 3rd, in collaboration with CAOC and CAOIE, this annual event offered education in a setting designed to foster connection and relaxation. CLE programs were provided early on Saturday, giving members and their families time to enjoy the pool, lazy river, and cabanas. The weekend was the perfect balance of professional growth and community bonding – a clear reflection of OCTLA values.

MCLE June: Work/Life Balance

After a full weekend, we took a short break from our usual Park Club monthly CLE in May, allowing members to recharge. But we’re back in June with a powerful presentation, “Attorney Wellness: Work/Life Balance,” scheduled for Thursday, June 26th. This program offers not only practical tools for supporting well-being in a demanding profession, but also wellness competence subfield credit. It’s a terrific opportunity to refocus and reconnect with colleagues in an encouraging and educational environment. We continue to gather each month for our CLE dinners held most months on the fourth Thursday at the Park Club, where education, networking, and community remain central to our mission.

We were also proud to launch this year’s OCTLA Summer Internship Program with a spirited kickoff on May 15th, generously hosted by the Law Office of Jennifer R. Johnson. The event brought together our board members, host firms, and an impressive group of interns: Josh Rezvani, Alina Gonzalez, Robert Kitapszian, Sofia Kabir, and Madeleine Gam. These driven students are the future of our profession, and we’re honored to support their growth. A heartfelt thank you goes to our host firms – Jennifer R. Johnson, Feher Law APC, Callahan & Blaine, Hodes Milman LLP, and MLG Attorneys at Law – for their dedication to mentorship and hands-on learning.

On June 6th, we teed off at one of our favorite events of the year, the Annual OCTLA Summer Scramble Golf Tournament at Oak Creek Golf Club in Irvine. The day was filled with sunshine and camaraderie as players, sponsors, and volunteers came together for a day of friendly competition. Whether you were chasing birdies or simply soaking up the day with your foursome, it was a reminder of how rewarding it is to be part of this community. A huge thank you to everyone who made the tournament a success.

July: Trivia Night & Past Presidents Dinner

Looking ahead, we’re excited to keep the momentum going. On July 24th, we invite you to join us for Trivia Night at Hangar 24 in Irvine. It’s a relaxed evening of thought-provoking trivia, more competition, and networking – perfect for a summer’s night.

We’ll also gather in July to honor and celebrate the leadership that shaped OCTLA for a meaningful occasion – our Past Presidents’ Dinner. This year’s event carries special significance as we remember and pay tribute to two beloved past presidents, John Burns and Ronald Schwartz, both of whom we sadly lost over the last year. Their leadership, mentorship, and contributions to our organization will never be forgotten, and we are deeply grateful for the legacy they leave behind.

August: Bridge the Gap

In line with our 2025 theme of Stronger Together, we are proud to introduce our first-ever Bridge the Gap event, set for Wednesday, August 14th. This initiative brings together newer and more experienced attorneys to share insight, mentorship, and support in a casual, united setting. It’s a unique opportunity for lawyers at every stage of their career to connect with and learn from one another – because no matter where you are on your journey, we all grow stronger through shared experiences. More information will follow as we get closer to the event.

We’ll carry that spirit of community into the fall as we prepare for our biggest night of the year – our Top Gun Trial Lawyer of the Year Awards Gala, set for Saturday, November 22nd at the Hyatt Regency Irvine. This unforgettable evening celebrates excellence in trial advocacy and supports a cause close to our hearts: The Jessie Rees Foundation | NEGU (Never Ever Give Up), which brings joy and encouragement to children fighting cancer. We encourage all members to attend and bring guests for a night of celebration and support. To help make this event a success, we’re looking for live and silent auction items – including vacation homes, signed sports memorabilia, and unique experiences. Your generosity can help raise critical funds and make a meaningful difference in the lives of children fighting cancer.

Let’s continue to support one another, uplift our community, and prove that we are truly Stronger Together. It’s paying off.