Stronger Together

Top Gun Trial Lawyer of the Year Awards Gala, on Saturday, November 22

2025 November

As we turn the calendar to November, I’m filled with deep gratitude — not only for what we’ve accomplished this year, but for the people who made it possible. Serving as your OCTLA President in 2025 has been an incredible honor, and this season of reflection reminds me why our theme, “Stronger Together,” has resonated so powerfully across every program, dinner, and event we’ve shared.

This year has been about connection – between generations of trial lawyers, between mentors and mentees, and between our profession and our community. Together, we’ve built bridges that will outlast this one year of leadership.

A year of collaboration and commitment

From our first MCLE dinner to the final event on the calendar, OCTLA members have shown up – for each other, for our profession, and for justice. We launched meaningful initiatives like our Bridge the Gap mentoring event, pairing seasoned trial lawyers with new attorneys eager to learn the craft. Watching those conversations unfold reaffirmed that the future of our profession is bright – because it’s being guided by those who lift as they climb.

Our Summer Internship Program brought new energy to our community, helping law students see firsthand what it means to fight for real people.

Our monthly MCLE dinners also delivered incredible education and camaraderie. In October our final monthly MCLE dinner of the year, “EXPERT REVIEW: Who Are the Best Medical Experts Out There?” offered valuable insights into one of the most critical aspects of trial practice. A heartfelt thank-you to our panelists – Rob Gibson, Esq., Pamela Traut, Esq., and Greyson Goody, Esq. – for sharing their time, wisdom, and candor.

Each of these programs happened because our board and volunteers gave their time, creativity, and heart. You all embody what makes OCTLA special – not just the pursuit of justice, but the shared commitment to make each other better.

Looking ahead: The 2025 Top Gun Awards Gala

Now we turn toward the highlight of our year – the Top Gun Trial Lawyer of the Year Awards Gala, on Saturday, November 22, 2025, at the Hyatt Regency Irvine.

Top Gun is more than a celebration; it’s a reflection of who we are. It honors extraordinary skill, courage, and commitment to justice – and reminds us that while individual excellence is recognized, collective support makes it possible.

This year’s honorees represent the very best of our profession:

Greyson Goody, Esq. – Personal Injury

Keith Bruno, Esq. & Nick Rowley, Esq. – Medical Malpractice

Tom Antunovich, Esq. – Young Gun

William Shapiro, Esq. – Distinguished Achievement

Greg Bentley, Esq. – Hall of Fame

Each of these attorneys exemplifies what it means to lead by example – through their trial work, mentorship, and generosity of spirit.

Thank you to the Top Gun committee

Producing an event of this caliber takes enormous teamwork. My heartfelt thanks to our Top Gun Committee, led by Chair James Perry, Esq., for their tireless efforts in organizing this year’s gala.

From securing sponsorships and auction items to managing logistics and production details, this team has poured its heart into ensuring that Top Gun not only celebrates excellence but also raises critical funds for our 2025 charity partner, the Jesse Rees Foundation (NEGU). Their dedication ensures that our work extends beyond the courtroom – supporting children and families facing unimaginable challenges with hope and joy.

OCTLC and the Joy Factory

This October also marked a special milestone – our very first charitable event with our new partner. OCTLA joined forces with our friends at OCTLC for a visit to NEGU’s Joy Factory on October 14th, where volunteers came together to stuff JoyJars for children battling cancer. It was a powerful reminder of what community really means. Thank you to OCTLC and to every volunteer who showed up to share their time, energy, and heart. You made a difference – and you embodied what Stronger Together truly stands for.

Raising for a cause: NEGU

Our partnership with NEGU has been one of the most inspiring parts of this year. Through raffles, auctions, and JoyJar events, OCTLA members have shown boundless generosity. Watching our community rally around this cause reminds us that advocacy doesn’t end at the courthouse doors.

When we fight for justice, we fight for people – and NEGU embodies that same courage and compassion we strive to bring to every case.

Gratitude and reflection

As I reflect on this year, I’m humbled by the collective effort that brought Stronger Together to life. To our Board of Directors, Executive Committee, committee chairs, sponsors, and every volunteer – thank you.

To our generous partners and sponsors your support fuels our programs and events.

To our past presidents and mentors – your guidance and steady leadership continue to strengthen OCTLA’s foundation.

And to our members – thank you for showing up, staying engaged, and believing in the power of community. Together, we’ve educated, mentored, and given back – all while standing firm in our mission to protect consumers and ensure access to justice for all.

Closing thoughts

As the year draws to a close, take a moment to reflect on what we’ve built together. OCTLA’s strength has always come from its people – passionate, principled, and united in purpose.

I can’t wait to celebrate with all of you at Top Gun 2025 – to honor our outstanding honorees, raise funds for NEGU, and close out a year that has proven we are truly Stronger Together.

See you at the Hyatt!