Looking back to move forward

OCTLA is built on relationships, mentorship, and a love for the trial lawyer community we serve

2026 September

It’s important to always remember where we came from and how we got here, while continuing to strive to improve and grow. That spirit was on full display this month at one of my favorite OCTLA traditions: the annual Past Presidents Dinner.

On July 23rd, we gathered for this year’s dinner at our longtime favorite, Muldoon’s in Newport Beach, where current board members and OCTLA veterans came together to eat, drink, and share stories from decades of building this organization. The location itself is special, and it ties directly back to our history – Muldoon’s was owned by an OCTLA past president and former Top Gun Award winner, the beloved, late Ronald B. Schwartz. Ron was a wonderful person and a well-respected attorney throughout the Orange County legal community, and he was a constant supporter of OCTLA throughout his career.  Ron is also the father of OCTLA Past President Hon. Shaina Colover. He passed in 2025, and his absence was felt at this year’s dinner, and his legacy that lives on, quite literally, in the walls of the restaurant where we continue to meet.

Ron’s story is a reminder that OCTLA’s legacy often extends through families, generation after generation. Gary Chambers served as OCTLA President in 1990, and his son, Garrett Chambers, is set to serve as President in 2028.

Expanding female leadership:
The Women’s Caucus

One of my missions for this year is to expand female leadership within our organization by launching the Women’s Caucus. This initiative wouldn’t be possible without the support and example set by the six female past presidents who came before me:

• 1996 – Susan C. Kelley
• 2010 – Anne Andrews
• 2017 – Hon. Shaina Colover
• 2018 – Geraldine Ly
• 2021 – Cynthia Craig
• 2023 – Lindsey Aitken

Each of these women broke ground in her own time and helped pave the way for the next generation of leaders. Their support and encouragement as we continue to build the Women’s Caucus means everything.

This year at the Past Presidents Dinner, we started a new tradition: the Presidential Lightning Round. Each past president is put on the spot and given just one minute to answer a random question about their year in office. Questions like: What was the theme song or movie title that best captured your year as president – Stayin’ Alive or I Will Survive?

Looking ahead

Evenings like this one matter. They remind all of us – whether we’ve been with OCTLA for one year or 30 – that this organization is built on relationships, mentorship, and a love for the trial lawyer community we serve.

As we move into the fall, I’m looking forward to building on that foundation – growing the Women’s Caucus, including our September “Sip Into Fall” event.

Here’s to remembering where we came from, and to everything still ahead.