It started as an idea in 2004. Bruce Traney saw how plaintiffs’ attorneys were negatively being depicted in the media. “Tort reform” was a key in the presidential election that year. But Traney knew his world was different. Trial lawyers care. That wasn’t just a phrase – but a reality. So many of his friends regularly volunteered their time and generously donated money to local non-profits in the community. All on their own, without fanfare. “This is what trial lawyers do,” said Traney.
Embracing the phrase “guerilla organization,” he believed that if plaintiffs’ attorneys joined together, we could make an even bigger impact in the community.
Today, that “guerilla organization” has grown into two strong Southern California institutions – Los Angeles Trial Lawyers’ Charities and Orange County Trial Lawyers’ Charities – which includes more than 4,000 supporters and has given away more than $6 million, volunteered thousands of hours, and continues to partner with over 200 local charities throughout our communities.
LATLC & OCTLC’s impact can be both routine – distributing groceries to low-income families in the San Fernando Valley through MEND (Meet Each Need with Dignity) and life changing – building homes in Orange County with Habitat for Humanity.
And sometimes our impact is incredibly personal. A few weeks ago, dozens of children and young adults received adaptive tricycles at The Great Tryke Giveaway, an annual joint LATLC/OCTLC event that builds and delivers adaptive tricycles to special needs children and their families. One father explained that his son was severely injured in a dirt bike accident and thought he could never return to what had been his favorite activity. His new “tryke” made his dream come true. He was on a bike again.
That same day, more than 60 volunteers also filled 1,000 toiletry kits for U.S. Vets, an incredible organization helping veterans, who are experiencing homelessness, to obtain employment and housing.
OCTLC and LATLC are truly grateful for the support of the Plaintiff Trial Lawyer community. As the official 501(c)(3) non-profit of CAALA, we urge everyone in CAALA to offer your support in whatever way you are able, either through chartable financial contributions or through donating your time to attend and support one of our many community events. Now is the time. We need you!
As “pass-through” non-profits, what we raise is what we can give away. This month, LATLC and OCTLC are hosting fundraisers so that we can continue to give away to our communities. On September 14, OCTLC will host their annual luau in Newport Beach. LATLC hosts our annual Golf Tournament at Calabasas Country Club on September 23. Don’t wait! Both events are almost sold out.
Join LATLC and OCTLC at our fundraisers and at our volunteer projects. Help us continue Bruce Traney’s legacy, and the legacy of so many prominent and influential trial lawyers that have followed him, and let’s show the world that trial lawyers care.
