Coming together is a beginning;
Keeping together is progress;
Working together is success.
Edward Everett Hale
This month officially marks the 20th anniversary of Trial Lawyers’ Charities. On September 25, 2006, Los Angeles Trial Lawyers’ Charities filed our Articles of Incorporation with the California Secretary of State, realizing the dream of Bruce Traney and a small group of trial lawyers to make a difference in our community. That year we “came together” and made grants to four non-profit organizations. Since then, Los Angeles Trial Lawyers’ Charities has partnered with 162 non-profit organizations. Using LATLC’s model of financial support and volunteer service, and with significant encouragement and help from LATLC, Orange County Trial Lawyers’ Charities became incorporated in June 2021 and today works with more than 70 non-profits.
Keeping together
Thousands of people “keep together” to volunteer, donate and support the work that we do. Some of our actions are small – serving a meal with Downtown Women’s Center – and some change lives – helping to build houses with Habitat for Humanity.
Seeing the looks on the faces of the individuals we serve is so inspiring. The perfect example is the Great Tryke Giveaway, an annual joint project where children receive adaptive tricycles to best meet the needs of their limited abilities. Last month LATLC and OCTLC donated more than 20 new trykes through SoCal Trykers and OC Special Spokes. While the kids received the final adjustments to their new trykes, volunteers assembled 1,000 toiletry kits for unhoused veterans through US Vets. Making a difference, one person at a time.
Working together
Even if you haven’t yet participated in OCTLC or LATLC projects, you can start during the CAALA convention. Since 2017, we have put together service projects right in our booth. They are easy and fun. This year, we are asking attendees to think about the people who made a difference in your life. Share the name of a family member, coach, teacher or friend who believed in you. Their words of encouragement might have changed the trajectory of your life. Then “pay it forward.” Write a brief note of kindness to a young person, which we will distribute at LATLC and OCTLC’s holiday giving events. The beautiful cards also feature designs created by special needs artists from Exceptional Children’s Foundation and Tierra del Sol. Stop by Booth 506 and be part of this simple but meaningful activity.
