WLALA Awards & Installation Dinner

September 13, 2024

• WLALA Awards & Installation Dinner - September 13, 2024
• President's Message by Jeannine Taylor
• WLALA Executive Committee 2024-2025
• WLALA Board of Directors 2024-2025
• WLALA Board of Governors 2024-2025
• WLALA Foundation Board of Governors 2024-2025
• Conversations in Community: A Meet-and-Greet Series Featuring LGBTQIA+ Leaders - August 29, 2024
• Photos: Women Lawyers as Authors
• Photos: Government and Public Interest Law Mixer
• Photo: MCBA Quarterly Meeting
• Announcement: WLALA Past President - Janet Hong
• Announcement: WLALA Past President - Hon. Jessica Kronstadt
• Announcement: WLALA Communications Officer - Leana Taing
• Welcome New Members!
• Local Bar Calendar
• APAWLA's Annual Reception - September 19, 2024
• BWL's Annual Installation and Awards Gala - September 28, 2024
• LLBA's Annual Awards and Scholarship Dinner - October 4, 2024
• Power Lunch Program Sponsorships Available
• Contribute to the WLALA Newsletter

Thank you for your service!

I am truly honored to serve as the 104th President of WLALA and deeply grateful for the faith you have placed in me. Thank you to WLALA’s membership for entrusting me with this responsibility, for embracing our 2023-24 theme of Faith, Power, and Justice, and for indulging my passion for themed celebrations! To my partners in service—our WLALA Executive Officers and Executive Director, Kay Burt—you are the heart and soul of WLALA. Your often overlooked, tireless efforts make our progress possible.

This year, the principles of Faith, Power, and Justice have guided the core initiatives of WLALA’s Executive Committee, Board of Directors, and Board of Governors, including:

·     launching an inaugural Board of Directors,

·     cultivating more meaningful relationships with our sister bar affiliates, and

·     modernizing our judicial endorsement process

I am grateful for your willingness to bring these initiatives to life while continuing to deliver exceptional programs, sponsor important legislation, host festive networking receptions, and engage in mentorship activities.

To our incoming WLALA board members, congratulations! Your service is powerful, and I am hopeful that your leadership experience will be as rewarding as mine. My board service with WLALA has shaped me into a more well-rounded professional, taught me to listen more carefully, and deepened my appreciation for diverse perspectives. Reflecting on the past year, I was inspired by the remarks on the value of service from WLALA’s Distinguished Service Awardee, Wilma Pinder, and encourage you all to enjoy her message in the WLALA Gala highlight reel.

To our WLALA members serving on the bench, your service represents the limitless possibilities for women in law. We are uniquely suited to lead in the courtroom, the boardroom, and, in due time, this country! A special congratulations to WLALA’s most recent appointee to the bench, immediate past president Hong. You have been my sponsor, coach, mentor, and day one bestie. I would never have dared to lead WLALA without your persistence and faith in me and could not have succeeded without your support and guidance.

To all WLALA members, remember that WLALA is here to serve you. Whether you are looking for a mentor, a job opportunity, or a future best friend, you may find them among our 1,000 plus members. Whether you choose to serve on or support a WLALA board, our network and newsletter are here to celebrate your achievements, acknowledge your awards and recognitions, and support your overall success.

In your service,

Jeannine Taylor



WLALA President

WLALA Executive Committee 2024 - 2025

 Noelle M. Natoli, President

Farah Tabibkhoei, President-Elect

Jennie Wang VonCannon, First Vice President

Brigit Greeson Alvarez, Second Vice President/Treasurer

Leana Serey Taing, Secretary

Vicky Ourfalian, Communications Officer

WLALA Foundation

Executive Committee 2024 - 2025

 Sarah Schuh Quist, President

Farah Tabibkhoei, Vice President

Brigit Greeson Alvarez, Treasurer

Leana Serey Taing, Secretary

Vicky Ourfalian, Communications Officer

Jennifer Leland, Immediate Past President/Ex Officio Officer

WLALA Board of Governors 2024 - 2025

Vanessa Adriance

Faye Barnouw

Maribel Reynoso Blunt

Hon Magdalena

Reyes -Bordeaux

A. Carley Palmer

Connie Chen

Michelle Cheng

Hon. Christine Gonong

Samara Cidrim

Stephanie Cubacha

Maryam Danishwar

Vicki Gasparyan

Mihret Getabicha

Jasmine Gevorkyan

Rebecca Goodrich

Farha Haq

Hon. Holly Fujie

Hon. Janet Hong

Shaun Dabby Jacobs

Hon. Jana Seng

Hon. Jessica Kronstadt

Kirra Jones

Joan Kessler

Neelu Khanuja

Shelby King

Shaina Kinsberg

Yanna Bouris Knobbe

Poonam Kumar

Hon. Laura Seigle

Jennifer Lieser

Karen Luong

Puja Makarechi

Hon. Maria Byrum

Mary McKelvey

Molly McKibben

Destinee Moya

Mia Munro

Karleen Murphy

Cynthia Organ

Meena Patel

Kimberly Quijada

Erin Reed

Merete Rietveld

Natashia Saunders

Arin Scapa

Ariella Thal Simonds

Dipti Singh

Stephanie Taft

Jeannine Taylor

Meeghan Tirtasaputra

Sungina Vachhani

Taylor Wagniere

Channa Weiss

Twila White

Sherry William

Yujin Yi

WLALA Foundation

Board of Governors 2024 - 2025

Mory Ahmadi

Chantelle Ameli

Kim Arnal

Amy Brantly

Alyssa Dickerson

Sarah Gerdes

Kelly Hanker

Margaret Johnson

Loni Kaye

Hon. Elaine Lu

Kathleen McDowell

Noelle Natoli

Stacy Horth-Neubert

Hon. Cathy Ostiller

Carmela Pagay

Jill Piano

Meehan Rasch

Mirelle Raza

Anabel Sanchez

Najah Shariff

Jazmine Smalley

Susan Steinhauser

Jennie Wang VonCannon

Nicole Vonchanglor

Karla Waymire

WLALA Board of Directors 2024 - 2025

Brigit Greeson Alvarez

Mihret Getabicha

Ji-In Houck

Kimberly Kamkar

Noelle M. Natoli

Vicky Ourfalian

Merete Rietveld

Ariella Thal Simonds

Farah Tabibkhoei

Leana Taing

Jeannine Taylor

Jennie Wang VonCannon

Jacquiline Wagner

Conversations in Community: A Meet-and-Greet Series Featuring LGBTQIA+ Leaders

Women Lawyers as Authors: How to Write and Publish a Book While Still Doing Your Day Job

Please see below to hear from law students, Holly Reynolds and Rebekah Hong, about their reflections on the event.

Student Reflection written by Holly Reynolds

How to Write and Publish a Book While Still Doing Your Day Job event was held on Thursday 11th July at Cafe Ora. It was a wonderful evening listening to three successful women publishers in an intimate setting. Jolene Blackbourn, Dominique Shelton Leipzig, and Elizabeth L. Silver spoke about their different experiences publishing different genres of law-related books. Despite their impressive resume’s, there was no gatekeeping. Our three panelists spoke honestly and openly and provided invaluable advice to keen women writers. From coming up with a concept, to writing and publishing processes, to self-publishing vs having an agent, to balancing a full-time job or making it a full-time job, to cost-benefit analysis, everything was on the table. It was an empowering event. 

The main takeaway was: “everyone has a story in them.” As a starting point, join an evening writers’ group and a book club. Start putting words on paper. It’s a process, but don’t be daunted by that fact – we need to hear your expertise, your creativity and your voice. Women publishers in the legal profession and elsewhere are extremely important. 

Thank you to Jolene Blackbourn, Dominique Shelton, and Elizabeth L. Silver for your honest wisdom. And, to our moderator Shaun Dabby Jacobs who asked the right questions and provided a safe space for a deep conversation.

Student Reflection written by Rebekah Hong

The Women Lawyers as Authors: How to Write and Publish a Book While Still Doing Your Day Job panel occurred on July 11, 2024 at Cafe Ora. It was an intimate setting as Shaun Dabby Jacobs moderated the panel of the three published authors - Jolene Blackbourn, Dominique Shelton Leipzig, and Elizabeth L. Silver. They shared their experiences and gave insight of navigating writing while also practicing law among extra priorities. The best advice they all gave was that it is possible to publish - you just need to make time for it! 

It was an empowering event of women supporting women. After all, as Dominique shared, there are very few female op-ed writers in contrast with men. Therefore, all the more for women to write and publish. The panel ended with a Q&A from the audience. Jolene shared her self-publishing checklist for inspired self-published authors. Dominique and Elizabeth graciously gave away their published works. It was yet again another successful event hosted by WLALA. Thank you WLALA and to the authors! 

Government and Public Interest Law Mixer

Thank you to the Access to Justice Committee Co-Chairs, Stacy Horth-Neubert and Shelby King for organizing this event.

MCBA Quarterly Meeting - June 29, 2024

WLALA Past President Janet Hong Appointed

Los Angeles Superior Court Judge

Janet Hong, of Los Angeles County, has been appointed to serve as a Judge in the Los Angeles County Superior Court. Hong has been a Sole Practitioner since 2015. She was an Adjunct Lecturer at the University of California, Irvine School of Law from 2019 to 2023. Hong was an Associate at Cheong & Denove from 2020 to 2021 and at Hennig Kramer Ruiz & Singh from 2013 to 2015. She served as a Trial Attorney at the Alternate Public Defender’s Office of Los Angeles County from 2006 to 2013 and for The Legal Aid Society from 2002 to 2006. Hong earned a Juris Doctor degree from the University of Southern California Gould School of Law. She fills the vacancy created by the transfer of Judge Michael Kelley to the San Luis Obispo County Superior Court. Hong is a Democrat.

WLALA Past President Hon. Jessica Kronstadt received the Women of the Year Award

WLALA Communications Officer Leana Taing Recipient of ABA "On the Rise" - Top 40 Young Lawyers Awards

Leana Taing was selected by the American Bar Association (ABA) as a recipient of the 2024 ABA "On the Rise" Award. This prestigious national recognition is awarded to the top 40 young lawyers who demonstrate exceptional achievement, innovation, vision, leadership and commitment to both legal and community service.

Welcome to Our New Members

Nashla Abdala

Francesca Allegra-Garofalo

Nancy Avila Villatoro

Danielle Bell

Sosie Boyadjian

Anna Burbank

Maggie Burtoft

Joanna Calderon

Natasha Carogioiello

Sandra Carter

Sherylee Caruth

Gina Catania

Jessica Corpuz

Kassandra Cuellar

Stephanie Davidson

Zhanna Dutpayeva

Bridget Gehan

Ashley Geilim

Sarah Gerdes

Kaitlyn Hanes

Cindy Hickox

Piper Hinson

Kailin Ho

Katherine Howard - Fudge

Amy Hung

Maya Jones

Layla Khamoushian

Lara Kuyumjian 

Meagan Koontz

Gina Le

Satkirtan McLafferty

Shanjida Milon

Ayda Mirafshar

Eva Mooradian

Karlie Morales

Estefani Munive

Rana Nader

Melissa Ogunnubi

Ronni Paer

Anne Palmer

Betsayda Puerta

Maria Radsa

Sarah Salinger-Mullen

Christina Sorfazian

Nicole Summer

Jennifer Villar

Cheryl Wei

Ericka Wiley

Tamara Yeritsyan

Apply for Judicate West's

D&I Scholarship Program

Judicate West’s Diversity and Inclusion Committee is excited to share an initiative we believe will make a significant impact on fostering diversity and inclusion within the legal profession broadly and the ADR sector specifically. We are offering a full scholarship for two individuals from underrepresented communities to attend the internationally top-ranked Mediation Training Program at Straus Institute at Straus Institute at Pepperdine University in Malibu.

Application deadline:

September 1, 2024

Selection notification:

October 30, 2024

Program participation:

Scholarship recipients can attend either of the biannual training dates, within three years of being selected.

Why Now?

In the Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) community, there is an overall need to represent and reflect the people we serve. As a leading firm in this space, we want to positively impact this gap.

This scholarship award was created with the vision of fostering a more inclusive legal community of ADR practitioners. Our scholarship program aims to provide financial support to professionals who have demonstrated a passion for litigation, a dedication to inclusiveness, a strong interest in developing a career as an ADR practitioner, and a consistent commitment to excellence.

What's Covered?

The scholarship covers registration to the internationally top-ranked Mediation Training Program at the Straus Institute at Pepperdine University in Malibu, as well as lodging and meals for the duration of the five-day course. Recipients will receive world-class instruction and also gain access to invaluable mentorship and networking opportunities within their educational cohort as well as within our organization.

Who is Eligible?

Civil litigators who are active members of bar associations serving underrepresented communities, which include but are not limited to, individuals from minority racial and ethnic backgrounds, LGBTQ+ individuals, individuals with disabilities, and others who have faced unique challenges in their pursuit of higher education. Please visit the scholarship web page, to view complete eligibility criteria.

Check Eligibility

Applications

Applicants should prepare a resume; a personal statement of up to 1,000 words that showcases their motivation for pursuing this scholarship, provides an overview of their career goals, and discusses how this scholarship will help them make a positive impact on society; and a letter of recommendation from an officer or board member in the bar group in which they serve.

Apply Now

Selection Process

A selection committee, comprised of accomplished ADR professionals from various backgrounds, will meticulously review applications and select the winning candidate. The 2024 scholarship awardee will be notified by October 30, 2024.

Questions?

Rosemarie Drohan

Executive Vice President of Business Development

Judicate West

rosemarie@judicatewest.com

800-488-8805

WLALA Needs Mentors for Law Students

WLALA needs attorney mentor volunteers since our increased presence in the legal community has led to increased participation among local law schools. WLALA's Law Student Mentoring Program pairs law student members with lawyer members to encourage and facilitate the development of women law students. Mentors and mentees are matched based on interests and background where possible. The program is flexible; mentors and mentees choose when and how to stay connected with one another, whether through e-mail, telephone, in-person meet ups, or a combination. Many participants find that the one-on-one mentoring relationship becomes a long-term friendship.

WLALA Needs Volunteers For Committees, Sections and Liaisons

Did you know that WLALA is run almost entirely by volunteers? If you're interested in participating in WLALA Committees, Sections or acting as a Liaison, visit our website to find out more and sign up now!

Contribute to the WLALA Newsletter

If you are interested in contributing an article or sharing member news, please reach out to WLALA.communications@gmail.com. Everyone loves to read about accomplishments, appointments, and promotions! Also, please do not forget to share photos or videos taken at WLALA events. We would love to share them in the newsletter and on our social media!

The Women Lawyers Association of Los Angeles ("WLALA") promotes the full participation in the legal profession of women lawyers and judges from diverse perspectives and racial and ethnic backgrounds, maintains the integrity of our legal system by advocating principles of fairness and equality, and improves the status of women by supporting their exercise of equal rights, equal representation, and reproductive choice.

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