• WLALA President's Message by Farah Tabibkhoei 
• WLALA Foundation President's Message by Anabel Sanchez
• WLALA Holiday Party & Judicial Reception - December 10, 2025 
• Sponsor Spotlight: Nguyen Lawyers, A Law Corporation
• WLALA Offers Complimentary Membership to Affinity Bar Members
• Solo/Small Firm Winter Celebration - December 20, 2025
• WLALA & Friends at SIX: The Musical - February 26, 2026
• Photos: Polsinelli Los Angeles Women’s Empowerment Committee for our Signature Event: Empowered Elegance - November 13, 2025
• Photos: 2025 VABASC INSTALLATION GALA - November 14, 2025
• Photos: WLALA at SUFFS: Honoring the Fight for the Vote - November 20, 2025
• Photos: Sister Bar Swearing-In Ceremony - December 3, 2025
• Photos: Candlemaking at DWC with WLALA - December 6, 2025
• Welcome New Members!
• Local Bar Calendar
• SOW. SIGN. SECURE.TOUR - Langston Bar
• CJA & Unity Bar "Identifying and Navigating Gender Bias"
• “Brown Bag” Lunch with Judge Jessica C. Kronstadt
• 2026 Judge Beverly Reid O’Connell Scholarship – Deadline April 30, 2026
• Hon. Ruth Bader Ginsburg Scholarship - April 30, 2026
• Applications From Public Interest Law Organizations Now Being Accepted For WLALA Foundation’s Fran Kandel Public Interest Fellowship
• 2026 WLALA Foundation and ICLC Law Student Fellowship
• Power Lunch Program Sponsorships Available
• WLALA Needs Mentors for Law Students
• Career Center
• WLALA Webinar Recordings
• Contribute to the WLALA Newsletter

Farah Tabibkhoei

WLALA President 2025-2026

On behalf of WLALA, I extend my heartfelt congratulations to all California bar passers and new admittees. This past week, WLALA proudly hosted a swearing-in ceremony, co-sponsored by BWL, APAWLA, LLBA, and the John M. Langston Bar Association, and featuring inspiring remarks by U.S. District Judge Michelle Williams Court; Honorable Yvette Verastegui, Supervising Judge of the Criminal Division of the Los Angeles Superior Court; and Judge Holly Fujie of the Los Angeles Superior Court. We extend a special thanks to Judge Laura Seigle for her unwavering leadership in spearheading this event year after year and all of the aforementioned judges and bar associations for your support. To all new admittees, we invite you to take full advantage of WLALA’s complimentary membership as you expand your professional network, cultivate mentorships, develop leadership skills, and build community—foundations that will support you throughout your career. All are welcome to join.

While this year’s bar passage rates show encouraging trends (56% women and 55% people of color), the State Bar of California’s Biennial Report reminds us that significant disparities remain in the larger attorney population. Latino attorneys represent 6% of licensed attorneys compared to 37% of California’s population; Black attorneys represent 3% compared to 6% of the state population; and women constitute 44% of licensed attorneys compared to 50% of the state population. WLALA remains committed to closing these equity and representation gaps by opening doors of opportunity through our career development programs, mentoring initiatives, and networking events. 

This month, WLALA invites you to join us in celebration at our Annual Holiday Party and Judicial Reception on December 10, 2025, at the enchanting Japanese American Cultural & Community Center in Little Tokyo. Join us in your dazzling “sparkle and sass” attire as we honor our newest members of the judiciary and recognize our WLALA Life Members.  I extend my sincere gratitude to our holiday party sponsors and annual sponsors for your generous and steadfast support, which makes this evening—and all of WLALA’s ongoing work—possible. Additionally, our Solo/Small Firm Committee welcomes you to a winter mixer on December 20, 2025 in Long Beach, an opportunity to connect in an intimate, festive setting to learn about WLALA, develop new connections, and strengthen existing ones. 

Wishing you all a warm, peaceful, and joyful holiday season.

With Gratitude,

Farah Tabibkhoei

President

Women Lawyers Association of Los Angeles

Anabel Sanchez

WLALA Foundation President 2025-2027

On December 1, 1955, Rosa Parks ignited a global movement that was rooted in nonviolence and justice. Her act seems simple now, but it was courageous and intentional. It transformed American history and set a standard for what moral resistance looks like. Coretta Scott King declared, “Women, if the soul of the nation is to be saved, I believe that you must become its soul.”

I plead a similar message to all Members. If WLALA is to continue funding programs for the most vulnerable members of society then I need you to abide by its mission:  to promote the full participation in the legal profession of women lawyers and judges from diverse perspectives and racial and ethnic backgrounds, maintain the integrity of our legal system by advocating principles of fairness and equality, and improve the status of women by supporting their exercise of equal rights, equal representation, and reproductive choice.

We can only complete this mission with your support. On this Giving Tuesday consider making a contribution to our Charitable Fund at https://wlala.org/give/ . In the words of Rosa Parks, "You must never be fearful about what you are doing, when it is right."

Anabel Sanchez, Esq.

Foundation President 

EVENT SPONSORS

SOLIDARITY SPONSOR

ADVOCATE SPONSOR

GUARDIAN SPONSORS

PATRON SPONSOR

SENTINEL SPONSORS

Brigit Greeson Alvarez

Hon. Jessica Kronstadt

Yuki Matsushima

Minh T. Nguyen’s Perspective

As the founder and principal attorney of Nguyen Lawyers, A Law Corporation, I have had the privilege of building a firm dedicated to fighting for people who have been overlooked or underestimated. Since opening our doors in 2012, our team has secured over $400 million in settlements and verdicts for clients suffering serious injuries, including a $55 million wrongful death verdict in 2024—the largest non-economic wrongful death award in Fresno County and one of the largest in California. These milestones are not just numbers; they reflect the hard work, dedication, and expertise of our diverse team, many of whom are women leaders, paralegals, and attorneys whose perspectives and skills strengthen our advocacy every day.

My own journey began as a certified law student, handling a challenging “orphaned” case for a five-year-old boy injured in a car accident, which settled for $3.5 million. That experience shaped my commitment to serving clients who are underserved or dismissed by others. Over the years, I’ve also been fortunate to serve the broader legal community—as President of the Consumer Attorneys Association of Los Angeles, on the boards of multiple bar associations, and as an instructor in trial advocacy at the Gerry Spence Method Trial College. These opportunities have deepened my

understanding of the law and reinforced the importance of mentoring the next generation of trial lawyers.

Outside of work, I strive for balance and personal challenges that push me beyond the courtroom. I’ve completed three Ironman races, participated in a six-person relay swim from Catalina Island to San Pedro, play weekend baseball, and am proud to be a father to Aidyn and Kailyn. These experiences remind me of resilience, teamwork, and the joy of life outside the law—qualities I bring back to my practice every day.

For press or media inquiries please email info@nguyenlawyers.com.

Official Social Media Accounts:

Minh T. Nguyen @NguyenLawyers 

Firm @NguyenLawyersALC

Website: www.nguyenlawyers.com

NGUYEN JUSTICE CENTER

4014 LONG BEACH BOULEVARD ❖ LONG BEACH, CALIFORNIA 90807

WLALA Offers Complimentary Memberships to Affinity Bar Members

WLALA is pleased to announce the continuation to offer complimentary membership to those who are members of any local affinity bar association this year. Some examples of affinity bars are BWL, CWL, LLBA, MABA and SCCLA just to name a few. We are so grateful to the many relationships WLALA has developed between other organizations and to continue to grow and learn from each other, and, most importantly, advocate for each other. Please pass this offer on to anyone you think may qualify.

THANK YOU TO OUR GENEROUS SPONSOR

“We’re queens, and we’re fierce.” 👑✨

📅 Thursday, February 26, 2026

🕢 7:30 PM

Step into a night of power, sisterhood, and unapologetic royalty as WLALA & Friends head to SIX: The Musical — where the queens reclaim the narrative and rewrite herstory.

Want to sit with other WLALA members?

We recommend choosing seats in Orchestra Center, Rows RR–WW, but feel free to select any seats you prefer.

Can’t join us on February 26?

No problem! Use our special link to see the show on another night that fits your schedule.

🎟 Buy Tickets:

https://am.ticketmaster.com/ndr/promotional-page?id=NTgz

📝 RSVP to let us know you’re coming:

https://forms.gle/4UafD4ysMaky7npq5

Polsinelli Los Angeles Women’s Empowerment Committee for our Signature Event: Empowered Elegance -

November 13, 2025

On behalf of the Women Lawyers Association of Los Angeles (WLALA), we’d like to extend our heartfelt thanks to everyone who joined us for Empowered Elegance on November 13, 2025. It was truly a remarkable evening, filled with empowering conversations, delicious food, and meaningful connections.

We were also honored to recognize the Harriett Buhai Center for Family Law for their transformative work in helping individuals overcome barriers such as domestic violence, poverty, and housing insecurity. Their commitment to empowering clients and providing essential legal services is truly inspiring.

2025 VABASC INSTALLATION GALA - November 14, 2025

On behalf of the Women Lawyers Association of Los Angeles (WLALA), we would like to extend our heartfelt congratulations to the Vietnamese American Bar Association of Southern California (VABASC) on the success of their 2025 Installation Gala held on November 14, 2025. We are proud to witness the continued growth and impact of VABASC in empowering the next generation of Vietnamese American legal professionals, and we look forward to many more years of collaboration and support.

WLALA at SUFFS: Honoring the Fight for the Vote - November 20, 2025

“All I’ve ever wanted is to change things for the better — for my mother, for my friends, for every loud little girl like me.”

WLALA and friends had an inspiring, phenomenal night at Suffs the musical. We laughed, we cried, we built community — and we left more determined than ever.

Let’s keep marching. ✊💜

Sister Bar Swearing-In Ceremony - December 3, 2025

Candlemaking at DWC with WLALA - December 6, 2025

Welcome to Our New Members

Hiba Adda

Eman Alazab

Hon. Monica Bachner, Ret.

Jennifer Baranoff

Nicole Barba

Alina Bulgakova

Sophia Duenas

Miriam Farah

Chloe Farr

Christina Ferreiro

Eveet Gabriel

Vernetra Gavin Hardy

Twala Johnson

Anne Marie Lofthouse

Bora McCutcheon

Dahlia Michael

Hon. Mark Mooney, Ret.

Anna Pantsulaya

Erika Perez

Stephanie Quartararo

Rhea Ricard

Summer Shelton

Jenaé Steele

Tiffany Strachan

Starr Thompson

Zenja Tobias

Makayla Williams

Local Bar Calendar

Apply Now:

2026 Judge Beverly Reid O’Connell Scholarship – Deadline April 30, 2026

The Women Lawyers Association of Los Angeles (WLALA) Foundation is proud to offer the 2026 Judge Beverly Reid O’Connell Scholarship, awarding up to $5,000 to a high school senior who identifies as a woman and is passionate about law or public service.

Applicants must have been inspired to pursue this path through WLALA’s Power Lunch Program, the WLALA organization, or a WLALA leader. This scholarship honors Judge O’Connell’s legacy of mentorship and civic education.

To apply, submit your contact info, a personal statement, and at least one reference letter by April 30, 2026.

For full details or questions, contact Kay Burt at info@wlala.org.

Hon. Ruth Bader Ginsburg Scholarship - April 30, 2026

APPLICATION DEADLINE: April 30, 2026

AWARD: $7,500



The Women Lawyers Association of Los Angeles (WLALA) Foundation is pleased to offer tuition scholarships to law students who plan to follow in the footsteps of Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg by fighting for social justice, equality and inclusion, and have a demonstrated commitment to issues affecting women, children, minorities, or other historically marginalized groups. 

To be eligible, students must meet the following requirements:

• Be currently enrolled in an accredited law school, and plan to be so enrolled in the 2026-2027 academic year;
• Upon graduation from law school, plan to practice law in Los Angeles County or engage in legal work that affects Los Angeles County; and
• Be in the top fifty percent of their class. 

To apply, please submit the following materials:

• Personal statement (typed, double-spaced, and no longer than 2 pages) addressing at least the following:
• Your commitment to issues affecting women, children, minorities, and/or marginalized groups, 
• How your commitment to public service will continue after law school graduation in the practice of law in or relating to Los Angeles County,
• Why you need the scholarship and how it will benefit you. 
• Resume;
• Law school transcript, including grades for fall semester 2025 (an unofficial transcript is acceptable); and
• A minimum of one reference letter (no more than three). 

Questions about the WLALA Foundation’s Tuition Scholarships can be directed to either of the WLALA Scholarship Co-Chairs Carmela Pagay, ctp@lnbyg.com and Meehan Rasch, Meehan.rasch@gmail.com.

Applications From Public Interest Law Organizations Now Being Accepted For WLALA Foundation’s Fran Kandel Public Interest Fellowship

The WLALA Foundation is now accepting applications from public interest law organizations for the Fran Kandel Public Interest Fellowship. The fellowship is available to a public interest law organization that wishes to hire a first or second-year law student (full or part-time) for the summer to work on a social justice-oriented project with a tangible outcome (e.g., brochure, guide, training manual, or PowerPoint).  This year, the fellowship amount has been increased to $10,000 -- $7,500 for the law student and $2,500 for the organization.

The project should benefit an underserved community in the greater Los Angeles area and should be able to be completed by August 31, 2026. The Fellow’s work on the project must be supervised by the organization.

Interested public interest law organizations may apply by sending a letter describing their proposed project to the Co-Chairs of the Fran Kandel Fellowship Committee at wlalapublicinterestfellowship@gmail.com.  The letter should be received by December 5, 2025.  One or more projects will be selected by January 2026. The WLALA Foundation will then accept student applications and partner with the selected organization(s) to conduct student interviews in February 2026.

For more information, including what to include in the letter, please review the Fran Kandel Public Interest Fellowship page on the WLALA website (https://wlala.org/fellowships/#kandal). 

Questions? Please contact the Co-Chairs of the Fran Kandel Fellowship Committee at wlalapublicinterestfellowship@gmail.com. 

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.

Career Center

WLALA Webinar Recordings

Contribute to the WLALA Newsletter

If you are interested in contributing an article or sharing member news, please reach out to WLALA Communications Chair, Kimberly Kamkar, at kkamkar@nossaman.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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2025 WLALA and WLALA Foundation Board Retreat