• WLALA President's Message by Farah Tabibkhoei 
• WLALA Foundation President's Message by Anabel Sanchez
• WLALA Offers Complimentary Membership to Affinity Bar Members
• Mentor Jet program at Pepperdine Law School - Wednesday, January 21, 2026
• Women in Blue – Changing Face of Law Enforcement - Tuesday, January 27, 2026
• WLALA & Friends at SIX: The Musical - February 26, 2026
• Congratulations to Destinee Moya!
• Congratulations to WLALA Members Hon. Erin Reed and Hon. Erin Donovan!
• WLALA Congratulates President-Elect Jennie Wang VonCannon on 2025 Recognition
• Congratulations Minh Nguyen!
• Photos: WLALA Holiday Party & Judicial Reception - December 10, 2025
• Photos: Solo/Small Firm Holiday Celebration - December 20, 2025
• Photos: Safari Hiking Adventure - January 10, 2026
• Congratulations to Hon. Holly Fujie on Her Retirement
• Member News: Congratulations to Judge Kim McLane Wardlaw
• Local Bar Calendar
• Volunteer Opportunity: Judge a UCLA Collegiate Mock Trial & Earn MCLE Credit
• SOW. SIGN. SECURE.TOUR - Langston Bar
• CJA & Unity Bar "Identifying and Navigating Gender Bias"
• American Arbitration Association® 2026 A. Leon Higginbotham, Jr. Fellows Program Applications Open
• 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

I hope everyone’s New Year is off to a great start. Last month, we closed out 2025 with a wonderful, festive holiday party celebrating our newly appointed judiciary and WLALA life members in Little Tokyo. I am excited for all that 2026 has in store and am committed to my New Years resolutions -- more sunlight, movement, and reading (and less scrolling)!  

For many of us (myself included), the start of this year has brought a mix of reflection and resolve. We mark one year since the Palisades and Eaton fires devastated homes and displaced neighbors in our community. And this month, many of us are grappling with the fatal shooting by ICE agents of Renee Good, a woman and mother, in Minneapolis by ICE agents during an enforcement operation, which has raised questions about the deadly use of force, training, and accountability. 

These events can weigh heavily on our hearts and minds. Yet in times like these, I am reminded that we can find strength in one another and our community. As the stoic philosopher Marcus Aurelius wrote, “You have power over your mind—not outside events. Realize this, and you will find strength.”  

This past weekend, WLALA members and friends gathered at Kenneth Hahn State Recreation Area for a group hike. Nearly 30 of us – including some of our four-legged companions – connected, shared goals for the year, and talked about ways we can support one another. It was a joyful reminder of what we can accomplish together.

At WLALA, we are looking forward to bringing you more programs and activities in 2026 that bring us together and open doors of opportunity. We hope you’ll join us on January 27, 2026 for Women in Blue – Changing the Face of Law Enforcement featuring women at the forefront of law enforcement and a discussion of the unique strengths women bring to public safety, and why increasing women’s representation in law enforcement is essential.  

If you are interested in collaborating with WLALA, speaking on a CLE panel, or sponsoring an event, please reach out – we’d love to hear from you.

Wishing everyone a happy, healthy and productive 2026!

With Gratitude,

Farah Tabibkhoei

President

Women Lawyers Association of Los Angeles

Anabel Sanchez

WLALA Foundation President 2025-2027

Giving Tuesday:

A Call to Courage and Commitment

Our Charitable Fund continues to work towards our $45,000 fundraising goal. As of our last report, we have only been able to raise about $23,000. Charitable Fund requires 100% Board Member participation. Your contribution directly supports scholarships, mentorship, and access to opportunity for women navigating rising financial and systemic barriers to our profession. It is not too late to make your financial contribution https://wlala.org/give/. 

Anabel Sanchez, Esq.

Foundation President

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.

“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

Congratulations to Destinee Moya! 🎉

WLALA proudly congratulates our Southwestern Law School Student Liaison, Destinee Moya, on her admission to the California State Bar! This is a tremendous achievement and a testament to Destinee’s hard work, dedication, and commitment to the legal profession.

Congratulations to WLALA Members

Hon. Erin Reed and Hon. Erin Donovan!

WLALA is thrilled to congratulate two of our own — Board Member Hon. Erin Reed and Member Hon. Erin Donovan — on their appointments as Judges to the Los Angeles County Superior Court! Both Erin Reed and Erin Donovan were recently named among the new judges appointed by Governor Gavin Newsom to the Superior Court bench, a prestigious milestone in their legal careers.

• Erin Donovan has been appointed to serve as a Judge, bringing years of experience as a partner at Musick, Peeler & Garrett.
• Erin Reed has also been appointed to the Court, following her extensive service as a Senior Appellate Court Attorney at the Second District Court of Appeal.
• 
  

We are proud of their remarkable achievements and honored to see WLALA leaders making such meaningful contributions to the judiciary. Please join us in celebrating Erin and Erin on this incredible accomplishment!

Hon. Erin Reed

Hon. Erin Donovan

WLALA Congratulates President-Elect Jennie Wang VonCannon on 2025 Recognition

WLALA proudly congratulates Jennie Wang VonCannon, our President-Elect and Partner at Crowell & Moring, on being named to the Daily Journal’s 2025 Top White Collar Lawyers list. This prestigious honor recognizes her exceptional advocacy, leadership, and significant contributions to the white-collar practice. We celebrate Jennie’s continued accomplishments and her dedication to advancing excellence within both the legal community and WLALA.

Congratulations Minh Nguyen!

A huge congratulations to Minh Nguyen for earning VABASC’s Attorney of the Year Award! 

WLALA Holiday Party & Judicial Reception - December 10, 2025 

Solo/Small Firm Winter Celebration - December 20, 2025

Safari Hiking Adventure - January 10, 2026

Congratulations to Hon. Holly Fujie

on Her Retirement

WLALA proudly congratulates Board Member Hon. Holly Fujie on her well-earned retirement. We were honored to celebrate this milestone at her retirement reception hosted at the Japanese American Cultural & Community Center, a fitting venue to recognize her legacy and contributions.

Judge Fujie’s dedication, mentorship, and trailblazing presence will continue to inspire future generations of women in law. We thank her for her remarkable service and wish her continued success, fulfillment, and joy in this next chapter.

Member News: Congratulations to Judge Kim McLane Wardlaw

The Women Lawyers Association of Los Angeles (WLALA) is proud to congratulate Judge Kim McLane Wardlaw, past president of WLALA, on the release of her oral history with the National Judicial College’s History Project. Judge Wardlaw, a distinguished member of the Ninth Circuit, reflects on her remarkable journey in law, from her early years in practice to her pivotal role on the bench. The interview, conducted by her former clerk and current colleague, Ninth Circuit Judge Holly A. Thomas, offers invaluable insights into her career and the dedication it took to reach the highest levels of judicial service.

Watch Judge Wardlaw's Oral History Here!

Or View the Transcript Here!

Welcome to Our New Members

Emily Berger

Sarah Clifton

Sharra Gardner

Molly Karlin

Jennifer Keute

Yvette Saddik Jimenez

Veronica Shnayder

Judy Suwatanapongched

Colleen Tiedemann

Maja Tosic

Local Bar Calendar

Volunteer Opportunity: Judge a UCLA Collegiate Mock Trial & Earn MCLE Credit

WLALA members are invited to volunteer as presiding or scoring judges at two upcoming 2026 collegiate mock trial tournaments hosted by the UCLA Mock Trial Program and UCLA Anderson School of Management. These exciting competitions feature top college teams from across California and the Southwest presenting openings, closings, and direct and cross examinations.

Event Dates:

• UCLASSIC Mock Trial Competition: January 17–18, 2026 (MLK Weekend)
• Los Angeles Regional Championship Tournament: February 28 – March 1, 2026
• (Both held at UCLA)

Licensed California attorneys may earn 2 hours of MCLE credit under State Bar Rule 2.84 for judging mock trial competitions. Presiding judges rule on objections and evidence, while scoring judges evaluate student performances. Parking and meals are included.

To volunteer for one or both tournaments, please register via the Mock Trial Volunteer Judge Registration Link or email Lydia Faris at uclainvite@gmail.com. Be sure to indicate whether you prefer to preside or score.

American Arbitration Association^® 
2026 A. Leon Higginbotham, Jr. Fellows Program Applications Open

The American Arbitration Association^® (AAA^®) is now accepting applications for the 2026 A. Leon Higginbotham, Jr. Fellows Program. The Program is a one-year professional development experience designed to support emerging leaders from diverse backgrounds and perspectives in the field of alternative dispute resolution (ADR). Fellows engage in training, mentorship, and connection with experienced ADR practitioners, including a five-day in-person program in New York during the week of May 4, 2026.

The Program is open to lawyers, arbitrators, mediators, and professionals who demonstrate interest in the field.

Application Deadline: January 26, 2026

For more information, click here.

To apply, click here.

Click here to download program application information and factsheet.

Questions may be sent to AAAHigginbothamFellows@adr.org.

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