• WLALA President's Message by Farah Tabibkhoei 
• WLALA Foundation Message
• WLALA Sponsor Spotlight: JAMS
• WLALA Offers Complimentary Membership to Affinity Bar Members
• The Power of Pause. Practical Tools for Presence, Resilience and Well-Being - July 14, 2026
• Access to IVF & Fertility Treatments - July 23, 2026
• Investigations 360 - July 28, 2026
• Persuasive Speaking for Young Lawyers: In and Out of the Courtroom - July 29, 2026
• WLALA Awards and Installation Dinner - September 18, 2026
• WLALA Fall Golf League - September 19th to December 12th
• WLALA Wins FFTB's “Creativity Award”  
• Congratulations to Hon. Nicole Bershon!
• Congratulations to Hon. Jennifer Romano!
• Congratulations to Hon. David A. Perkiss!
• Congratulations to Past WLALA President Angela S. Haskins on her retirement!
• Nina Marino Featured in the Daily Journal
• Volunteer with the WLALA Foundation Sojourn Clinic
• Welcome New WLALA Members!
• Local Bar Calendar
• Harriett Buhai Center for Family Law - Remote Volunteer Training Opportunity for Attorneys and Law Students
• LACUB Two Year Anniversary - A Summer Night in All White - July 17, 2026
• 5th annual Tee Up for Survivors Topgolf - August 20, 2026
• CAALA VEGAS - September 2026
• 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

Whether you cheered on your favorite soccer team or barbecued like I did, I hope everyone had a joyful and safe Fourth of July weekend as we commemorated the 250^th anniversary of America’s independence. 

This month, WLALA proudly sponsors the Los Angeles County Unity Bar’s 2^nd Anniversary Celebration taking place on July 17, 2026 at the California Yacht Club in Marina Del Rey, which includes special guest Judicial Appointments Secretary Luis Céspedes and LACUB honoree Honorable Bryant Yang. Tickets are available here.

A hearty congratulations to all recent appointees to the bench including WLALA Past President Jennifer Romano as well as LACBA Past President Sarvenaz Bahar and JABA Past President Gary Tokumori, to name a few. WLALA, a member of the Los Angeles County Unity Bar, is committed to equality, fairness, and ensuring the judiciary reflects the diversity of California and the individuals they serve, while maintaining the integrity of the legal system, judicial independence, and the rule of law. 



We stand behind Honorable Yvette Verastegui, Supervising Judge of the Criminal Division of the Los Angeles Superior Court, against the recent attacks by the Los Angeles District Attorney’s Office on the exercise of judicial discretion afforded to judges by the California Constitution. As Justice Sonia Sotomayor so aptly stated, “We have to ensure that the courts are fearlessly independent, that we understand that our obligation is to protect the rights given to us under the Constitution."

As lawyers, we have a duty to use our voices to speak up against attacks on any independent branch of government, promote fairness and integrity in the judicial system, and ensure access to justice for all.  On July 29, 2026, WLALA’s Young Lawyers Committee proudly presents, Persuasive Speaking for Women Lawyers: In and Out of the Courtroom. Whether you’re a new lawyer or a seasoned attorney, we invite you to sign up for this program led by John Snow, Director of Legal and Trial Training at the Los Angeles City Attorney’s Office. More information on WLALA’s events can be found here.

Lastly, we hope you’ll save the date for WLALA’s 2026 Installation and Awards Dinner taking place on Friday, September 18, 2026 in Hollywood.  Join us for an enchanting evening as we honor Genie Harrison Law Firm, Women of Signature Resolution, and Catherine Lhamon. Sponsorship opportunities are available now. We hope to see you there.

With Gratitude,

Farah Tabibkhoei

WLALA President

WLALA Foundation President

Anabel Sanchez

2025-2027

Dear WLALA Members:

On behalf of the WLALA Foundation, Van and I sincerely thank you for supporting WLALApalooza 2026. Held on June 9, 2026, at the historic Los Angeles Athletic Club in downtown Los Angeles, our signature fundraiser was a tremendous success. Thanks to your generous support, we raised over $50,000.  This record-breaking success empowers the WLALA Foundation to advance social justice and directly fund fellowships and annual tuition scholarships for dedicated students pursuing a legal career in public interest. 

Guided by our inspiring theme—Glamour, Grit & Giving: Building A Better Future #HERstory—the evening celebrated the power, resilience, and generosity of remarkable women in the legal community. We were especially thrilled to honor three trailblazing leaders:

• Justice Helen I. Bendix – Associate Justice of the California Court of Appeal.
• Cindy M. Lopez – Founder of the Legal Education Access Pipeline.
• Teri T. Pham – Partner at Enenstein Pham Glass Gutenplan & Bowling LLP.

WLALA Foundation’s programs are a success because of supporters like you. Thank you for helping us continue to empower and elevate women in law. Pictures of the event are available at: https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fo/3s5t29w65qygenbamvept/AIjC6ccDkNOr200TjdfgYP8?rlkey=0zecyx64pf0jm8d6ehxuktfbo&st=tzen1wbh&e=1&dl=0 

Sincerely,

Van Ha and Najah J. Shariff

WLALA Foundation Financial Development Committee Co-Chairs

WLALA Sponsor Spotlight: JAMS

JAMS is the premier provider of alternative dispute resolution (ADR) services worldwide, with more than 500 neutrals across 29 locations. Founded in 1979, JAMS continues to lead the evolution of dispute resolution through innovation and exceptional client service. Earlier this year, JAMS launched its Technology Industry Group, a dedicated offering designed to address the growing volume and complexity of disputes involving artificial intelligence, intellectual property, cybersecurity, blockchain, digital assets, FinTech, HealthTech and other emerging technologies. The group brings together experienced neutrals with deep technical and industry knowledge to help parties efficiently resolve today's most sophisticated technology-related disputes.

JAMS continues to be recognized for the strength of its mediation practice. In the 2026 Chambers USA Guide, JAMS was once again the most represented ADR provider, with broad recognition across mediation categories nationwide. The independent rankings underscore the depth of the JAMS panel and the confidence that clients and counsel place in JAMS neutrals to resolve complex disputes efficiently and effectively.

Beyond case administration, JAMS remains committed to advancing the practice of ADR through thought leadership and education. JAMS neutrals regularly share insights on emerging legal issues, mediation strategies and arbitration trends through articles, podcasts and other educational resources. To explore the latest commentary and resources, visit the JAMS Insights page at www.jamsadr.com/insights, follow JAMS on Linkedin or learn more about JAMS at www.jamsadr.com.

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 ANNUAL SPONSORS

Ruth Bader Ginsburg

Elena Kagan

Ketanji Brown Jackson

WLALA Wins FFTB's “Creativity Award” 

WLALA was the recipient of the LA Regional Food Bank’s “Creativity Award” for this year’s Food from the Bar campaign because of their recent Dareoke event! 

Congratulations to Nicole Bershon!

Congratulations to our former WLALA President, Hon. Nicole Bershon, on her appointment as an Advisory Member of the Judicial Council of California by Patricia Guerrero.

We are proud to celebrate this exciting achievement and look forward to her continued impact on California’s courts.

Congratulations, Judge Bershon!

Congratulations to Jennifer Romano!

WLALA is proud to celebrate former WLALA President, Jennifer Romano, on her appointment as a judge. As a partner and Co-Chair of Crowell & Moring's Litigation and Trial Department, Jennifer is a nationally recognized litigator and dedicated advocate whose work, both in and out of the courtroom, continues to make a meaningful impact.

This well-earned appointment recognizes her distinguished legal career, decades of leadership in private practice, and unwavering commitment to the pursuit of justice.

Congratulations, Judge Romano!

Congratulations to David A. Perkiss!

We are proud to announce that David A. Perkiss has been appointed to serve as a judge in the Los Angeles County Superior Court. David is a WLALA member and serves on affiliated bar association LGBTQ+ Lawyers Association of Los Angeles's board of governors. He also serves on LACBA's President's Advisory Committee on Women in the Legal Profession and on LACBA's Diversity in the Profession Section's executive committee. David had served as a supervising research attorney, research attorney, and law clerk at the Los Angeles County Superior Court, as an appellate court attorney for Justice Helen I. Bendix at the Second District Court of Appeal, and as a litigator in the employment law field. He served on the Los Angeles County Superior Court's DEI Committee, as a temporary judge, on the Judicial Council of California Center for Judicial Education and Research (CJER) Judicial Branch Leadership Development Curriculum Committee, and as faculty for CJER's inclusive leadership and emotional intelligence classes. David received his J.D. from UCLA School of Law, where he continues to volunteer for the Williams Institute.

Congratulations, Judge Perkiss!

Congratulations to former WLALA President Angela S. Haskins on her retirement!

WLALA proudly congratulates Angela S. Haskins on her retirement after more than three decades of distinguished service to the legal profession. As a Past WLALA President (2010–2011), Angela has been a dedicated leader, mentor, and advocate whose contributions have made a lasting impact on WLALA and the broader legal community.

We wish Angela all the best in this exciting new chapter and thank her for her years of service, leadership, and friendship.

Nina Marino Featured in the Daily Journal

Congratulations to WLALA member Nina Marino on being featured in the Daily Journal as the incoming Chair of the American Bar Association's Criminal Justice Section! In the interview, Nina discusses her commitment to defending judicial independence, protecting the rule of law, and fostering collaboration across the legal profession.

5 Reasons to Volunteer at the Sojourn WLALA Legal Clinic

Have you ever thought about volunteering a few hours a month at the Sojourn WLALA Legal Clinic? The WLALA Sojourn Clinic takes place on Mondays from 5:15 p.m. to 6:45 p.m and now it’s easier than ever – the clinic is conducted via Zoom, allowing you to volunteer from home or your office.

Volunteer lawyers are the backbone of the Sojourn WLALA Sojourn Legal Clinic. At the WLALA Sojourn Legal Clinic, volunteers help women navigate disputes related to domestic violence, landlord / tenant disputes, immigration, bankruptcy, employment, and criminal matters. Through their work, volunteers empower women experiencing hardship, offer hope during difficult moments, and work to reverse systemic injustices.

Clinic sessions are only a 90-minute commitment, and staff are always present to offer backup and support. While volunteering alongside a full-time job and family can feel daunting, the rewards are well worth it.

I’ve volunteered for many years, and here are a few reasons why I continue to do so:

• Broaden your experience. Volunteering allows you to practice in areas of law you may not encounter in your day-to-day work, offering fresh perspectives and professional growth.
• Build meaningful connections. The clinic is a great way to collaborate with other lawyers, expand your network, and form lasting professional and personal relationships.
• Grow your skills. Exposure to new fact patterns and real-life issues strengthens your legal judgment and broadens your knowledge.
• Find true fulfillment. Representing women who otherwise could not afford legal help is deeply rewarding and reminds us why we became lawyers.
• Support the next generation. For law students and newer attorneys, the clinic provides invaluable hands-on experience and can help shape future career paths.

At the Women Lawyers Association of Los Angeles Sojourn Legal Clinic, we believe every woman affected by domestic violence deserves access to legal advice. If you’re interested in volunteering, please contact Jill Piano, Chair of the WLALA Sojourn Legal Clinic, at jillpianoesq@gmail.com or 310-954-9377. We would love to hear from you.

Welcome to Our New Members

Rebecca Abel

Shana Adelpour

Alexandra Aless

Maria Audero

Joana Cardoza Dunlap

Lily Chang

Katie Choo

Cynthia Cohen

Clara De Goldsmith-Rothschild

Sarin Goncuian

Rose DeLuca-Miller

Erin Esnard

Laine Ford

Kadeidra Honey-Brooks

Hailey Hunter

Se Hyeok Kwon

Jia Liu

Daniela Meneses

Karen Parra

Jennifer Perez

Olga Rodriguez-Aguirre

Alexis Saldana

Alisa Sandoval

Barbie Sengupta

Kelly Simon

Emily Truax

Emma Welch

Vivian Wong

Marilou Zepeda Lopez

Lara K. Zohrabian 

Local Bar Calendar

Join us Labor Day weekend at Fontainebleau. Register now to secure your spot and get access to the hotel room block through your confirmation.

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