• WLALA President's Message by Farah Tabibkhoei 
• WLALA Foundation - Food from the Bar
• WLALA Board of Governors Application
• WLALA Board of Directors Application
• WLALA Foundation Board of Governors Application
• WLALA Offers Complimentary Membership to Affinity Bar Members
• Volunteer with the WLALA Foundation Sojourn Clinic
• Los Angeles: Our City. Our Justice. Our Future – City Attorney Candidates Townhall - May 13, 2026
• WLALA Dareoke Night - May 21, 2026
• Strategic Business Development: What Clients Actually Value - June 4, 2026
• Holding the Weight: Supporting Ourselves While Serving Others - June 5, 2026
• WLALApalooza - June 9, 2026
• Fuego Vista al Mar - June 26, 2026
• Save the Date: WLALA Awards and Installation Dinner - September 18, 2026
• Photos: WLALA 31st Annual Litigators Forum
• Photos: Artful Networking: A Happy Hour for Thoughtful Connectors - April 30, 2026
• Photos: Friends of the LA Law Library Beacon of Justice Awards
• Photos: High Courts in High Heels: Pathways to Success for Women in Appeals
• WLALA Congratulates Hon. Holly J. Fujie (Ret.) on Joining ADR Services, Inc.
• WLALA Congratulates Chi Huynh on Being Named a 2026 Woman of Influence in Health Care
• Celebrating Brigit Greeson Alvarez at U. Serve L.A. 2026
• Neda Saghafi on Institutional Accountability in Abuse Claims
• WLALA Member Joan Kessler Honored at Loyola Law School Reunion 
• Welcome to Our New Members
• Local Bar Calendar
• The Survivor Justice Center’s Bridge to Justice Gala 2026 - May 7th, 2026
• The California Judicial Mentor Program (Appellate): Leading an Enriching life: Enhancing Your Judicial Application - May 12, 2026
• 9th Circuit Judicial Conference Lawyer Representative - Deadline June 15, 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

Last month, WLALA held its annual Litigator’s Forum regarding best practices for using AI to further your litigation practice. The event consisting of a two-part panel of leading AI legal experts was standing-room only and a success thanks in large part to WLALA’s Litigation Committee and our sponsors including Signature Resolution, Attorney Launch, Hueston Hennigan, Nicole Vongchanglor, Aptus Court Reporting, and Kendall Brill & Kelly!

Whether you are a new or returning member or just WLALA-curious, we invite you to attend tonight’s New Member & Judiciary Mixer sponsored by Carpenter & Zuckerman, which will take place at Perch on May 7, 2026 beginning at 5:30 p.m. Join us on the rooftop for mingling, drinks, and hors d'oeuvres. All our welcome and we hope to see you there!

If you have ever considered becoming more involved with WLALA to grow your professional network, foster meaningful connections, and make an impact, now is the perfect time to apply to join WLALA’s Board of Governors. Applications for the 2026-2027 Board of Governors are available at WLALA.org and due by May 31, 2026.

As election season rolls around, WLALA is excited to collaborate with Los Angeles County Bar Association on a Los Angeles City Attorney Candidate Townhall on May 13, 2026 at the Omni Hotel. We invite you to attend to learn about the candidates’ policy proposals, what makes each of them different, and to stay informed before casting your votes.

Lastly, don’t miss next month’s WLALApalooza, a silent auction and fundraiser, taking place on June 9, 2026 with all proceeds benefiting WLALA Foundation, which offers scholarships and fellowships to high school and law students, hosts the Power Lunch program, and is committed to supporting the next generation of attorneys. We hope you’ll join us and help make a difference in the lives of future attorneys.

With Gratitude,

Farah Tabibkhoei

WLALA President

WLALA Foundation

Food from the Bar

It’s May, and that means it is Food from the Bar season – the annual campaign in which WLALA, along with law firms and legal offices, engages in friendly competition to raise funds, donate food, and volunteer at the Los Angeles Regional Food Bank.   WLALA has been a strong supporter of Food from the Bar since its beginnings 18 years ago.  There are many ways in which you can participate and make sure that kids in Los Angeles do not go hungry during the summer months:

1) VOLUNTEER AT THE FOOD BANK:  WLALA has selected Saturday May 16 as “Women’s Bar Association Volunteer Days” to volunteer sorting produce and/or packing food kits at the Food Bank site in the City of Industry. Volunteer Saturdays in May are “Friends and Family Days,” at which children, aged five or older, can participate in the volunteer activities. 

Click on this Volunteer Registration Link to register you (and your friends and family members) to volunteer on May 16.  Other volunteer opportunities are also available.

2) DONATE $$ ONLINE: Click on the Donation Link here to make a donation – in any amount – via credit card on WLALA’s dedicated donation page. You can also write a check made payable to Los Angeles Regional Food Bank.

3) PARTICIPATE IN “DAREOKE” and/or the MUNGER GAMES: This year, we have a special treat for WLALA members – “Dareoke: Sing, Dare, Donate” – an in-person kareoke event in which participants can sing, dare others to sing by offering to make a donation if they sing, or opt out of singing by making a donation – all to benefit the LA Regional Food Bank. Dareoke will be held on Thursday, May 21 at 5:30 pm at a private residence in Highland Park, and is co-sponsored by LGBTQ+ Lawyers Association of Los Angeles and the County Counsel Association. Space is limited; RSVP DAREOKE to join in the fun. Admission is only $20.

To be held on Thursday, May 14, the Munger Games is a team trivia competition sponsored by Munger, Tolles & Olson LLP, moderated by TMZ’s Derek Kaufman, and conducted virtually. It features several rounds of trivia questions with the proceeds of the event attributed to the winning team’s Food from the Bar campaign.

Teams of up to five persons provide written answers to rounds of questions on topics as diverse as movies, sports, history, pop culture, music, geography, literature, etc.  In the past, teams from law firms and legal offices have sent cleverly named teams to compete (e.g., WLALA’s Crème de la Femme; Jury of Your Tears; Adams Smartin’ Group; Mullin’ It Over; McKool & Unusual Punishment).  Teams of up to five members can register for $150/team at MUNGER GAMES RSVP.

4) REGISTER YOUR OFFICE/FIRM: Food from the Bar welcomes all firms, legal offices, and any other entity associated with the Los Angeles legal community to participate – at any level – in the campaign. At the end of the campaign, participants will receive recognition and awards in various categories (e.g., most volunteers, most creative fundraising). It is a great way to market your firm, support a great cause, boost morale, and improve the image of our legal community.  REGISTER YOUR OFFICE, and the Food Bank will create an online donation page for your office/firm.

Don’t miss these opportunities to give back and connect with others – all in support of Food from the Bar!  If you would like to learn more about the campaign, please reach out to Kathleen McDowell (kathleen.mcdowell@mto.com) or Lisa Freeman (freeman@kiesel.law).

Join us for the Virtual Munger Games on Thursday, May 14, moderated by TMZ's Derek Kaufman. 

The cost is $150/team. Team size is capped at 5 individuals per team, but feel free to play with a smaller team or even solo. 

Proceeds will be donated to the Los Angeles Regional Food Bank, with 100% of the donations in the name of the winning team or office. 

Questions? Contact Christina Quezada.

WLALA Board of Governors Application

WLALA is accepting 2026-2027 WLALA and WLALA Foundation Board of Governors Application applications. If you're passionate about advancing women lawyers and judges from diverse racial, ethnic, and cultural backgrounds, committed to upholding fairness and equality in our legal system, and dedicated to empowering women through equal rights, representation, and reproductive freedom — we invite you to join us!

The Board of Governors is WLALA's community-facing body. Unlike the BoD, the BoG is expressly a non-fiduciary board. The BoG is empowered to plan events and programs, participate in amicus brief processes, and make recommendations to the BoD for judicial endorsements and ratings, among other duties authorized by the BoD. If you are passionate about programming, events, community outreach, and hands-on engagement with the broader legal community, the Board of Governors offers an excellent opportunity to contribute to WLALA’s mission. 

The deadline for submitting an application is May 31, 2026.

WLALA Board of Directors Application

WLALA is accepting 2026-2027 WLALA Board of Directors applications. If you want to promote the advancement of women lawyers and judges from diverse perspectives and racial and ethnic backgrounds, to maintain the integrity of our legal system by advocating principles of fairness and equality, and to improve the status of women by supporting the exercise of equal rights, equal representation, and reproductive choice then we encourage you to join!

The BoD is WLALA's governing and fiduciary body. It holds overall responsibility for the operation and management of the WLALA’s corporate affairs and exercises all corporate powers. Directors serve two-year terms. Each Director is held to a fiduciary standard of care, i.e., to act in good faith and in the best interest of the organization. The BoD meets every month for regular meetings. If you are drawn to organizational strategy, financial oversight, and corporate governance, the Board of Directors may be the right fit for you.

The deadline for submitting an application is May 31, 2026.

WLALA Foundation Board of Governors Application

WLALA Foundation is a Section 501(c)(3) charitable organization that was formed in 1997 to support the next generation of attorneys committed to the mission of WLALA. WLALA Foundation has fourteen committees that work on projects focused on improving the status of women in the legal profession. The committees fund annual scholarships to high school seniors and law students, summer fellowships to law students, and they support local community organizations that serve unhoused Angelenos and survivors of domestic violence.  

If you are passionate about the next generation of female attorneys and giving back to our community, then the WLALA Foundation can use your dedication. Last year the WLALA Foundation donated over $125,000. This year WLALA Foundation is seeking to contribute more than $130,000. We can use your help to continue increasing our support.  

The deadline for submitting an application is May 31, 2026.

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.

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.

WLALA 31st Annual Litigators Forum

Artful Networking: A Happy Hour for Thoughtful Connectors - April 30, 2026

Friends of the LA Law Library Beacon of Justice Awards

Christine Smith and Angela S. Haskins (WLALA President 2009/2010)

Angela S. Haskins; Andrea Ordin; and Hon. Audrey B. Collins

Angela S. Haskins; Susan Steinhauser; and Christine Smith

High Courts in High Heels: Pathways to Success for Women in Appeals

WLALA Congratulates Hon. Holly J. Fujie (Ret.) on Joining ADR Services, Inc.

WLALA proudly congratulates WLALA board member Hon. Holly J. Fujie (Ret.) on joining ADR Services, Inc.. With more than four decades of distinguished experience in complex civil litigation, private practice, and judicial leadership on the Los Angeles Superior Court, Judge Fujie brings exceptional insight, integrity, and skill to her work as a mediator. WLALA celebrates her continued contributions to the legal community and this exciting next chapter in her career.

WLALA Congratulates Chi Huynh on Being Named a 2026 Woman of Influence in

Health Care

WLALA is thrilled to congratulate WLALA Board Member Chi Huynh, recognized by the Los Angeles Business Journal on its 2026 list of Women of Influence: Health Care. Chi’s outstanding work representing healthcare clients in complex mergers, regulatory matters, and corporate counsel continues to make a meaningful impact on the Los Angeles community. Her leadership in Sheppard’s Women in Healthcare Leadership Collaborative exemplifies her commitment to advancing both the profession and the wellbeing of the community.

Celebrating Brigit Greeson Alvarez at U. Serve L.A. 2026

WLALA proudly congratulates our First Vice President, Brigit Greeson Alvarez, on being named an Alumni Honoree at the 2026 U. Serve L.A. Celebration!

We are proud to celebrate her impact and leadership in advancing justice for underserved communities.

Congratulations, Brigit!

Neda Saghafi on Institutional Accountability in Abuse Claims

WLALA Foundation Board Member Neda Seghafi wrote an article in the Daily Journal called, Establishing Institutional Liability in Child Sexual Abuse Cases: Special Relationships and Negligence.

You must have a subscription to the Los Angeles Daily Journal to view this article.

WLALA Member Joan Kessler Honored at Loyola Law School Reunion

You must have a subscription to the Los Angeles Daily Journal to view this article.

Welcome to Our New Members

Emily Alpert Reyes

Candace Bandoian

Mariam Botros

Taylor Budnick

Dominique Caamano

Alexandra Castro

Sally Chan

Lidya Demirtshyan

Lara Drino

Kathleen Edmiston

Misty Gasca

Anna Hunanyan

Jennifer Kim

Ashley King

Leona Kiwan

Susan Kolahi

Lindsay Maizel

Chantel Mbaeyi

Isabella Meza

Brooke Newman

Monique Orozco

Selah Owusu

Sharon Sandler

Tomislava Savcheva-Petrov

Vita Sherin-Jones

Kito Smith

Kassandra Sopko

Lily Thomassen

Emily Toledo Menendez

Sharon Valle Rodriguez

Lidia Vargas

Courtney Zifkin

Local Bar Calendar

The Harriett Buhai Center for Family Law is partnering with Kendra Scott for a Mother's Day fundraiser. Looking to buy something special for mom, while also helping a good cause? From May 8th-10th, 20% of any online purchases at kendrascott.com using code GIVEBACK-LMVOT will go to the Center. Any purchases from 6:30-8:30pm on May 8th in store at the Century City location (10250 Santa Monica Blvd., Space 1813 in the Century City mall) will also go to the Center. Spread the word, buy mom some special jewelry, and support the Harriett Buhai Center, which operates to ensure meaningful access to justice and stability through the family law system.

9th Circuit Judicial Conference Lawyer Representative - Deadline June 15, 2026

The United States District Court, Central District of California, is currently accepting applications from qualified individuals interested in serving as Ninth Circuit Judicial Conference Lawyer Representatives. The selected Lawyer Representatives will be representative of the entire district and reflect the diversity of lawyers practicing before the Court. Interested persons should complete the application, which can be found on the Court’s website under the Lawyer Representatives section located in the “Attorneys” tab of the Court’s homepage. Additional information about serving as a Lawyer Representative can be found on the 9th Circuit’s website at: https://www.ca9.uscourts.gov/lawyer-representatives/

Please send completed applications no later than June 15, 2026, to: LawyerReps_CACD@cacd.uscourts.gov

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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LinkedIn: Women Lawyers Association of Los Angeles

X: @WLALAtweets @WLALAFoundation

2025 WLALA and WLALA Foundation Board Retreat