• WLALA President's Message by Farah Tabibkhoei 
• WLALA Foundation - Inner City Law Center
• WLALA Sponsor Spotlight: Genie Harrison Law Firm
• WLALA Member Spotlight - Joanna Curtis & Dipti Singh
• WLALA Offers Complimentary Membership to Affinity Bar Members
• Volunteer with the WLALA Foundation Sojourn Clinic
• Litigator’s Forum - April 16, 2026
• Artful Networking: A Happy Hour for Thoughtful Connectors - April 30, 2026
• WLALA-FFTB: Foodbank Volunteer Days
• High Courts in High Heels - May 6, 2026
• New Member & Judiciary Mixer - May 7, 2026
• WLALA Dareoke Night - May 21, 2026
• Save the Date: WLALApalooza - June 9, 2026
• Save the Date: WLALA Awards and Installation Dinner - September 18, 2026
• Photos: Judge Victoria Shapiro’s Investiture
• Photos: Rise and Shine Boxing Event - Mar 17, 2026
• Photos: Sister Bars’ Celebration of Women’s HerStory Month: Surviving & Seeking Justice
• Photo: MCBA Meeting at University of West LA SOL
• Photos: LGBTQ+ Bar Association happy hour for Women’s HerStory Month - March 28, 2026
• Congratulations to Carley Palmer on Major Pre-Trial Victory
• WLALA Golf League – A Big Thank You to Molly McKibben!
• Welcome to Our New Members
• Local Bar Calendar
• SCCLA 51st Annual Installation & Awards Banquet Save The Date (04/09)
• CABL 49th Annual Conference
• LA-ABOTA Law Day - May 1, 2026
• The Survivor Justice Center’s Bridge to Justice Gala 2026 - May 7th, 2026
• 9th Circuit Judicial Conference Lawyer Representative - Deadline June 15, 2026
• CAALA VEGAS - September 2026
• 2026 Judge Beverly Reid O’Connell Scholarship – Deadline April 30, 2026
• Hon. Ruth Bader Ginsburg Scholarship - April 30, 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

April is Sexual Assault Awareness Month dedicated to raising awareness about sexual violence, supporting survivors, and honoring the impact and contributions of organizations in their ongoing efforts to prevent sexual violence. WLALA recently partnered with its Sister Bar organizations, BWL, APAWLA, and LLBA to raise over $4900 benefitting Harriett Buhai Center For Family Law, Levitt & Quinn Family Law Center, and Survivor Justice Center!

This past month, many of us are gathering with family and neighbors to observe and celebrate Eid Al-Fitr marking the end of Ramadan, Passover, Easter, or are simply enjoying Spring break and hitting reset to enjoy quality time and relaxation. WLALA’s Spring Golf League is in full swing and the highly popular series is already sold out. If you missed it, we encourage you to stay tuned for WLALA’s Fall Golf League, which kicks off this Autumn. All levels are welcome.

In the meantime, we invite you to register and attend WLALA’s Litigator’s Forum, When Algorithms Meet Advocacy: Practical AI for Ethical Litigators, taking place on April 16, 2026 beginning at 5pm hosted by Signature Resolution, 633 W. 5th St., 54^th Floor, Los Angeles, CA 90071. Join us for wine, appetizers, and networking and then hear from Panelists Vicki Chou, Cassie Palmer, and Toni Counts who will discuss tips and tricks to further your practice using AI and ways to avoid the pitfalls. Hear directly from Rachel Brewer of the State Bar of California on the draft Rules of Professional Responsibility that incorporate AI. The program will be moderated by Signature Resolution panelist Joanna Curtis. Join for an opportunity to provide live feedback on the draft rules—still in the comment period— that could impact the final rules. Tickets and sponsorships are available here: 2026 Litigators Forum - WLALA The event is complementary for the Judiciary who are WLALA members. We hope to see you there!

Lastly, tune in to the Daily Journal’s Open House and watch the livestream on Wednesday, April 8, 2026 at 3:30 to hear from yours truly and learn more about what WLALA has in store this year. Sign up here: https://dailyjournal.com/openhouse

With Gratitude,

Farah Tabibkhoei

WLALA President

WLALA Foundation

Inner City Law Center

Dear Members of the Women Lawyers Association of Los Angeles,



On behalf of everyone at Inner City Law Center, we want to extend our sincere gratitude to the Women Lawyers Association of Los Angeles and its members for your longstanding partnership and unwavering commitment to service. WLALA has been an indispensable ally in ICLC’s mission to serve women veterans and low-income women facing housing instability and homelessness, and the impact of that partnership is felt every day by the clients we serve.

Over the years, WLALA has sponsored more than twenty exceptional women law students as summer clerks at ICLC. These students have brought intelligence, compassion, and determination to their work—helping fellow women secure and preserve housing, assert their rights, and move toward safety and stability. Their contributions have meaningfully expanded our capacity and strengthened our advocacy, and the impact they have had on our clients’ lives is truly immeasurable.

Beyond this critical investment in future women lawyers, WLALA members themselves have stepped forward time and again as pro bono advocates for ICLC clients when it mattered most. Your members have helped preserve housing for individuals and families at risk of losing their homes, advocated for survivors of military sexual violence, and fought alongside us for safe and affordable housing for all Angelenos. This hands-on commitment to justice has made a profound difference for our clients and reflects the very best of the legal profession.

We are especially proud of the lasting legacy of this partnership, embodied by our first WLALA fellow, Abbey Lent. Abbey continues to serve ICLC clients as a Senior Staff Attorney on our Homeless Veterans Project, and her career is a powerful testament to the long-term impact of WLALA’s investment. Another WALALA fellow, Karen Herrera, is now at ICLC as a Staff Attorney after graduating from law school. Their work reflects the shared values at the heart of our collaboration: excellence in advocacy, compassion for those most at risk, and a steadfast commitment to justice.

As an organization working on the front lines of the housing crisis, we are honored to work alongside WLALA and its members. Your continued support—through fellowships, pro bono service, and leadership—strengthens our work and advances a shared vision of equity, dignity, and opportunity for women across Los Angeles.

As we look ahead this year, we invite you to continue engaging in this shared work in ways that are both accessible and deeply impactful. ICLC’s Tenant Power Toolkit clinics, which take place every Tuesday and Friday, provide tenants facing eviction with critical support at a moment of deep vulnerability. Volunteers help tenants complete court filings, navigate next steps, avoid default, and often serve as a stabilizing presence during an otherwise overwhelming process. For those of you seeking a deeper level of involvement, we invite you to take on a full-scope eviction defense matter. These cases offer an opportunity to make a profound and lasting difference by helping tenants assert their rights and giving them a fighting chance at staying housed.

We are deeply grateful for your partnership and look forward to continuing our work together in the years ahead.

With gratitude and appreciation,

Vidhya Ragunathan (Director of Pro Bono)

Jazmine Smalley (Pro Bono Coordinator) Inner City Law Center

WLALA Sponsor Spotlight

Mia Munro is an accomplished employment civil rights attorney at Genie Harrison Law Firm, APC, where she exclusively represents employees in enforcing their rights under state and federal law. The firm is widely recognized for its unwavering commitment to advocating for victims of wrongful termination, sexual harassment, discrimination, retaliation, and other workplace violations, and has built a reputation as a powerful voice for employees seeking justice.

Mia has secured millions of dollars in judgments and settlements on behalf of her clients, including playing a key role in a groundbreaking $100 million equal pay settlement for women at Riot Games, Inc., for which she was named a Finalist for Consumer Attorney of the Year by the Consumer Attorneys of California. She has been consistently recognized by Southern California Super Lawyers (2024–2026) and Lawdragon’s 500 Leading Civil Rights & Plaintiff Employment Lawyers (2023–2025), reflecting both her legal excellence and impact in advancing workplace equity.



In addition to her litigation work, Mia is deeply committed to service and leadership within the legal community. She serves on the Board of Governors of the Women Lawyers Association of Los Angeles (WLALA), where she co-chairs initiatives that support attorneys and advance women in the profession. She also serves as co-Chair of the Legislative Committee at the California Employment Lawyers Association, where Mia advocates to enhance workers' civil rights across California. Through her work at Genie Harrison Law Firm and her broader advocacy, Mia continues to champion fairness, dignity, and equal opportunity in the workplace and beyond.

Connect with Mia at Genie Harrison Law Firm, APC:

Website: genieharrisonlaw.com

Instagram: @genieharrisonlaw

For inquiries or to connect with Mia Munro directly, please visit the firm’s website or reach out via email at mia@genieharrisonlaw.com. 

WLALA Member Spotlight -

Joanna Curtis & Dipti Singh

Joanna Curtis

My path to becoming a mediator began when I was a kid. In a report card addressing my preference for talking to other students versus sitting at my desk, my second-grade teacher dubbed me a “social butterfly.” As part of my aspirational career project, with yellow construction paper and colorful crayons, I wrote to the Association of American Law Schools expressing interest in becoming a prosecutor. For over twenty years, I proudly held that title at federal and state levels. I never wavered from my desire to help others, giving voice to their concerns when they could not. Along the way, I learned to appreciate something I have known since second grade: communicating and connecting with people are bedrock personality traits of mine. I tested and expanded the depths of my empathy for opposing parties by hearing the life stories of those accused of crimes and recommending sentences that took those experiences into account. I bettered my trial, presentation, and persuasion skills through preparation, repetition, and understanding what made sense to a jury.

Being a natural communicator combined with having the ability to see strengths and weaknesses in cases led me to believe I could be an effective mediator. So, I started mediating cases. As it turns out, I’m good at it and I love it. With 25 years of courtroom experience, I relate with the parties because I know what it takes to get a case to trial through verdict. Knowing this, I always feel like I won a trial when parties reach resolution – thrilled they will wake up the next day realizing their stressful litigation is over. Undoubtedly a humblebrag (apologies!), an attorney after a recent mediation told me: “[y]ou actually empowered [my client] and validated her past experience, while giving her the thought that continuing with a lawsuit is not necessary for that validation.” Earning this kind of compliment is something I try to do every time I mediate. I am thrilled to join Signature Resolution’s distinguished group of panelists and look forward to many positive outcomes. Who knew that a constructive criticism in a report card would light my path to a new career as a mediator?

Biography

A veteran trial lawyer who has participated in well over 100 trials in state and federal courts, Joanna brings decades of courtroom experience, exceptional communication skills, and a steady approach to resolving disputes. She previously served for nearly 15 years as an Assistant United States Attorney in the Central and Southern Districts of California, where she held senior leadership roles in the Central District as Chief of the Violent and Organized Crime and General Crimes sections. Most recently, she was Senior Trial Counsel at Fox Law, representing victims of utility-caused wildfires and serious negligence.

Joanna transitioned to mediation after recognizing that helping parties reach resolution brings the same satisfaction she once found in trial work. Known for her calm presence and ability to cut through complexity, she draws on her extensive experience working with victims to guide parties toward informed solutions. In addition to her legal practice, Joanna teaches Trial Practice at Pepperdine University Caruso School of Law and remains deeply committed to community service through volunteer work with the American Red Cross and Children’s Hospital Los Angeles, continuing her lifelong mission to advocate for others both inside and outside the courtroom.

Dipti Singh

Dipti Singh has been named as the next President & Chief Executive Officer of Planned Parenthood Pasadena & San Gabriel Valley (PPPSGV), effective April 1, 2026.

Dipti has been with PPPSGV since September 2021, and in her current role as Chief Legal Officer, oversees the organizations legal, compliance, security, information technology, and external affairs departments. Under her leadership, PPPSGV has strengthened its operational readiness, compliance infrastructure, and public advocacy efforts—positioning the organization to remain bold and resilient during a critical time for reproductive health care access.

The PPPSGV Board of Directors unanimously selected Dipti for her deep commitment to the PPPSGV mission, her extensive legal expertise in abortion rights, and her clear, strategic vision for the organization’s future. For more information on Dipti’s background, visit pppsgv.org. 

To support Planned Parenthood Pasadena & San Gabriel Valley, visit www.pppsgv.org or follow @pppsgv. 

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.

THANK YOU TO OUR EVENT SPONSOR

PLATINUM SPONSOR

GOLD SPONSOR

SILVER SPONSORS

Judge Victoria Shapiro’s Investiture

Rise and Shine Boxing Event

Mar 17, 2026

Sister Bars’ Celebration of Women’s HerStory Month: Surviving & Seeking Justice

Thank you to everyone who joined us for our Women’s Herstory Month Celebration! We are incredibly grateful to our inspiring speakers from Harriett Buhai Center for Family Law, Survivor Justice Center, and LevittQuinn Family Law Center for leading such a powerful and informative discussion on intimate partner violence in Los Angeles. Together, we explored the impact of intimate partner violence—especially within marginalized communities—and left feeling more connected, empowered, and motivated to make a difference in the lives of Angelenos. A special thank you to all who attended, supported, and contributed to our fundraiser. Your generosity directly supports the vital work of our partner organizations. We also appreciate Nixon Peabody LLP for hosting us and helping create a welcoming space for meaningful dialogue and community building. Partnership with: Asian Pacific American Women Lawyers Association, Black Women Lawyers Association of Los Angeles, Inc., Latina Lawyers Bar Association, Women Lawyers Association of Los Angeles

MCBA Meeting at University of West LA SOL

LGBTQ+ Bar Association Happy Hour for Women’s HerStory Month, Cosponsored by WLALA - March 28, 2026

Congratulations to Carley Palmer on Major Pre-Trial Victory

WLALA commends Carley Palmer for achieving a full pre-trial dismissal of all criminal charges filed against the firm’s client by the San Bernardino County District Attorney’s Office.

WLALA Golf League – A Big Thank You to Molly McKibben!

On behalf of WLALA, thank you to Molly McKibben for organizing the Golf League. It was a fun and successful event, and we truly appreciate the time and effort that went into making it such a great experience for everyone involved.

Welcome to Our New Members

Mirette Abdo

Maryam Amin

Juliana Corsetti

Rafaella Davidson

Veronica Escobar

Koty Gonzalez Gascon

Melissa Goodman

Nicole Isagholian

Ekaterina Kim

Hermela Kassa

Alexandria Lee

Jasmine Lopez

Hon. Debra Losnick

Leslie Martinez

Emily Munson

Diana Ochula

Maria Piontkovska

Pilar Pitts

Catharine Richmond

Ashley Rodriguez

Natasha Saltz

Sharee Sanders Gordon

Iksha Sharma

Elizabeth Skmetta

Hayley Tharpe

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.

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.

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.

Instagram: @Womenlawyersla

Facebook: Women Lawyers Association of Los Angeles

LinkedIn: Women Lawyers Association of Los Angeles

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2025 WLALA and WLALA Foundation Board Retreat