• President's Message by Janet Hong
• Sister Bars' Statement on the Supreme Court's Decision on Affirmative Action
• Article: WLALA Pro-Choice and Reproductive Rights Committee Scores Victory for Lawyers Supporting Access to Health Care
• Article: WLALA Board of Governors Member Hon. Magdalena Reyes Bordeaux Panelist for "Pathways to the Federal Bench"
• Photos: WLALA @ 36th Annual Philippine American Bar Association Installation & Awards Gala
• Photos: WLALA @ First Italian American Lawyers Association Pride Event: Discussion of Implicit Bias in the Courtroom
• Photos: WLALA @ APABA Installation Dinner
• Photos: WLALA @ LACBA Installation & Awards Dinner
• Photos: WLALA Solo/ Small Firm Mixer/ Fundraiser for the Center Long Beach @ Fuego
• Government and Public Interest Law Mixer, July 11, 2023
• 2023 WLALA Summer/Fall Golf League, July 15, 2023
• SAVE THE DATE! WLALApalooza Summer Mixer & Fundraiser, July 18, 2023
• Basics of Family Law Road Map – Part II and What to Consider When Working With A Domestic Abuse Survivor, July 19, 2023
• SAVE THE DATE! WLALA Awards Gala, Justice|Faith|Power, September 29, 2023
• WLALA Mentoring Program for Lawyers x Law Students
• Post-Roe Resources: Pro Choice and Reproductive Rights Committee of WLALA
• Welcome New Members!
• Local Bar Calendar
• Harriet Buhai Center for Family Law New Leaders Network, July 13, 2023
• APAWLA's APA Women in Big Law: Pathways to Partnership, August 2, 2023
• The State Bar of California Seeks Public Comment on Proposed Rule Amendments
• FAMILY-FOCUSED PRACTITIONERS: Registration Now Open for the Next Judicial Mentor Program Workshop on July 26th at Noon
• WLALA Resources

I hope all of you are finally able to enjoy the summer now that the sun is out. I have been trying to soak in some vitamin D myself through surfing and cycling. Being outside doing some physical activity always brings me joy.

This month I choose to focus on joy. It's too easy to feel down about what's happening in the world and in our country. So, instead of only focusing on what schools can no longer do in the admissions process, or what businesses can now do against a protected class, or the hardship faced by students in debt and the effect that may have on their career choices, I choose to take a moment and think about what brings me joy. Joyfulness itself can be an act of resistance and protest in a tough world that too often perpetuates environments that cause harm. There is no question that these struggles will continue and that we must do our part in the struggle to achieve true equity and inclusion until they are so woven into our daily lives that these terms become obsolete. But today, and throughout this month, I hope we all find things that bring us joy.

So I will continue to paddle out. I will continue to ride my bike. I will do more pro bono work. I will spend more time with family. I will open my sunroof and turn up the volume when a favorite jam comes on. Because sometimes you just gotta feed the soul.

WLALA Pro-Choice and Reproductive Rights Committee Scores Victory

for Lawyers Supporting Access to Health Care

A year after the Supreme Court in Dobbs took away the Constitutional right to abortion, WLALA helped ensure important protection for lawyers who continue to work for reproductive justice. On June 22, 2023, the California Supreme Court approved Rule of Professional Conduct 8.3, requiring lawyers to report to the State Bar the criminal act or misconduct of another lawyer. The rule as approved includes a subdivision (c), which exempts from mandatory reporting activity that might violate another state's laws but is legal in California. This protects lawyers whose work for reproductive justice might violate an abortion ban or restriction in another state, or even another state's prohibition on gender affirming health care for transgender residents.

WLALA's Pro-Choice and Reproductive Rights Committee led by Board of Governors Members Vanessa Adriance and Amy Brantly, the Overarching Reproductive Law Project -- led by students at Southwestern Law School Iniah C. Clark, Jennifer K. Karvunidis, Christen L. MacLeod -- and members of Northern and Southern California Legal Alliance for Reproductive Justice advocated extensively for the exemption. Led by the students, the team provided both oral and in written public comments at meetings of the drafting committee and the Board of Trustees. And they succeeded!

This exemption from mandatory reporting is an important first step in preserving health care access for all. The team will continue pressuring the Bar to publicly state that it will not discipline California lawyers for working to ensure every person's fundamental right to bodily autonomy. The team looks forward to updating the WLALA community in future newsletters on additional developments shortly. To join the Pro-Choice and Reproductive Rights Committee, email Chair Vanessa Adriance at vanessa.adriance@gmail.com.

WLALA Board of Governors Member

Hon. Magdalena Reyes Bordeaux

Advises on "Pathways to the Federal Bench"

On Thursday, June 8, 2023, Board of Governors Member Judge Magdalena Reyes Bordeaux participated as a panelist at an outreach event entitled "Pathways to the Federal Bench." The event was organized by the California Lawyers Association to encourage attendees to apply to the Federal Bench. Judge Reyes Bordeaux was joined by District Court Judge Wesley Hsu, Magistrate Judge Pedro Castillo, Mr. David Casey Jr., John Houston, and moderated by Eddie Jauregui, Chair of the California Lawyers Association Litigation Section’s Committee on Federal Courts.

Judge Reyes Bordeaux also participated in a breakout session following the program forum to provide attendees a chance to speak with panelists in a more relaxed setting and the opportunity to ask questions about the application process and path to the federal bench. Attendees found that panelists gave ”extremely helpful and honest answers; and demonstrated passion for what they do and for ensuring the courts are as accessible to all as possible.” 

Board of Governors Member Hon. Magdalena Reyes Bordeaux (pictured far right) demystified the selection process and encouraged attendees to apply for the federal bench. Panelists seated from left to right include: John Houston, Chair of Senator Padilla's Central District of California Judicial Evaluation Commission; David Casey Jr., Statewide Chair, Senator Feinstein's Judicial Selection Commitee; Magistrate Judge Pedro Castillo; and District Court Judge Wesley Hsu.

WLALA @ 36th Annual

Philippine American Bar Association (PABA)

Installation and Awards Gala

Enjoying a night of sisterhood and celebration (starting fourth from left to right): Past President of APAWLA Aimee Contreras-Camua, President Janet Hong, President Elect Jeannine Taylor, and APAWLA Board of Governors Member Hon. Christine Gonong.

A circle of women's leadership (from left to right): President Janet Hong; PABA President Mercedes Cook; and President Elect Jeannine Taylor.

WLALA @ First Italian American Lawyers Association (IALA) Pride Event:

Discussion of Implicit Bias in the Courtroom

Proud to Stand in Solidarity with the Queer Community (from left to right): Hon. Debra Lusnick; Board of Governors Member Leana Taing; panel speaker Hon. Martha Matthews; President Janet Hong; Board of Governors Member Maribel Reynoso Blunt; Communications Officer Brigit Greeson Alvarez; Yolanda Vera, Senior Deputy, Health and Wellness, for Supervisor Holly J. Mitchell.

The WLALA contingent pauses for a brief photo after an illuminating panel discussion (from left to right): IALA President Angela Zanin; Board of Governors Member Leana Taing; APAWLA Board of Governors Member Lydia Liberio; Hon. Kevin C. Brazile; Board of Governors Member Maribel Reynoso Blunt; Communications Officer Brigit Greeson Alvarez; Latina Lawyers Bar Association President Cinthia Flores; APAWLA Board of Governors Member Mia Frances Yamamoto; and President Janet Hong.

WLALA @

Asian Pacific American Bar Association (APABA) Installation Dinner

Front row: APAWLA Board of Governors Member Hon. Wesley Hsu; Board of Governors Member Leana Taing; APAWLA Board of Governors Member Esther Tam; Board of Governors Member Hon. Jana Seng; President Janet Hong; APAWLA Board of Governors Member Hon. Christine Gonong; Board of Governors Member Hon. Holly J. Fujie. Back row: APAWLA Board of Governors Members Esther K. Ro, Mia Frances Yamamoto, Betty Kim, and Lydia Liberio.

(Left) At the celebration for 25 years of APABA's leadership, attendees show us all how to properly use a photo booth.

WLALA @ LACBA Installation & Awards Dinner

Honoring Judge Holly Fujie

Bar leaders joined to celebrate the 2023 LACBA Installation and Awards Dinner where Board of Governors Member Hon. Holly J. Fujie received the Phillip H. Lam Diversity Award.

At Left (from left to right): APAWLA Board of Governors Member Esther Ro; President Elect Jeannine Taylor; Board of Governors Member Hon. Holly J. Fujie; President Janet Hong; LACBA President Ann Park; and APAWLA Board of Governors Member Lydia Liberio.

Below (from left to right): President Janet Hong; Board of Governors Members Holly J. Fujie and Shaun Dabby Jacobs.

WLALA Solo/ Small Firm Committee Mixer and Fundraiser for the Center Long Beach @ Fuego

Attendees across many different practice areas of the WLALA Solo/ Small Firm Committee Mixer at Hotel Maya in Long Beach enjoyed each others' company and inspiring speeches by Board of Governors Member Maribel Reynoso-Blunt and Legal Director Meiko Failey of the Center Long Beach on how the struggle for womens' rights is inextricably linked to the struggle for LGBTQ+ rights. Above (from left to right): Board of Governors Member Maribel Reynoso-Blunt; Second Vice President/ Treasurer Farah Tabibkhoei; and Board of Governors Member Hon. Maria Rivas Byrum. Below: the entire group, including the event's generous sponsors, pause for a selfie before networking.

Thank You to Our Generous Sponsor

WLALA Needs YOU to Mentor a Law Student

WLALA needs attorney mentor volunteers like YOU 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.

Welcome to Our New Members

Laurie Alexander

Sara Alvarez

Saba Amid

Nicole Benalcazar

Gittee Benhamou

Maggie Burtoft

Gina Catania

Valerie Castro

Eric Chan 

Lilia Clement

Bonnie Fong

Stefani Freeburt

Lilian Givens

Kelly McClure

Julianna Montano

Rachel Oda

Ronni Paer

Shawntel Peavey

Kelli Pribble 

The State Bar of California Seeks Public Comment on Proposed Rule Amendments

Proposed Amendments to Rules Governing Mandatory Fee Arbitration (MFA)

The State Bar seeks public comment on proposed amendments to the rules governing Mandatory Fee Arbitration consisting of revisions to existing rules and the creation of new rules to address the appointment and qualifications of fee arbitrators.

Source: Board of Trustees sitting as the Regulation and Discipline Committee

Deadline: July 17, 2023, 11:59 p.m.

Proposed Amendments to the California Rules of Court and Title 2 of the State Bar Rules Regarding the Rights and Responsibilities of Licensees

The State Bar is seeking comment on amendments to the rules requiring licensees to comply with rules prior to returning to active status, requiring licensees to provide information to the State Bar, making changes to the Client Trust Account Protection Program (CTAPP), making fee waivers more accessible, clarifying the distinction between the New Attorney Training (NAT) and Minimum Continuing Legal Education (MCLE), and eliminating exemptions from the NAT.

Source: Board of Trustees sitting as the Regulation and Discipline Committee 

Deadline: July 26, 2023, 11:59 p.m.

Proposed Amendments to the Rules of the State Bar Regarding Moral Character for Out-of-State Attorney Applicants and Examinations (Rules 4.41 and 4.62)

The State Bar seeks public comment on proposed amendments to modify rule 4.41, as it is currently a barrier to admission for out-of-state attorney applicants, and align rule 4.62 (the return of exam materials) with current practice.

Source: Board of Trustees and Committee of Bar Examiners

Deadline: July 26, 2023, 11:59 p.m.

FAMILY-FOCUSED PRACTITIONERS:

Registration Now Open for Next Judicial Mentor Program Workshop July 26th @ Noon

Featuring California Judicial Appointments Secretary Luis Céspedes and 

Moderated by Presiding Judge Samantha P. Jessner, this Free Virtual Workshop Will Offer a Frank Panel Discussion on the Opportunities for Helping Children and Families in Los Angeles County and Throughout California

The Judicial Mentor Program has opened registration for the July 26 workshop, “Family and Youth-Focused Practitioners: The Los Angeles Superior Court Wants You!” This insightful workshop is focused on attorneys whose practice areas focus on helping children and families.

“This family-focused workshop will appeal to attorneys from a myriad of disciplines, including but not limited to, family law, youth/juvenile-focused practices and probate,” Presiding Judge Samantha P. Jessner said. “We have gathered an impressive panel of judicial leaders who are mentoring attorneys seeking judicial appointments and judges eager to share their passion and commitment for serving court-involved families and children. The Court needs qualified judicial applicants with the background and experience to serve in these essential assignments in Los Angeles County, including under-resourced areas such as the Antelope Valley, and assignments elsewhere in California.” 

Deadline: July 25, 2023, 5:00 p.m.

We Need YOU!

For Committees, Sections and Liaisons

Did you know that WLALA is run almost entirely by volunteers? If you're interested in participating in WLALA Committees, Sections or acting as a Liaison, visit our website to find out more and sign up now!

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.