WLALA Newsletter: June 2021 |
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Thank You To Our Annual Sponsors |
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President's Message
By Jessica Kronstadt
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May is Jewish American Heritage Month.[1] Did you recognize it? Did you know that Jewish American Heritage Month exists? If the answer to either of these questions is “no,” you are not alone. In 2006, President George W. Bush proclaimed the month of May as Jewish American Heritage Month. Since then, Presidents Obama, Trump, and Biden have recognized May as Jewish Heritage Month. President Obama said that May “is a chance for Americans of every faith to appreciate the contributions of the Jewish people throughout our history – often in the face of unspeakable discrimination and adversity. For hundreds of years, Jewish Americans have fought heroically in battle and inspired us to pursue peace. They’ve built our cities, cured our sick. They’ve paved the way in the sciences and the law, in our politics and in the arts. They remain our leaders, our teachers, our neighbors and our friends. Not bad for a band of believers who have been tested from the moment that they came together and professed their faith. The Jewish people have always persevered.”[2]
To read the rest of the WLALA's President Message, please CLICK HERE.
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Women on the Move: Managing a Successful Transition Between Law Firms
On May 20, 2021, these esteemed women attorneys discussed their transition between law firms.
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A Career at the L.A. City Attorney’s Office
On May 21, 2021, these distinguished veteran City attorneys discussed their careers at the Office, a wide-range of civil, criminal, transactional and appellate cases they have handled, and their insights and tips on landing a job with the Office.
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“She-cession”: Combatting the Crisis of Women Leaving the Workforce Series
On May 27, 2021, the LACBA-WLALA Joint Task Force held a discussion on the participation of women in the labor force and how its the lowest since the 1980's. This was the first in a series of programs relating to what Vice President Kamala Harris refers to as a National Emergency of women leaving the workforce due to the Covid-19 pandemic and what others are warning could be a permanent scar from the pandemic.
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WLALA RAISES RECORD $8300 FOR
FOOD FROM THE BAR
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Thanks to donations from WLALA members, the fabulous virtual stand-up comedy event (LAUGH) organized by Patricia Fullinwider, and a match challenge, WLALA raised over $8300 in support of Food from the Bar benefitting the Los Angeles Regional Food Bank. That number far exceeded the original goal of $3000, and was the highest total ever raised by WLALA in the 13 years of the Food from the Bar campaign. Many thanks to WLALA members Patricia Fullinwider and Sharen Ghaten for the night of laughs and all the talents you brought to bear to make it such a success, to Vicky Ourfalian for volunteering at the Food Bank, and to all of those who donated so generously.
Please mark your calendars for June 30 for the Food from the Bar virtual closing reception and awards ceremony – to hear firsthand the impact that the Food from the Bar program has had, how much money was raised by the campaign overall, and who received awards for their participation.”
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WLALA Postcard Designed by Polk Paper |
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WLALA President Jessica Kronstadt has donated these beautiful postcards, which were specially designed for WLALA by Schuyler Polk of Polk Paper and Grace Cope. Only a limited number of sets of these postcards are available and the sets may be purchased HERE.
All proceeds will benefit the WLALA Foundation.
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Job Searching Through Affinity Organizations
By: Danielle Sze
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Law schools do a great job of providing plenty of job postings – the downside is that every student has access to them. As an alternative, consider diversifying your job search with affinity organizations. These organizations are a great way to job search because the opportunities you find will be tailored to your interests and less students will have access to them. Look in particular for organizations that have practicing lawyers as members because those lawyers are going to be a source of jobs. As a law student, your membership in most of these organizations is free, so take advantage of it and join.
Organizations generally have a shared personal characteristic, value, or interest. WLALA is an example of an affinity organization. WLALA members share the characteristic of being women lawyers in the Los Angeles area. Bar associations are a good way to job search geographically. Other organizations may be based on a common interest, such as environmental law, or common value: interest in pro bono work. By looking for organizations that match your interests, you can connect with lawyers in that field.
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WLALA 2021-2022 Officer Ballot
Don't forget to vote for the 2021-2022 WLALA Officers. All ballots must be received by June 30, 2021.
- TO VOTE FOR A CANDIDATE, MARK AN “X” BY THE CANDIDATE’S NAME
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AFTER VOTING, PLEASE PLACE YOUR BALLOT IN A SEALED ENVELOPE, SIGN THE BACK OF THE ENVELOPE (IF YOUR SIGNATURE IS NOT LEGIBLE, PLEASE WRITE OUT YOUR NAME AS WELL) AND MAIL IT TO WLALA, 634 SOUTH SPRING STREET, SUITE 617, LOS ANGELES, CA 90014 OR EMAIL IT TO INFO@WLALA.ORG
- BALLOT MUST BE RECEIVED BY JUNE 30, 2021
- MUST BE A CURRENT WLALA ATTORNEY MEMBER TO VOTE
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WLALA Foundation 2021-2023 President Ballot
Don't forget to vote for the 2021-2023 WLALA Foundation President. All ballots must be received by June 30, 2021.
- TO VOTE FOR A CANDIDATE, MARK AN “X” BY THE CANDIDATE’S NAME
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AFTER VOTING, PLEASE PLACE YOUR BALLOT IN A SEALED ENVELOPE, SIGN THE BACK OF THE ENVELOPE (IF YOUR SIGNATURE IS NOT LEGIBLE, PLEASE WRITE OUT YOUR NAME AS WELL) AND MAIL IT TO WLALA, 634 SOUTH SPRING STREET, SUITE 617, LOS ANGELES, CA 90014 OR EMAIL IT TO INFO@WLALA.ORG
- BALLOT MUST BE RECEIVED BY JUNE 30, 2021
- MUST BE A CURRENT WLALA ATTORNEY MEMBER TO VOTE
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Do You Follow WLALA on Social Media?
Take a moment now to add us so that you can keep up to date on the latest, and please tag us when you post about WLALA events!
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WLALA Foundation's
2021 Judge Beverly Reid O’Connell Scholarship
Application Deadline: June 30, 2021
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The Women Lawyers Association of Los Angeles (WLALA) Foundation is pleased to offer the 2021 Judge Beverly Reid O’Connell Scholarship, which is awarded annually to a woman high school senior, who is interested in the field of law or public service, and who was inspired in this career choice by the WLALA Foundation’s Power Lunch Program, the WLALA organization, or by a WLALA leader. Judge O’Connell, who was long-time board member of WLALA, created the Power Lunch Program to provide civic education, judicial mentorship and exposure to the judicial branch to local high school students. As part of the Power Lunch Program, students come to courthouses to have lunch with judges, lawyers, courtroom staff and members of law enforcement. The recipient of the 2021 Judge Beverly Reid O’Connell Scholarship will receive up to $5,000 and be announced publicly at the WLALA Installation Dinner in September 2021, which recipients are required to attend.
For more information and to apply, please CLICK HERE.
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Local Bar Scholarships, Grants and Fellowships |
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LAFLA Equity & Inclusion Fellowship
The LAFLA Equity and Inclusion Fellowship program is designed to empower law students who have been traditionally underrepresented in law schools, and who are culturally, ethnically, or racially diverse. Through an application process, LAFLA will award up to five $7,500 Fellowships to law school students who choose to spend their summer at LAFLA.
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Each month, WLALA will feature a 2020-2021 WLALA Board Member so you can get to know more about her role within WLALA, her professional experience and her personal interests.
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Cynthia E. Organ is a litigation associate in Glaser Weil’s Century City office. She has represented clients in state and federal litigation and arbitration in a wide variety of matters, including breach of contract, breach of fiduciary duty, trade secret, labor and employment, and real estate actions. Ms. Organ has experience drafting and arguing law and motion matters, handling discovery disputes, and taking matters to trial.
While in law school at the University of Southern California, Ms. Organ served as a judicial extern for the Honorable Phillip S. Gutierrez of the United States District Court for the Central District of California and a Content Editor of the Southern California Review of Law and Social Justice. After graduating from law school, Ms. Organ served as a judicial clerk for the Honorable Chief Justice F. Michael Kruse of the High Court of American Samoa. She received her undergraduate degree from Princeton University.
This is Ms. Organ’s fourth year serving on the Board of Governors of the Women Lawyers Association of Los Angeles.
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Member News
WLALA Board Member Amy Brantly co-authored an article with Jennifer Oliver, for the California Lawyers Association (CLA) entitled “The Correlation Between Antitrust Enforcement and Gender Equality.” To read the full article, please CLICK HERE.
WLALA Board Member Krysta Pachman did a Q&A with Tasha Norman for Law.com titled, “How I Made Partner: 'I Took On More Cases and Developed the Skills to Be a Great Litigator’”. To read the full Q&A, please CLICK HERE.
WLALA would like to congratulate Selma Model Smith who was honored by UCLA Herb Albert School of Music’s Endowed Recital, To watch a video about Selma, please CLICK HERE.
WLALA Board Member Susana Juarez started her career at the Los Angeles County Public Defender’s Office. In 2013, she joined the Los Angeles County Alternate Public Defender’s Office (APD) where she advocates on behalf of indigent clients as a felony trial attorney. In March 2021, Ms. Juarez was promoted to the position of Deputy in Charge of the Juvenile Division, supporting and supervising APD juvenile lawyers in each juvenile court in the county. Congratulations, Susana!
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Complimentary WLALA Membership for WLALA's Local Sister Bar Organizations
WLALA is offering one complimentary year of membership to WLALA's local sister bar organization members at APAWLA, BWL and LLBA. Offer is good until December 31, 2021. Membership will be good for one year after you register.
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WLALA Membership for New Admittees and Law Students is FREE
WLALA offers free memberships to New Admittees (those who passed the bar less than a year ago) and Law Students. Don't forget to pass the word along and join today and see what WLALA has to offer!
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WLALA-LACBA's Podcast: 19th Amendment Speaker Series
There are a few ways to access the podcasts:
The Apple Podcasts page - If you have an iPhone/iPad you can open the show in the Podcasts app – you can subscribe so you’ll be alerted when each episode is released
This page will be updated by Tuesday each week with a player that allows you to listen to each episode from the webpage.
Spotify – you can listen in the Spotify App and website as well:
You can also find it listed on these other sites and may find a more convenient way to listen by checking them out.
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WLALA Webinar Recording's
WLALA webinars have been recorded and are available for purchase. To view all recordings, please CLICK HERE. Following the purchase, the recording will be sent via email. If MCLE credit applies, the materials will be sent after we receive zoom confirmation that the video has been viewed.
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iDepo will make a donation to WLALA if you schedule a court reporting or videotaped deposition with them as follows:
- $20 donation to WLALA for each court reporting services of at least 100 pages per day.
- $50 donation to WLALA for each videotaped deposition with at least 100 pages per day.
IDepo will send donations to WLALA within 90 days after receipt of payment of invoices.
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Sister Bar Events
APAWLA Young Lawyers and Law Students (YLLS) is having an ongoing Resume Review Workshop. To participate you must be an active APAWLA member. Please send in a word copy of your resume and/or cover letter to apawla.ylls@gmail.com. You will be assigned an APAWLA board member who will review and suggest revisions in the document with track changes. The anticipated turnaround for feedback is one week. Please be sure to maintain prompt communication. This is an ongoing workshop open until the end of the pandemic.
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Upcoming Local Bar Events and News |
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To view the rest of the local bar events and news, please CLICK HERE.
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Request for Attorney Mentors for WLALA Law Student Mentor Program
Over 100 mentorship opportunities now available! Has a mentor impacted your career?
Now is the time to pay it forward! WLALA has over 100 women law students seeking a mentor like you.
CLICK HERE to show your interest and share how much time you’d be willing to commit, no amount is too small and the rewards are unlimited!
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WLALA Networking Facebook Page
We are excited to announce that WLALA has created a Facebook page for members called WLALA Networking where you can connect with other members of the Women Lawyers Association of Los Angeles. You can join HERE. Please note that you must be a member to join. Before posting, please be sure to read the Rules and Guidelines here:
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Talya Deluya, Aditi Gupta, Kim Mejia-Cuellar, Alexandria M Faura, Donna Leung (Puyot), Patricia S. Snyder (Supancic), Elizabeth Evans, Jessica C. Butterick (Coffin), Lillian Sedaghat, Lisa Kassabian, Haemi Shin, Karen Luong, Joelle Bartkins, Jennifer M. Leinbach, Brigit g. Alvarez, Nadia A. Sarkis, Jennifer Luong, Lauren Hudecki, Carol A. Chen, Maria Goretti Tai, Aimee Dudovitz, Karishma U. Karnik |
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WLALA Job Bank
Did you know that your WLALA membership allows you to access the WLALA Job Bank? The Job Bank has employment opportunities from different non-profit organizations and law firms.
Davis Wright Tremaine LLP seeks to hire an employment litigation associate with a minimum of two years' experience to join its vibrant California and national employment law practice. For more information, please CLICK HERE.
Established civil litigation firm in Beverly Hills with specialization in mass torts (MDLs and JCCPs), class actions, and personal injury is looking for a Paralegal/Legal Assistant. For more information, please CLICK HERE.
McGuireWoods is seeking mid-senior level Associates to join its Corporate & Private Equity department. For more information, please CLICK HERE.
Kutak Rock LLP, a Large National Law Firm, has an immediate need for an Associate in its Irvine office with 2 to 3 years’ experience, with a focus in civil litigation, insurance litigation, municipal/public entity litigation, real estate and construction matters. For more information, please CLICK HERE.
Frankfurt Kurnit Klein & Selz is hiring Full time associate for their litigation group in the firm’s Los Angeles office. For more information, please CLICK HERE.
Murchison & Cumming LLP has an opening for an Associate with a minimum of 3 years of experience in general liability and employment defense litigation in their Los Angeles office. For more information, please CLICK HERE.
Fox Rothschild LLP has an opening for a non-partnership track associate in the Labor & Employment Department in their Los Angeles office. For more information please, CLICK HERE.
Public Counsel seeks an experienced Senior Counsel to join the OUL team in litigating complex federal and state impact cases to promote civil rights and economic justice. For more information please, CLICK HERE.
Public Counsel is hiring a Supervising Staff Attorney (Shriver) in the Los Angeles area. For more information, please CLICK HERE.
Public Counsel is hiring a Supervising Staff Attorney in the Los Angeles area. For more information, please CLICK HERE.
Public Counsel is hiring a Staff Attorney in the Los Angeles county area. For more information please, CLICK HERE.
Fox Rothschild LLP has an opening for a trusts and estate planning associate in their Los Angeles Office. For more information please CLICK HERE.
Fragomen is hiring for a Business Immigration Associate. For more information, please CLICK HERE.
The IRS Office of Chief Counsel is hiring for GS12 to GS-14 attorneys. For more information, please CLICK HERE.
Fragomen is hiring for a Business Immigration Associate. For more information, please CLICK HERE.
You must be a current member and logged into the website to view job postings. If you need help obtaining your username and password, please email info@wlala.org. To view the WLALA Job Bank, please CLICK HERE and click on the Search Openings link in the upper left corner of the page.
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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.
- WLALA Mission Statement
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Do you follow WLALA on social media? |
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Take a moment now to add us so that you can keep up to date on the latest, and please tag us when you post about WLALA events!
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