Women Lawyers Association of Los Angeles

ADR
Chair: Jan Frankel Schau (jfschau@adrservices.org)
WLALA has just added an ADR Section to its sections and committees this year. Our purpose is to network with, educate and listen to the needs and interests of women attorneys in connection with the mediation, arbitration, Referee, and mini-trial options for resolving their clients' disputes. For those women who are interested, we are also committed to changing the "face" of ADR in the most diverse manner possible, including gender, color, nationality, age and other dimensions. Just as WLALA is committed to equal justice under the law, the ADR section is committed to justice in ADR, including the interactional and procedural justice concerns of marginalized people. We have a seat on the Board of Governors and put on two educational events each year. We are also poised to add a Breakfast (or Lunch) with a Neutral to take place once a month to bring together litigators and the neutrals who serve them in casual conversation about best practices, client-concerns and improved neutral-lawyer relations. Membership in WLALA and participation in the ADR Section provides new and seasoned neutrals with the opportunity to get to know and network with their sisters at the Bar. Please join us by sending an e-mail expressing your interest. Section members "meet" by way of teleconference once a month during the year.

Business Law
Co-Chairs: Zoila Davis (zdavis@irell.com) and Kelly Kriebs (kkriebs@sidley.com)
The Business Law Section develops and hosts (alone or in combination with other WLALA committees or other women's organizations) programs and seminars of interest to the Business Law Section members. We also strive to make the programs and seminars of interest to WLALA members in general, to prospective business clients, and to others in an effort to encourage networking and client development. We welcome input on our program topics and ideas and recommendations for good speakers.

Criminal Justice
Chair: Nina Marino (marino@kaplanmarino.com)
Addresses issues of common interest to criminal practitioners, both prosecutors and defense counsel. Plans and conducts programs of interest to criminal attorneys.

Family Law
Chair: Maria Hamar (hamar@pacbell.net)
Addresses issues of common interest to family law practitioners. Plans and conducts programs of interest to family law attorneys. The Family Law Section also works with Public Counsel's Adoption Project to complete the legal work necessary to finalize uncontested adoptions. After Public Counsel prepares the case, WLALA members act as pro-bono attorneys for the adoptive parents. They file the paper work to complete the adoption process and attend the hearing at the Children's Courthouse representing the parents before the Judge.

Litigation
Co-Chairs: Robyn Crowther (crowther@caldwell-leslie.com) and Alison Plessman (aplessman@irell.com)
The Litigation Section addresses issues and conducts programs and activities of interest to litigators. Each year in early Spring, the Litigation Section plans and conducts an annual Litigator's Forum. The topic for the 2011 Litigator's Forum will be "Biases and Assumptions Based on Gender, Race and National Origin: Changing the Mindset of Juries, Judges, Clients, and Law Firms." We welcome those who may be interested in participating in the Litigation Section and encourage you to share with us your ideas for program topics or events. For more information, please contact the Section chairs.

Annual Giving
Chair: Susan Steinhauser (susanst2@bzzmail.com)
The purpose of the Annual Giving Campaign is to raise funds for the WLALA Foundation. Your contribution helps the WLALA Foundation fund annual scholarships and grants to law students as well as provide support to the the Domestic Violence Project, which provides free legal advice at a weekly clinic to domestic violence survivors; the Jail Project, which serves incarcerated women and their children in civil legal matters; the Histroy Project, which chronicles the history of female legal trailbalzers and preserves their recollections to ensure that we never forget our profession's history of gender discrimination; and the Harriett Buhai Center, which protect victims of domestic violence and improve the well-being of children living in poverty. To contribute to this year's Annual Giving Campaign, please CLICK HERE. If you would like to help in this year's campaign, please contact the Committee Chair Susan Steinhauser at susanst2@earthlink.net.

Amicus Briefs
Co-Chairs: Lisa Jaskol (ljaskol@publiccounsel.org) and Lara Krieger (lkrieger@gmsr.com) The Amicus Committee evaluates pending cases raising legal and public policy issues affecting women, and, in those cases in which WLALA agrees to participate, prepares or edits amicus briefs on behalf of WLALA. In recent years, WLALA has participated as an amicus in a number of precedent-setting cases, including Davis v. Monroe County, in which the U.S. Supreme Court held that school districts may be held liable for their own deliberate indifference of student-on-student sexual harassment, and United States v. Morrison, in which the U.S. Supreme Court declared the civil rights remedy of the Violence against Women Act unconstitutional.

Chair: Wendy Wen Yung Chang (wchang@hinshawlaw.com)
The Appointive Office Committee conducts evaluations of candidates for judicial and other legal-related positions. The ratings range fall within five categories, ranging from "Exceptionally Well-Qualified" to a "Not Qualified". The process starts with an application to the Committee and culminates in a personal interview. Prior to the interview, the Committee sends out written questionnaires to references provided by the applicant. At least 30 written evaluations must be received by the Committee before an interview will be scheduled. WLALA has had a great track record in assisting qualified judicial applicants to be appointed. CLICK HERE to see the Policy Regarding WLALA Rating of Applicants or Candidates for Appointive, Bar Association, and Elective Office. CLICK HERE to print the Request for Evaluation for Judicial Office . CLICK HERE to submit your Request for Evaluation for Elective Office online. For more information, please contact the Committee chair.

Awards & Recognition
Co-Chairs: Helen B. Kim (helen.kim@kattenlaw.com) and Jennifer Altfeld Landau (jlandau@sidley.com)
The Awards and Recognition Committee works to promote recognition of WLALA members by evaluating and nominating qualified candidates for the various awards given each year by bar associations and legal publications.

The Business Development Committee is focused on that portion of WLALA's mission dedicated to promoting the full participation of women lawyers and judges in the legal profession. The Committee advances women in the legal profession through professional and business development opportunities. For example, the Committee is responsible for organizing the Annual Doctor/Lawyer Dinner. In addition to the networking opportunities, past program topics for the Annual Doctor/Lawyer Dinner of interest to both women lawyers and women doctors have included, for example, reproductive technologies and the law, stem cell research, and healthcare reform. We welcome those who may be interested in participating on the Business Development Committee. Also, please share with us your ideas for new programs, program topics or events for the Committee. Help us with our mission to empower and advance women in the legal profession. For more information, please contact the Committee chairs.

The Career Development & Life Balance Committee develops programs and activities relating to the career development of women lawyers through all phases of their professional lives, including issues relating to balancing a satisfying and successful legal career with a fulfilling life outside of work.

The Mentoring Committee encourages and facilitates the establishment and maintenance of mentor relationships between less experienced and more experienced lawyers. The Mentoring Committee organizes an annual mentoring reception, at which potential mentees can match themselves with mentors. The Mentoring Committee also matches lawyers with similar interests on an ongoing basis, and monitors the mentoring relationships to encourage their continuation. In so doing, the Mentoring Committee looks to similarities in background, practice area and other interests and concerns to find the mentor who can best assist a young lawyer in furthering her career. The Mentoring Committee also assists in projects involving the mentoring of high school, college and law students.

Conference of California Bar Associations
Chair: Shaun Dabby Jacobs (shaun.jacobs@lacity.org)
The Conference of California Bar Associations is a group of bar associations from all over California that meets at the State Bar Convention each year to propose and debate revisions to California law. If passed by the Conference, the resolutions can go on to the State legislature. Getting a resolution passed by the Conference involved a combination of advance preparation, marshaling your allies and negotiating or bartering wit your opponents, and skillful argument on the Conference floor.

The WLALA delegation has a long history of active involvement in the Conference. In the past, we have passed resolutions regarding family leave, child pornography, and domestic partnership. Some of our resolutions have gone to Sacramento, been carried as a bill, and passed into law.

Our work begins in early winter when we brainstorm potential legislation and draft resolutions that either propose new laws or revise existing laws. Then we review the other delegations' legislation and make comments. And we will culminate our work at the Conference at the next State Bar Convention in the fall.

Domestic Violence Project
Co-Chairs: Adrienne R. Hahn (ahahn@hahnlegalgroup.com) and Elena Min (elena.min@dbr.com)
The Domestic Violence Project sponsors a weekly drop-in legal clinic in Santa Monica in conjunction with Sojourn, which, since 1977, has provided a variety of support and services to women and children harmed by domestic violence, including a 24-hour hotline, crisis shelter, comprehensive children's program, community education programs, court advocacy, support groups and an on-call emergency response team as well as the legal clinic. At the legal clinic, clients are provided with assistance on a variety of legal issues, including restraining orders, divorce/separation, child custody, child/spousal support, criminal proceedings as well as civil law issues. The legal clinic is staffed entirely by volunteer attorneys who answer legal questions, explain the legal process, inform victims of their rights and make referrals as necessary.

The primary task of the Financial Development Committee is the coordination of WLALA's annual summer fundraising gala, "WLALAPalooza," which takes place in June of each year. The Committee handles all aspects of the event, including soliciting and organizing over 300 Silent Auction items, obtaining the opportunity drawing prizes, selecting and making all arrangements for the site and catering of the event, designing the event booklet, advertising the event, obtaining sponsors, and coordinating bid finalization, item distribution and payment operations on the day of the event.

History Project
Chair: Eileen Decker (eileen.decker@lacity.org)
Records, archives, and preserves significant events in women's legal history in Los Angeles.

In-House Counsel
Co-Chairs: Stacy Bratcher (stacybratcher@msn.com) and Lisa Harrington (lisa.harrington@nbcuni.com)
This Committee focuses on the career paths and needs of women practicing in corporate law departments. Women comprise roughly 15% of Fortune 500 general counsel. This Committee's role is to help expand this statistic by mentoring women in-house and addressing the unique professional needs of women in corporate law departments. The goal is to use committee activities as a means of fostering the professional development (and network) of women in the in-house legal community so as to eventually expand the ranks of women in upper level positions in corporate law departments. The committee will initiate educational programming and networking opportunities to provide women with practical information concerning such issues as (a) how to obtain and keep an in-house counsel position; (b) how to rise through the ranks of a corporate structure to obtain coveted leadership positions; and (c) how to navigate a corporate law department structure , whether large or small. To that end, the committee will leverage the expertise of women general counsel in the Los Angeles area, as well as others in the legal community to create a space where women can maintain a dialogue about in-house counsel careers, balance and advancement.

Jail Project
Co-Chairs: Melanie Natasha Henry (mhenry@crowell.com) and Jill Piano (jillpianoesq@aol.com)
Jail Project volunteers provide assistance in civil matters to inmates at the county women's jail facility. They do not personally represent inmates, but instead offer short-term counseling in selective areas of civil law, to help the inmates maintain control of their lives during their incarceration. A large percentage of these women are young mothers who need help with child-related matters. The women's facility is located in Lynwood. Jail Project volunteers generally offer their services one evening a month, from 5:30 p.m. to 7 :30 p.m. For further information, contact the Committee chairs.

The mission of the Law Student Mentoring Committee is to encourage and facilitate the establishment and maintenance of mentor relationships between lawyers and law students. WLALA lawyer members looking for a simple and rewarding way to help WLALA promote the full participation of women in the legal profession need look no further — contact us and volunteer to act as a mentor to a promising woman law student. Likewise, our student members looking for a way to connect with and learn from women experienced in navigating the legal profession should contact us. The Law Student Mentoring Committee achieves its aim by holding a number of events throughout the year designed to get lawyers and law students talking and forging relationships. We also visit the chapters of the Women’s Law Association at local law schools and occasionally assist in projects involving the mentoring of high school or college students. To join our committee and become involved, please contact the Committee chair.

The membership committee works to enhance and diversify membership; recruiting life members, sustaining members, associate members, and student members. The committee also helps coordinate programs of interest to members, such as networking and career development panel discussions, and develops benefit opportunities for WLALA members. Additionally, membership promotes and facilitates member networking events, such as the “mix and mingle” and the ‘downtown happy hours”. Given the social emphasis of this committee in particular, this is the perfect committee to volunteer for if you are a new member seeking to network and meet other members, or if you are simply looking to re-connect with old friends and colleagues.

Pro-Choice & Reproductive Rights
Co-Chairs: Kiran Singh (kirans321@gmail.com) and Heather Stern (heather.stern@kralikjacobs.com)
The Pro-Choice and Reproductive Rights Committee focuses on issues related to reproductive health and abortion rights. The committee meets monthly to discuss legislative, regulatory, court and other challenges to women's reproductive freedom. We communicate with public officials, politicians and others regarding issues affecting reproductive freedom and provide supportive assistance to organizations dedicated to preserving reproductive rights. We also sponsor several events each year to raise awareness regarding reproductive rights issues. The committee hosts an annual event to raise money for the Women's Reproductive Rights Assistance Project, which provides funds for abortion and emergency contraceptive services for women of all ages, ethnicities and cultural backgrounds who are unable to pay for a safe and legal abortion. This committee is among the most active in WLALA, and we welcome new members. If you have questions about how to become involved, please contact the WLALA office.

Public Interest Grant
Co-Chairs: Patricia Daza (pdaza@wmattorneys.com) and Cathy Ostiller (cathy.ostiller@usdoj.gov)
The Public Interest Grant is awarded by the WLALA Foundation annually to law students for summer projects that make governmental and social service agencies more accessible and responsible to individuals or groups whose needs are not adequately met. Since 1985, the grant program has awarded 32 summer grants to law students totaling over $115,000. The committee's work is seasonal; we do not meet every month. From approximately December-February, the committee is responsible for promoting the grant program to law students, soliciting applications, reviewing applications, interviewing three to four finalists and selecting a candidate (s) to recommend to the Board as a grant recipient (s). Committee members volunteer to participate in some or all of these activities as they can. Even if you just have a few hours of time, we welcome your contribution to this valuable and important endeavor!

The Scholarship Committee manages the law student scholarships awarded by the WLALA Foundation each year. The Committee develops and proposes scholarship application guidelines to the Executive Committee and the Board of Directors. The Committee distributes the approved guidelines to all of the law schools with students who meet the criteria and promotes the opportunity at local campuses. The Committee then reviews all of the applications and recommends awardees to the Executive Committee and the Board. After the Board approves the awardees, the Committee notifies them and coordinates their attendance at the Installation Dinner. Through the Committee's work, many law students become familiar with WLALA and ultimately join the organization.

Provides support and addresses issues unique to those engaged in solo or small firm practice.

Website
Chair: Julie Goulet Stromberg (jcstromberg007@gmail.com)
The Website Committee’s primary focus is overseeing WLALA’s website (www.WLALA.org). The Website Committee ensures that the organization and its events are promoted through the web as well as through other marketing channels. The Committee is also responsible for implementing and adding features to the Website as suggested by WLALA Board of Governor’s members and WLALA members. The goal of the Website Committee is to make WLALA.org as interactive, user-friendly and as informative as possible.

Bet Tzedek Legal Services
Liaison: Michelle Williams Court (mcourt@bettzedek.org)
Bet Tzedek, The House of Justice, provides free legal assistance to thousands of people who would otherwise be denied access to the legal system underpinning our democracy and to pursue equal justice for all.

Bet Tzedek was founded in 1974 by a few individuals who sought to act upon a central tenet of Jewish law and tradition, which decrees that it is the duty of all men and women to advocate the just causes of the poor and helpless. Bet Tzedek has always provided assistance to all eligible needy residents of Los Angeles County, regardless of their racial, religious or ethnic background.

The work of the nearly 70 staff members is leveraged with the volunteer support of thousands of volunteer attorneys in Los Angeles and around the country. Together, we provide crucial legal services to over 12,000 clients annually in areas of need including, but not limited to elder law, employment rights, housing rights, consumer rights, public benefits, outreach and education, and Holocaust reparations. For more information about Bet Tzedek, please visit www.bettzedek.org.

As the Bet Tzedek liaison, I keep WLALA and Bet Tzedek informed of mutually beneficial volunteer and philanthropic opportunities and will act as a conduit for communication about community activities between the two organizations.

Food from the Bar
Liaison: Kathleen McDowell (kathleen.mcdowell@mto.com)
Food from the Bar is a grass-roots campaign started in 2009 by lawyers to fight hunger in the Los Angeles community. It consists of a month-long friendly competition in the spring among law firms and legal offices in which participants contribute money, donate food, and/or volunteer time sorting and packing food at the Los Angeles Regional Foodbank.

The Food from the Bar program is modeled after a long-standing program in San Francisco that replenishes food bank supplies to meet the increased need for food during the summer months. When schools close for the summer, thousands of children are not able to access school breakfast and lunch programs, a critical source of nutrition, and so their families turn to the food bank for help.

The inaugural Food from the Bar campaign in 2009 well exceeded expectations, raising a total of $192,000 and amassing over 1500 volunteer hours. WLALA received special recognition as one of the top three contributors measured by donations per capita. In 2010, the campaign raised over $285,000, 1600 volunteer hours, and over 14,000 pounds of food.

WLALA is proud of the role it played in mobilizing the Los Angeles legal community as a whole to help alleviate hunger in our community, and hopes to continue to be a major player as Food from the Bar expands and grows. If you would like to be a part of Food from the Bar, please email kathleen.mcdowell@mto.com.

Harriett Buhai
Liaison: Susan Alker (salker@reedsmith.com)
The Harriet BuhaiCenter for Family Law was founded in 1982 as a joint project of WLALA and Black Women Lawyers of Los Angeles, Inc., and the Los Angeles County Bar Association joined as a sponsor in 1985. The Center provides assistance in family law matters to over 1,500 low income individuals each year. Among the services provided by the Center are its pro per program, which prepares individuals to represent themselves in court; free legal representation through the Pro Bono Panel; and community education and outreach. As the BuhaiCenter liaison, I keep WLALA and the BuhaiCenter apprised of each other’s doings and promote mutual support and coordination between the two organizations.

Multi Cultural Bar Alliance
Liaison: Luci-Ellen Chun (lechun@hotmail.com)

Power Lunch Program
Liaisons: Hon. Nicole C. Bershon (nbershon@gmail.com) and Keri E. Campbell (kcampbell@kelleydrye.com)
The Power Lunch Program is a collaboration between WLALA and the Los Angeles Superior Court to provide education and mentorship for high school students in under-served, high-crime, and ethnically diverse communities. Throughout the year, approximately 450 students from various schools come to courthouses throughout Los Angeles County to have lunch with justice system professionals including judges, lawyers and members of law enforcement during which they hear presentations about the Constitution and the legal system. Following the presentations, the students break out into smaller groups to allow for personal interactions with the participating judges and lawyers. This part of the program provides the opportunity for students who might not otherwise cross paths to do so in a positive and informative manner. In fact, the lawyer/judge participants often learn as much from the students as the students learn from them. The Power Lunch concludes with an interactive game of “Judicial Jeopardy.”

WLALA's Sections and Committees