OCTLA: Justice & giving back

Justice Day in Sacramento

2017 April

“Justice will not be served until those who are unaffected are as outraged as those who are.” — Benjamin Franklin

On Tuesday, May 2, 2017, OCTLA will again join forces with fellow trial lawyers from throughout the state to participate in the CAOC annual Justice Day in Sacramento. I have personally attended Justice Day numerous times over the years, and I always feel so energized from this amazing opportunity to take a first hand role in protecting the civil justice system and defending the rights of our clients at the Capitol. Justice Day is a great way to connect with fellow consumer attorneys, learn about lobbying, and to meet with our local legislators on issues important to our clients and professions. No lobbying experience is necessary; you are provided with all the tools needed upon arrival. Register Today! (Registration link through www.octla.org.) Also, don’t miss out on our annual OCTLA Eve of Justice Day Margarita Mixer & Dinner at Vallejo’s in Sacramento, from 7:30-10:30 pm, Monday, May 1, 2017! For more information and to RSVP, please email us at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

TOP GUN Trial Lawyer of the Year nominations

We are now accepting Top Gun attorney of the year nominations! Every year OCTLA recognizes and honors local trial attorneys (either practicing in Orange County, or trying their case in Orange County) for their exceptional trial skills over the past 12 months. Have you or your colleagues received an outstanding verdict or settlement this year? If so – by or before July 31, 2017, – please submit an OCTLA Trial Lawyer of the Year Nomination Form located on our website, www.octla.org, or contact This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. for more information!

This year’s charity: Eli Home

Each year, the Orange County Trial Lawyers Association selects a charity as the recipient of the proceeds raised during the annual Top Gun Awards ceremony. This year, after careful vetting of many worthy organizations, OCTLA selected The Eli Home. The Eli Home was founded in 1983 by Lorri Galloway, who had a vision to provide a “place to call home” for abused women and children in Anaheim. The organization’s objectives include independent living through permanent housing, jobs, and mental health.  At Eli Home, homeless abused children and their mothers who have been driven from their homes by violence receive housing (2-12 months) and extensive program services. Eli also provides a shared housing setting for mothers and their children who cannot locate affordable permanent housing.

The Eli Home accepts families of all racial, religious, and economic backgrounds as long as at least one child in the family, age 12 or under, is a victim of abuse and neglect. Eli’s core program is a comprehensive case-managed transitional shelter program. What started as a small volunteer group has blossomed into a multi-faceted nonprofit organization consisting of two shelter homes, corporate offices, walk-in center, two social enterprise, place-based initiatives, professional counseling staff and hundreds of volunteers. Since this 33-year journey began, Eli Home has proudly helped 37,926 children and their families.

The mission of the Eli Home is to “welcome, shelter, comfort, heal, encourage and strengthen homeless victims of child abuse and family violence, and prepare them to reenter the community to lead stable, non-violent lives, free from fear and intimidation.” Eli Home’s mission is closely aligned with OCTLA’s mission to “protect the rights of people who have been harmed by the wrongful acts of others.” (OCTLA By-Laws, Article II).  Accordingly, we are very pleased to have the opportunity to make a significant difference for this fine organization.

We can make a difference

“A kind gesture can reach a wound that only compassion can heal.”  — Steve Maraboli

We can make a difference this year by helping Eli Home secure the financial resources it needs to continue its mission to restore safety and hope to the lives of women and children in Orange County. OCTLA will be holding our Silent Auction at the TOP GUN Attorney of the Year Gala & Awards Program on December 2, 2017 in Newport Beach. All proceeds of the silent and live auction will benefit The Eli Home. Please consider contacting us at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. to donate an item or service to the Silent Auction.  Donations can include: gifts, electronics, vacation property getaways, concert and sporting event tickets, back stage meet and greets with musicians or other celebrities, sports or celebrity memorabilia, spa packages, health and beauty services, restaurant gift certificates…just to name a few!

“We make a living by what we get. We make a life by what we give.” — Winston S. Churchill