On the shoulders of giants

Take no challenge alone

2017 January

In the words of Benjamin Disraeli, “the greatest good you can do for another is not just to share your riches, but to reveal to him his own.” 

As installation of the 2017 Board approaches, and I prepare for the honor and privilege of taking the helm as the 54th President of the Orange County Trial Lawyers Association, I find myself ruminating on all the things that make OCTLA special to me. OCTLA remains dedicated to improving the quality of trial practice in Orange County through education, networking and advocating for civil justice; for over 50 years OCTLA has mentored its members, helping them unlock their potential.

A brain to pick, an ear to listen and a push in the right direction make all the difference. Over the 14 years I’ve been part of OCTLA and dating back to when my father, Ron Schwartz, was President in 1977, there has been a wealth of skilled, thoughtful and passionate attorneys willing to share their insight and guidance. The OCTLA motto: “TAKE NO CHALLENGE ALONE” epitomizes this mentorship philosophy, and in 2017, OCTLA will honor and build on this tradition by providing multiple ways to mentor our members.

The 2017 OCTLA Board and Committees are hard at work planning the year’s charitable, educational and mentorship events, including monthly MCLE dinner meetings the fourth Thursday of the month at Tustin Ranch Golf Club, the popular Palm Springs Seminar (this year March 3-5 — reserve today), Columbus Day bench and bar golf tournament, Justice Day in Sacramento, Bowling Night, a “Speed Mentoring” event, the annual Judges & Mediators evaluation and the Top Gun awards dinner and charity gala.

We listened to our members and spruced up our website with a new and improved list-serve, a stocked expert deposition bank and soon to be sporting a sparkly new trial calendar (listing the location of active trials in the OC, so members can attend and learn).

“If I have seen further it is by standing on the shoulders of giants.” – Isaac Newton

I want to take a moment to look back and acknowledge the OCTLA leaders and volunteers whose hard work and vision helped lay the foundation for the great success currently enjoyed by the organization. In particular, the tireless efforts of both OCTLA Executive Director Janet Thornton, who continues to serve as the trusted navigator of the OCTLA journey; and 2016 President Vince Howard, whose steadfast leadership ensured the continued growth and strength of our organization.

OCTLA’s 2017 year officially kicks off at the Installation of Officers and Directors on January 21, 2017 at The Island Hotel in Newport Beach. In addition to Justice Eileen C. Moore swearing in the OCTLA board members and officers, Judge Ronald Bauer will be honored as OCTLA’s Trial Judge of the Year. As gratifying as our work is, nothing can revitalize our spirits more than spending an evening with other trial lawyers and jurists, reminding each other we are in this fight together.  I hope to see you on January 21, 2017, as we celebrate the success of the past and re-commit to preserving access to justice for the years ahead. For more information about attending or co-sponsoring the event, please contact OCTLA at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or (949) 916-9577.  Wishing you and your family a happy, healthy and prosperous 2017.

“We make a living by what we get, we make a life by what we give.”

– Winston Churchill