Webinars take center stage in education

Golf tournament still planned for October but Top Gun live gala is canceled

2020 July

Whilst the country is grappling with its own definitions of justice, spurred by various events, we are reminded that, as members of the Orange County Trial Lawyer Association (OCTLA), it is our privilege to aid those who face injustice and to direct those who have been wronged. We as attorneys are charged with the task of standing hand in hand with someone who is scared or feels helpless. We are officers of the court, and it is our professional and moral obligation to protect the Constitution with “dignity, courtesy, and integrity.” The OCTLA Mission Statement reads, “To protect the rights of people that have been harmed by the wrongful acts of others…” Now, more than ever, our organization stands by this mission. We stand for equality and justice.

Our organization continues to deal with the ongoing challenges presented by the ever-present pandemic. OCTLA continues to have two continuing legal education webinars per month. We have had incredible success with the programs, including our most recent offering by renowned ABOTA trial attorney Rob Gibson (Gibson & Hughes), who gave a detailed account on the new defense playbook entitled “Nuclear Verdicts.” It was insightful and interesting to hear proposed defense strategy and get fresh insight from such an experienced Orange County trial attorney.

OCTLA strives to continue cutting-edge and timely programs. Our June 26 program entitled “Tips from Top Guns” was paneled by Chris Purcell (Purcell Law), Keith Bruno (Bruno, Nalu APC and Carpenter Zuckerman Rowley), both of whom are past Orange County Trial Lawyer of the Year Top Gun award winners. We received excellent trial strategy advice from two of the most successful trial counsels in Orange County, including insight and tips on how to deal with the ever-changing court climate we now face as the result of the pandemic.

July 9 Webinar on E-Discovery

On July 9 we have a plaintiff only program, “E-Discovery for Trial Lawyers: Law, Practice and Guerilla Tactics.” The E-Discovery program will showcase presenters Doug Vanderpool (Vanderpool Law) and Terry Mazura (Mazura Law Firm).

Golf tournament October 12

We are fully committed to moving forward with the Columbus Day Golf Tournament on October 12. Our golf tournament committee has been working closely with El Niguel Country Club regarding possible scenarios for moving forward with the tournament, in hopes of addressing any pandemic restrictions that might be in place. As a result of the hard work of our board members, and the efforts of tournament directors at El Niguel Country Club, as of right now, our golf term is a “go!” We are all very excited to offer a day of normalcy, comradery, and golf. As always, OCTLA is incredibly grateful for the continued support we receive from our affiliates and sponsors in helping this event to take place.

Top Gun Gala live event canceled

Unfortunately, OCTLA is forced to cancel the Top Gun Award Gala in its traditional format. That event usually boasts around 500 attendees and, given the size of the event and the financial commitment despite the uncertainty of the event moving forward, the board has decided not to proceed with the 2020 Gala. OCTLA does fully intend, and is working towards, awarding Top Gun awards to the many worthy nominees we have received, and we do intend to have some type of an event although the details have not been confirmed.

Let me last take this opportunity to thank the OCTLA community for the continued support. Our members have been incredibly present, despite our inability to meet in person. The board of directors has been working very hard to continually adjust to the constantly changing circumstances of running an organization. Thank you to the Executive Board for being there in making the tough decisions. Lastly, thank you to Janet Thornton for being an incredibly supportive and dedicated Executive Director.

For up-to-date information regarding OCTLA, please visit our website octla.org, or you can follow us on Facebook or Instagram (@octla_org).

We wish you all happiness and health moving forward into the last half of the year.