WLALA's Board of Directors | |
- Photo: WLALA's Board of Directors
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President's Message by Jeannine Taylor
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WLALA Foundation Message by Sarah Quist
- WLALA Foundation’s Charitable Fund Campaign
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Photos: Polsinelli's Empowered Elegance
- Photo: UCLAW WOCC Public Interest Panel
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Tickets Available - WLALA Holiday Party and Judicial Reception- December 06, 2023
- Swearing-In Ceremony - December 7, 2023
- Donations Requested - Help Feed Women in Need for the Holidays at the Downtown Women's Center - December 16, 2023
- Congratulations Past President Stacy Horth-Neubert the new Executive Director of tHarriett Buhai Center for Family Law
- WLALA Board of Governors Member - Tatevik "Vicki" Gasparyan
- WLALA Foundation of Governors Member - Loni Kaye
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Update from Conference of California Bar Associations (CCBA)
- Welcome New Members!
- Support MADE by DWC
- APA Holiday Toy Drive - December 7, 2023
- MABA's Joint Holiday Mixer - December 7, 2023
- Local Bar Calendar
- WLALA Resources
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2024 WLALA/ICLC Fellowship - Applications due January 5, 2024
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2024 Judge Beverly Reid O'Connell Scholarship for High School Women - Applications due April 30, 2024
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Contribute to the WLALA Newsletter - Deadline is December 27, 2023
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"Not all of us can do great things. But we can do small things with great love.”
-- Mother Teresa
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As we bid farewell to 2023, the holiday season serves as the perfect backdrop for reflecting on the impact of our WLALA connections. These relationships have not only enriched my personal and professional life but have also become a source of immense gratitude. A heartfelt acknowledgment goes to WLALA’s 2019 nominating committee, including the esteemed Hon. Holly Fujie, Hon. Laura Seigle, and Stacy Horth-Neubert, whose warm welcome set me on WLALA's leadership path. I am eager to pay their support forward for our 18 new members of WLALA's Board of Governors and Foundation Board as we develop programming, create networking opportunities and foster meaningful connections within our legal community.
WLALA’s 2023-24 service year has already kicked off with invigorating events, including our spirited Gala, private Barbie screening, Yoga with Puppies, the launch of our Board of Directors, and outreach to high school and law students through our Power Lunches. Whether through networking events, collaborative projects with our sister bars, or continued outreach efforts, the relationships that are created through WLALA have been the driving force behind our success.
Studies indicate that close relationships, such as those cultivated in WLALA, are vital for a fulfilling and happy life. The holiday season provides an abundance of opportunities to strengthen these bonds including celebrating at WLALA’s Roaring 2023 Holiday Soirée and Judicial Reception on December 6th and participating in the upcoming eviction defense training to support those facing homelessness.
Here's to a year ahead filled with continued camaraderie, purposeful collaboration, and positive impact!
In your service,
Jeannine Taylor
WLALA President
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In November, WLALA President Jeannine Taylor, other bar association leaders, and I attended a meeting at City Hall to learn more about the call to action by the Mayor’s Fund for Los Angeles. This non-profit, supporting Mayor Karen Bass’s initiatives, aims to prevent homelessness and keep Angelenos housed through the power of pro bono advocacy. Mayor’s Fund CEO Conway Collis said solving the city’s homelessness crisis is about more than moving unhoused people into housing. “We need to prevent the human tragedy of people becoming homeless and being evicted if the ongoing effort to move people off the streets and end homelessness is going to be successful,” he said. Mayor Bass echoed this, having just returned from the I-10 fire closure area where she assisted an unhoused pregnant woman with finding health care and housing services.
The Mayor’s Fund aims to prevent homelessness in part by funding pro bono coordinators at four organizations, including WLALA’s affiliate organization Inner City Law Center (ICLC), and by recruiting hundreds of pro bono attorneys. Pro bono services are needed to defend against the increase in evictions and to keep people housed.
We invite you to accept the call to action from the Mayor’s Fund, as we have. Thank you to WLALA Foundation board member and ICLC Pro Bono Coordinator Jazmine Smalley who, together with Vidhya Ragunathan, presented an informative and inspiring CLE on the state of housing in LA on November 28. Thank you also to WLALA Foundation board member Anabel Sanchez for stepping up to coordinate Mayor’s Fund action for WLALA.
WLALA Foundation is offering several opportunities to engage in this effort.
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ICLC’s Pro Bono Clinic: We seek six volunteers (two that speak Spanish) to staff Inner City Law Center’s Tenant Power Toolkit Clinic on December 19, from 4:15pm to 7:30pm at Central Library. Utilizing an online toolkit, pro bono volunteers will assist tenants in generating answers and initiate documents to maintain their defenses and avoid default. All volunteers must complete a 1.5 hour training online in advance. Watch for registration for this clinic and more in future on the WLALA webpage.
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DWC Cooking Club: On December 16, WLALA volunteers will cook a meal for women in need at the Downtown Women’s Center. While the cook positions are full, donations are still welcome to offset the cost of the meal.
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ICLC Law Student Fellow: Law student applications for the WLALA/ICLC Fellowship are due January 5, 2024. Fellows work with ICLC’s Homeless Veterans Project to directly address issues affecting unhoused women veterans.
The Mayor’s Fund has circulated additional homelessness prevention pro bono projects that seek volunteers. A list of opportunities is here.
All of this is only possible with your support. Thank you to everyone who supported WLALA Foundation’s #GivingTuesday campaign. We are 37% ($15,000) of the way to our goal of raising $40,000 by the end of January. Donations support ICLC, DWC, Harriet Buhai Center for Family Law, and community service efforts, in addition to WLALA Foundation’s law student summer fellowships and scholarships and high school student Power Lunch mentorship program and scholarship.
Join our efforts by volunteering your time and including WLALA Foundation in your year end giving plan. Donate to WLALA Foundation’s Charitable Fund Campaign today.
Sarah Quist
WLALA Foundation President
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Include WLALA Foundation’s Charitable Fund Campaign in your Year End Giving Plan
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As you click the button below to make a donation to WLALA Foundation, imagine hearing a high school class cheering for the 14th Amendment. This very cheer erupted during a judicial jeopardy game with 75 high school students at a WLALA Foundation Power Lunch Program in October 2023. Through the Power Lunch program, WLALA Foundation provides civic education, judicial mentorship, and exposure to the judicial branch to local high school students throughout Los Angeles. Cheers for the constitution are made possible with your donation. This is but one way donations to WLALA Foundation impact the legal community and community at large.
100% of donations support WLALA Foundation’s award of law student public interest scholarships and fellowships and power lunch mentorship and a scholarship for high school students. Donations also support community service and contributions to affiliate organizations Inner City Law Center, Downtown Women’s Center, and Harriet Buhai Center for Family Law. All contributions are meaningful. We are seeking donors of named scholarships, available with a donation of $6,000.
DONATE TO WLALA FOUNDATION TODAY!
Help us reach and exceed our goal of raising $40,000 by the end of January.
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Polsinelli's Empowered Elegance | |
Thank you to Polsinelli's Women Empowerment Committee for hosting a fantastic evening of uplifting and promoting women attorneys and women-owned businesses. It was truly a memorable evening of community and sisterhood for women! | |
WLALA's New Board Member Brunch | |
Thank you to Hon. Laura Seigle and Kathleen McDowell for hosting a picturesque and joyful gathering! We immensely enjoyed learning about each other and sharing our love of animals. The first photo is of the new WLALA and WLALA Foundation board members who were able to attend the brunch. (First row) Erin Reed, Sherry William, Yanna Bouris Knobbe, Stephanie Taft, and Tatevik "Vicki" Gasparyan. (Second row) Mihret Getabicha, Kelly Larocque, Mory Ahmadi and Farha Haq. | |
UCLAW Womxn of Color Collective Public Interest Panel | |
"We have received very positive feedback from attendees who found the panel to be both informative and thought-provoking." Malyka Akom, WLALA Student Liaison. WLALA co-sponsored and organized this event with UCLA Law's Womxn of Color Collective. Thank you to the panelists for inspiring students interested in public interest. Pictured: Tanya Sukhija-Cohen, Leana S. Taing (moderator), Brigit Greeson Alvarez and Vicky Ourfalian. | |
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WLALA Holiday Party and Judicial Reception
December 06, 2023
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We are so excited to celebrate with you on December 6, 2023!
Please purchase your ticket today or learn more about sponsorship opportunities at bit.ly/WLALAHP2023. Feel free to contact us at info@wlala.org with any questions.
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Swearing-In Ceremony - December 7, 2023 | |
Help Feed Women in Need for the Holidays at the Downtown Women's Center - December 16, 2023 | Thank you for your enthusiastic support of this event! Volunteer spots are currently full, but please let us know if you would like to join the waitlist by emailing us at info@wlala.org. Donations are still being accepted. | |
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Past President Stacy Horth-Neubert
Executive Director of Harriet Buhai Center for Family Law
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It is with immense pride and great expectation that we announce Stacy Horth-Neubert as the new Executive Director of the Harriett Buhai Center for Family Law. As we turn the page to this new chapter, we acknowledge the indelible legacy left by Betty Nordwind, whose devotion over a remarkable 36-year tenure has positioned the Center as a cornerstone of hope and justice for families for whom poverty would otherwise be a barrier to legal representation.
Stacy steps into this role not only equipped with a wealth of legal expertise but also with a profound commitment to service that aligns with the core mission of our Center—providing critical family law services to the underserved and ensuring equal justice for all.
Her journey is as impressive as it is inspiring. A Phi Beta Kappa graduate of the University of Florida, Stacy’s early introduction to the law began amidst tragic circumstances when she reported on a major criminal trial as a student journalist. This experience solidified her resolve to pursue a career intertwined with the legal system, leading her to CourtTV in New York, and to the halls of Fordham University School of Law, where she graduated cum laude and Order of the Coif.
Stacy began her legal career as a litigation associate at Proskauer Rose LLP, where she first fell in love with pro bono legal service. But it was her move to Los Angeles with Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom LLP that heralded the beginning of a profound legacy in pro bono work and equal justice advocacy. During her tenure at Skadden, Stacy spearheaded the growth of the firm’s award-winning impact litigation program—a testament to her visionary leadership and dedication to service. She brought that vision and dedication with her when she joined Sidley Austin LLP later in her career, where Stacy continued to blaze trails, as a litigator, pro bono leader, and champion for women in law.
Stacy’s commitment to elevating the role of women in law and her in-depth involvement with various boards and public service activities resonate with our own dedication to empowering the vulnerable and advocating for the voiceless. Both her long-time service on the Board of the ACLU Foundation of Southern California and her achievements with the Women Lawyers Association of Los Angeles, particularly in securing the organization’s financial stability, underscore her capacity for transformative leadership—a trait that will serve the Center immeasurably.
For her legal skill and leadership, Stacy has been named one of the Top Women Lawyers in California by the LA Daily Journal, and one of the Most Influential Women Attorneys by the LA Business Journal. For her pro bono work, Stacy has received the prestigious California Lawyer of the Year Award (CLAY) for extraordinary contributions to the law, and both the ACLU of Southern California Pro Bono Advocacy Award and its Freedom of Information Award.
Her strengths—natural leadership, an affinity for collaboration, exceptional organizational skills, and a passion for public speaking—are the very attributes that make Stacy the ideal person to carry Betty's torch. Her strategic approach and her determination reflect our collective aspirations for growth and increased outreach.
As we welcome Stacy Horth-Neubert, we also honor the monumental contributions of Betty Nordwind. It is with deepest respect and heartfelt thanks that we bid Betty farewell, ensuring her that the foundation she built is stronger than ever and ready to support the next phase of our Center’s evolution.
Please join us in extending a warm welcome to Stacy as we look to the future with renewed energy and shared commitment to the mission of protecting victims of domestic violence, improving the well-being of children living in poverty, and ensuring access to justice for low-income individuals that has always been the cornerstone of the Harriett Buhai Center for Family Law.
With anticipation for a brighter future
Serine Tsuda
President of the Board of Directors
Harriett Buhai Center for Family Law
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WLALA Board of Governors Member
Tatevik "Vicki" Gasparyan
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 |  | "'Whatever you choose to do, leave tracks. That means don’t do it just for yourself. You will want to leave the world a little better for your having lived' is one of my favorite quotes of Justice Ginsburg’s legacy. I became involved in WLALA to surround myself with women in the legal profession who are motivated, inspired and determined despite any obstacles along the way. During this time, I’ve had the opportunity to meet some of the most empowering women of action and enormous intellect and learn from them. What I enjoy most about WLALA is that it creates a space for women in law to connect, educate one another and promote excellence in our legal community. I was recently appointed to serve as Co-chair for the Board of Governors for the Young Lawyers chapter. I take pride in mentoring, supporting and promoting opportunities for growth and advancement of young lawyers. I think this division of WLALA adds tremendous value in helping lawyers navigate the early years of their career. Overall, WLALA serves such an important balancing a demanding career and family responsibilities. I am excited for the year ahead!"
Tatevik “Vicki” Gasparyan is a litigation Attorney representing clients injured in serious injures such as traumatic brain injuries and wrongful death. Prior to being Plaintiff’s Attorney, Vicki worked in the insurance industry where she served in key technical roles representing the interest of individuals and the Fortune 500 companies. On the Defense side, she handled complicated high value cases stemming from Automobile, Trucking and Scooter accidents, Premises Liability, Negligent Security, Environmental cases, Mass Torts, Molestation cases and Class Actions. Throughout her tenure, Vicki had the opportunity to travel to mediations, arbitrations and observed over 50 jury trials across the nation. Vicki brings a near two decades of industrywide experience and skillset which adds tremendous value to representing her clients.
Vicki is Armenian and grew up in Northern California before getting married and moving down to Los Angeles. Vicki was named Top 40 under 40 by the National Trial Lawyers and a proud member and supporter of the Leadership Academy of Consumer Attorneys of California. Vicki prides herself in advocacy and fighting for the rights of her clients. During Law School, she was selected to the Honors Appellate Moot Court and asked to represent the school in the Roger Traynor Moot Court competition where she received recognition from the Witkin Legal Institute. Apart from practice, she serves Adjunct Professor of Law for both Legal Research and Writing and Trial Advocacy.
On her free time, Vicki enjoys running, hiking and watching Hockey (Go Kings!). She loves and values travelling to new places and spending quality time with her husband and two children!
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WLALA Foundation Board of Governors Member
Loni Kaye
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"I joined WLALA to be part of a supportive community that nurtures professional development, facilitates valuable networking opportunities, and actively champions women's rights in the legal profession. I'm so thrilled to be on the board's Honorable Beverly Reid O'Connell Scholarship Committee. It's a wonderful opportunity for me to give back to my community and to support young women achieve their public service careers."
Loni Kaye is a Research Attorney at the Los Angeles Superior Court, Criminal Division. She assists criminal judicial officers in conducting research and drafting opinions. Outside of work, Loni is a volunteer with the Los Angeles Superior Court’s Teen Court and Power Lunch Program. She is also a contributing editor on The Rutter Group's Preliminary Hearing Handbook. Before joining the Los Angeles Superior Court, Loni was a Public Defender at the San Diego Public Defender’s Office. Loni graduated from the University of California, Irvine School of Law cum laude, with Pro Bono Honors, and as a Public Service Scholar.
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Legislative Successes of CCBA and WLALA | |
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Have you ever had an idea for legislation that you wanted to see enacted into law? The Conference of California Bar Associations (CCBA) can make that dream a reality. CCBA is a nonpartisan state-wide organization comprised of attorney delegates from regional, specialty, and affinity bar associations (including WLALA) that proposes legislation to the California Legislature. CCBA bar association delegates then propose and approve proposed legislation at the annual Conference.
This year, the California Legislature and Governor Newsom enacted seven CCBA-sponsored bills into law, including three which WLALA sponsored and proposed. WLALA’s three 2023 legislative proposals also passed the Conference and now the WLALA delegation will work with CCBA to find legislators to carry them in 2024.
The WLALA Delegation looks forward to tracking the status of WLALA’s 2023 legislative proposals in the Legislature. We also welcome ideas and input regarding legislative ideas that further the mission of WLALA. If you have questions or want to learn more, please contact CCBA delegation co-chairs Mihret Getabicha at mihret.getabicha@gmail.com or Shaun Dabby Jacobs at sdljacobs@gmail.com.
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Welcome to Our New Members | |
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Katherine Andrews
Belle Chen
Kelly Dahan
Zachary Davina
Roxane Ferdows
Guadalupe Malpica Gamez
Audra Gibbs
Sophie Kosmacher
Nare Kupelian
Eboni Leassear
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Jennifer Lallitte
Xinyue Liu
Denise Ma
Kathryn McCann
Olivia McGovern
Kelly Nguyen
Effie Turnbull
Shannon Ward
Desiree Washington
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Looking for the perfect gifts for your friends or dreaming about the holidays already? Please support the Downtown Women’s Center (DWC) by shopping at MADE by DWC. The DWC is the only organization in Los Angeles focused exclusively on serving and empowering women experiencing homelessness and formerly unhoused women. DWC’s mission is to end homelessness for women in greater Los Angeles through housing, wellness, employment and advocacy. In 2011, MADE by DWC was launched offering women the opportunity to earn income while gaining job skills and experience. MADE by DWC provides women with the opportunities to gain experience in production, inventory, retail, and customer service while working in a supportive and empowering environment. Every purchase you make at MADE by DWC empowers women transitioning out of homelessness. You can take a look at the beautiful candles, stationary, gift sets and accessories sold at MADE by DWC at www.madebydwc.org or by visiting the resale boutique located at 325 S. Los Angeles St., Los Angeles, CA 90013. WLALA is proud to support the DWC! | |
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WLALA Needs Mentors for Law Students
WLALA needs attorney mentor volunteers since our increased presence in the legal community has led to increased participation among local law schools. WLALA's Law Student Mentoring Program pairs law student members with lawyer members to encourage and facilitate the development of women law students. Mentors and mentees are matched based on interests and background where possible. The program is flexible; mentors and mentees choose when and how to stay connected with one another, whether through e-mail, telephone, in-person meet ups, or a combination. Many participants find that the one-on-one mentoring relationship becomes a long-term friendship.
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WLALA Needs Volunteers For Committees, Sections and Liaisons | |
Did you know that WLALA is run almost entirely by volunteers? If you're interested in participating in WLALA Committees, Sections or acting as a Liaison, visit our website to find out more and sign up now! | |
Did you know that your WLALA membership allows you to access our exclusive Career Center? The Career Center has employment opportunities ranging from non-profit organizations to government employers to law firms. | |
WLALA webinars have been recorded and are available for purchase. Following your purchase, access to the recording will be sent via email. If MCLE credit applies, the materials will be sent after we receive confirmation that the video has been viewed. | |
Contribute to the WLALA Newsletter | |
If you are interested in contributing an article or sharing member news, please reach out to Communications Officer Leana Taing at WLALA.communications@gmail.com Everyone loves to read about accomplishments, appointments, and promotions! Also, please do not forget to share photos or videos taken at WLALA events. We would love to share them in the newsletter and on our social media! The submission deadline for next month's newsletter is December 27, 2023. | |
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. | |
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