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I believe in an OCBA where every attorney belongs, regardless of firm size, practice area, or stage of his or her career. –Nicole Whyte |
Leadership.
Leadership begins with listening...
Belong. Grow. Serve. |
These three words capture my vision for the Orange County Bar Association.
BELONG
I want every attorney to feel they belong. Whether you are a new lawyer or have practiced for decades, whether you work in a large firm, a small firm, government, public interest, or serve on the bench, the OCBA should be a place where every member feels welcomed, valued, connected, and heard. My commitment is to listen first, understand our members' needs, and serve with purpose.
I want every attorney to feel they belong. Whether you are a new lawyer or have practiced for decades, whether you work in a large firm, a small firm, government, public interest, or serve on the bench, the OCBA should be a place where every member feels welcomed, valued, connected, and heard. My commitment is to listen first, understand our members' needs, and serve with purpose.
GROW
I believe we grow stronger when we learn from one another. I want to expand opportunities for meaningful cross generational mentoring, where experienced attorneys share their wisdom and younger lawyers bring fresh perspectives and new ideas. I also want the OCBA to continue offering world class education while embracing AI and innovation so our members are prepared for the future of our profession.
I believe we grow stronger when we learn from one another. I want to expand opportunities for meaningful cross generational mentoring, where experienced attorneys share their wisdom and younger lawyers bring fresh perspectives and new ideas. I also want the OCBA to continue offering world class education while embracing AI and innovation so our members are prepared for the future of our profession.
SERVE
Service has been one of the guiding principles of my career. I want to expand pro bono and community service opportunities, deepen our commitment to public service and access to justice, and launch an Open One Door Initiative encouraging every lawyer to mentor, refer, or create an opportunity for another attorney. To me, service is not simply about giving time. It is about using our experience, relationships, and resources to lift others and leave our profession stronger than we found it.
Service has been one of the guiding principles of my career. I want to expand pro bono and community service opportunities, deepen our commitment to public service and access to justice, and launch an Open One Door Initiative encouraging every lawyer to mentor, refer, or create an opportunity for another attorney. To me, service is not simply about giving time. It is about using our experience, relationships, and resources to lift others and leave our profession stronger than we found it.
My Journey to America and Why I Want to Serve.
I began my legal career in Johannesburg, South Africa, as a criminal prosecutor. In 1991, I made the difficult decision to leave my family and friends in South Africa and immigrate to America in search of opportunity and the chance to build a life consistent with my values.
I arrived in Orange County with two suitcases and a South African law license. Like many immigrants, I started over, learned a new legal system, passed the California Bar Exam, and embarked on building a career one relationship at a time. I did not make that journey alone. The OCBA legal community welcomed me, mentored me, and opened doors for me. The generosity of those I met changed the course of my life, and I have never forgotten it.
If I have the privilege of serving, I will listen carefully, work hard, and just as so many once opened doors for me, I hope to open those same doors for others in our community.
I arrived in Orange County with two suitcases and a South African law license. Like many immigrants, I started over, learned a new legal system, passed the California Bar Exam, and embarked on building a career one relationship at a time. I did not make that journey alone. The OCBA legal community welcomed me, mentored me, and opened doors for me. The generosity of those I met changed the course of my life, and I have never forgotten it.
If I have the privilege of serving, I will listen carefully, work hard, and just as so many once opened doors for me, I hope to open those same doors for others in our community.
