As we head into October and watch the seasons change, it is a great time for reflection. Last month, we had an incredible Awards and Installation Gala marking the beginning of the WLALA Board Year, filled with excitement, inspiration, and connection, captured in the photos in this month’s newsletter. We also kicked off our first board meeting of the year, in person for the first time in a couple years, at the beautiful office of Crowell & Moring LLP, a valued WLALA sponsor. 

Around the same time, we observed the Supreme Court lift limitations on immigration stops in several counties including in Los Angeles, allowing agents to stop individuals based on their apparent ethnicity and race, accent and language, location, and type of job in Noem v. Vasquez Perdomo, No. 25A169, slip op. (U.S. Sept. 8, 2025), leaving many of us stunned and at a loss for words that racial profiling can now be used for immigration policing and enforcement in violation of the Fourth and Fifth amendments and without regard for the right to due process.  As a daughter of immigrants whose parents have accents, have not mastered the English language, have worked menial jobs in their lives, and don’t know all their rights, I empathize and understand the fear and anxiety of not knowing if today’s the day that one will be the target of an illegal stop by law enforcement or worse, illegal arrest, detention, or deportation. The Supreme Court’s decision shows why we need diversity in our judiciary and to make pathways to the bench accessible to all including those from diverse backgrounds. 

That is why I’m so proud to announce that WLALA has just joined the Los Angeles County Unity Bar, whose members seek to promote justice, come together to support qualified candidates seeking judicial endorsement, and provide mentorship and support during and after appointment to the bench. A very special thanks to Michelle Cheng, co-chair of WLALA’s Judicial Endorsement Committee, who played a pivotal role in making WLALA’s membership in the Los Angeles County Unity Bar a reality. We look forward to continuing to support and advance women in the legal profession from all backgrounds. 

Farah Tabibkhoei
President, Women Lawyers Association of Los Angeles