President's Message

It’s official – it’s December.  It’s that time of the year, post-Thanksgiving and pre-New Year, when I dream the dream of a slower pace and more often than not, find myself scrambling to get everything done.  Layered on top of the typical litigator’s load always seems to march a steady stream of other demands – year end billing issues; holiday cards, parties, and gift giving, both personal and professional; entertaining out of town relatives; shuffling and prioritizing work to address the respective holiday plans of different clients; and this year, the ongoing integration of a new baby (happily and successfully born November 1) into our family and the world.

With all the added tasks, I am sometimes tempted to hate the holidays.  But then I remember how much I have to be grateful for and to celebrate during the season and year-round.  I am incredibly lucky and thankful for my family and friends, and whether I connect with them personally or through cards and phone calls, the holidays always help keep those connections alive.  I am incredibly lucky and thankful for my career and colleagues.  This year in particular I owe a debt of gratitude to my colleagues who “had my back” professionally, in the run up to and continued recovery from the recent birth of my third daughter.  I am also very thankful to my fellow WLALA Executive Committee members and Board members, as well as our staff, for all of their hard work on behalf of the organization.  They make me and WLALA look good even when I am temporarily indisposed by pregnancy and motherhood.

I hope that you also have much to be thankful for this season, and much to look forward to in the New Year.  And regardless of everything else you might have on your plate this year, I hope that you will join us at our Holiday Reception on December 13, 2018 at the Jonathan Club.  Among other things, holidays are a time of traditions, and WLALA’s Holiday Reception continues our longstanding tradition of honoring recently appointed and elected judges in Los Angeles County, as well as WLALA’s Life Members.  It’s also just generally a festive and fun time.

I also hope that you will join me and the rest of our Board in contributing to our Annual Giving Campaign for the WLALA Foundation.  We have the high goal of raising $22,000 in our Campaign this year because we know the good work that the funds support.  Among other things, your donations will be used to support deserving law students with their tuition, public interest law projects and work helping homeless women veterans.

With all that we busy lawyers have on our plates at any given time, there is no question in my mind that it takes “work” to participate in the holiday season.  But, to my mind, the “work” is meaningful and rewarding, not to mention a fun and happy part of life, and whether it feels “balanced” or topsy turvy, it’s definitely worth making the time for it. 

I hope to see you soon at the Holiday Reception!