Raising the OC Bar Mon, 20 Apr 2026 13:05:13 -0400 https://www.raisingtheocbar.org en-us © 2026 Raising the OC Bar yes 000eb236-9f9b-5fe8-a680-d5787ba2dcfd Orange County Bar Association episodic false From its agrarian beginnings to status as a major economic power, lawyers and judges played a key role in the development of Orange County, California.  Raising the OC Bar spotlights the rich and unique history of the Orange County legal community including stories about landmark cases, impactful institutions, and legal trailblazers. 

]]> Buzzsprout (https://www.buzzsprout.com) Orange County Bar Association https://storage.buzzsprout.com/ktpig2yw2menosffrjuyl1ub9eo8?.jpg Raising the OC Bar Building A Law School From Scratch: The Creation Of UCI Law Building A Law School From Scratch: The Creation Of UCI Law In this episode, we dive into the bold origins of the University of California, Irvine School of Law, the first new public law school in California in over 40 years. Past OCBA President Christina Zabat-Fran and OCBA Board Member Sean Thomas Lobb interview founding Dean Erwin Chemerinsky and Judge Andrew Guilford (Ret.) as they share the inside story of how a “dream team” of faculty and community leaders reimagined legal education from the ground up. 

From navigating political hurdles to prioritizing public service, our guests reveal the grit and vision required to build a national model for innovation and impact. Tune in to discover how this transformative institution grew from a daring idea into a powerhouse that continues to redefine the legal profession.

]]> In this episode, we dive into the bold origins of the University of California, Irvine School of Law, the first new public law school in California in over 40 years. Past OCBA President Christina Zabat-Fran and OCBA Board Member Sean Thomas Lobb interview founding Dean Erwin Chemerinsky and Judge Andrew Guilford (Ret.) as they share the inside story of how a “dream team” of faculty and community leaders reimagined legal education from the ground up. 

From navigating political hurdles to prioritizing public service, our guests reveal the grit and vision required to build a national model for innovation and impact. Tune in to discover how this transformative institution grew from a daring idea into a powerhouse that continues to redefine the legal profession.

]]> Orange County Bar Association Buzzsprout-19015615 Mon, 20 Apr 2026 10:00:00 -0700 3275 full false Orange County’s Impact On The California Legislature Orange County’s Impact On The California Legislature California State Senator Tom Umberg shares some of the history of Orange County’s impact on the Legislature, as well as his personal journey, challenges, and triumphs including three tours in the military, being one of the first federal prosecutors in Orange County, and his long tenure in the California State Legislature.  Tune in for an enlightening exploration of Orange County’s impact and role in shaping important legislation and reform throughout the state.

]]> California State Senator Tom Umberg shares some of the history of Orange County’s impact on the Legislature, as well as his personal journey, challenges, and triumphs including three tours in the military, being one of the first federal prosecutors in Orange County, and his long tenure in the California State Legislature.  Tune in for an enlightening exploration of Orange County’s impact and role in shaping important legislation and reform throughout the state.

]]> Orange County Bar Association Buzzsprout-16578047 Mon, 07 Apr 2025 11:00:00 -0700 2590 2 4 full false Orange County’s Impact On Congress Orange County’s Impact On Congress A captivating conversation with United States Congressman Lou Correa. From his roots growing up in Orange County, to his long tenure in the California State Legislature and the United States Congress, Congressman Correa shares some of the history of Orange County’s impact on Congress, as well as his journey, challenges, and triumphs. Tune in for a candid exploration of Orange County’s impact and role in shaping important legislation and reform. 

]]> A captivating conversation with United States Congressman Lou Correa. From his roots growing up in Orange County, to his long tenure in the California State Legislature and the United States Congress, Congressman Correa shares some of the history of Orange County’s impact on Congress, as well as his journey, challenges, and triumphs. Tune in for a candid exploration of Orange County’s impact and role in shaping important legislation and reform. 

]]> Orange County Bar Association Buzzsprout-16270827 Mon, 10 Mar 2025 09:00:00 -0700 2540 2 3 full false A Discussion with Trudy Levindofske A Discussion with Trudy Levindofske Enjoy an engaging conversation with Trudy Levindofske, the 17-year Executive Director of the Orange County Bar Association who retired on July 5, 2024. From her roots in the suburbs of Minneapolis to her 35-year career with OCBA, Trudy shares her early days at OCBA and how she moved up the ranks to Executive Director. Hear from special guests in the legal community as they share their memories about Trudy, and discover how all her hard work paid off, shaping the organization into what it has become today. Tune in to Raising the OC Bar for a candid exploration of a remarkable career and Trudy’s advice to others who will lead the organization.

]]> Enjoy an engaging conversation with Trudy Levindofske, the 17-year Executive Director of the Orange County Bar Association who retired on July 5, 2024. From her roots in the suburbs of Minneapolis to her 35-year career with OCBA, Trudy shares her early days at OCBA and how she moved up the ranks to Executive Director. Hear from special guests in the legal community as they share their memories about Trudy, and discover how all her hard work paid off, shaping the organization into what it has become today. Tune in to Raising the OC Bar for a candid exploration of a remarkable career and Trudy’s advice to others who will lead the organization.

]]> Orange County Bar Association Buzzsprout-16432257 Mon, 10 Feb 2025 10:00:00 -0800 4400 2 2 full false A Discussion with Judge Stock A Discussion with Judge Stock In this episode, Judge Stock shares her incredible journey through the legal profession, from her early days in the late 1970s to her 24 years on the superior court bench. Judge Stock reflects on the challenges and shifting perceptions of women in law. She also discusses her work as a private neutral at JAMS and offers valuable insights on the progress women have made in the legal profession and the road ahead.  Stay tuned to the end to hear about her work on the OJ Simpson Trial.

]]> In this episode, Judge Stock shares her incredible journey through the legal profession, from her early days in the late 1970s to her 24 years on the superior court bench. Judge Stock reflects on the challenges and shifting perceptions of women in law. She also discusses her work as a private neutral at JAMS and offers valuable insights on the progress women have made in the legal profession and the road ahead.  Stay tuned to the end to hear about her work on the OJ Simpson Trial.

]]> Orange County Bar Association Buzzsprout-16179586 Mon, 06 Jan 2025 10:00:00 -0800 3744 2 1 full false A Discussion with Justice Kathleen O'Leary A Discussion with Justice Kathleen O'Leary An engaging conversation with Justice Kathleen E. O'Leary as she reflects on her remarkable legal career. From her early days practicing law in the late 70s to her significant roles on the municipal, superior, and appellate courts, Justice O'Leary shares her experiences and insights. Enjoy a candid exploration of her legal journey and her thoughts on the future of women in the legal profession. 

]]> An engaging conversation with Justice Kathleen E. O'Leary as she reflects on her remarkable legal career. From her early days practicing law in the late 70s to her significant roles on the municipal, superior, and appellate courts, Justice O'Leary shares her experiences and insights. Enjoy a candid exploration of her legal journey and her thoughts on the future of women in the legal profession. 

]]> Orange County Bar Association Buzzsprout-15432047 Mon, 21 Oct 2024 10:00:00 -0700 3267 1 9 full false A Discussion with Justice Sonenshine A Discussion with Justice Sonenshine Enjoy an engaging conversation with Justice Sheila Sonenshine, retired Associate Justice of the Fourth District Court of Appeal and current mediator at JAMS. From her roots in Montana and Las Vegas, to her pioneering career in law, Justice Sonenshine shares her journey, challenges, and triumphs. Discover her insights on overcoming gender bias, balancing career and parenthood, and her influential roles in the Orange County legal community. Tune in for a candid exploration of her remarkable career and thoughts on the evolving legal landscape.

]]> Enjoy an engaging conversation with Justice Sheila Sonenshine, retired Associate Justice of the Fourth District Court of Appeal and current mediator at JAMS. From her roots in Montana and Las Vegas, to her pioneering career in law, Justice Sonenshine shares her journey, challenges, and triumphs. Discover her insights on overcoming gender bias, balancing career and parenthood, and her influential roles in the Orange County legal community. Tune in for a candid exploration of her remarkable career and thoughts on the evolving legal landscape.

]]> Orange County Bar Association Buzzsprout-15311459 Mon, 23 Sep 2024 08:00:00 -0700 4797 1 8 full false OCBA Affiliate Spotlight: Orange County Asian American Bar Association OCBA Affiliate Spotlight: Orange County Asian American Bar Association This episode features the history of the Orange County Asian American Bar Association, going back to 1993. Mei Tsang interviews esteemed guests: Retired Judge Kirk Nakamura, Charles Wu, and Jessica Cha. The panelists highlight exciting stories from their past, including Judge Ito from the O.J. Simpson Trial, the formation and growth of OCAABA, and much more. Tune in to learn how far this great organization has come, and where it is headed. 

]]> This episode features the history of the Orange County Asian American Bar Association, going back to 1993. Mei Tsang interviews esteemed guests: Retired Judge Kirk Nakamura, Charles Wu, and Jessica Cha. The panelists highlight exciting stories from their past, including Judge Ito from the O.J. Simpson Trial, the formation and growth of OCAABA, and much more. Tune in to learn how far this great organization has come, and where it is headed. 

]]> Orange County Bar Association Buzzsprout-15130854 Fri, 30 Aug 2024 09:00:00 -0700 3705 1 7 full false Orange County’s Role in the Development of Private Alternative Dispute Resolution Orange County’s Role in the Development of Private Alternative Dispute Resolution Justice William Bedsworth and Daniel Robinson of Robinson Calcagnie, Inc. moderate a panel discussion with Justice John Trotter (Ret.), one of the cofounders of JAMS, and Alan Brutman, one of the cofounders of Judicate West, concerning Orange County’s role in the development of modern alternative dispute resolution.

]]> Justice William Bedsworth and Daniel Robinson of Robinson Calcagnie, Inc. moderate a panel discussion with Justice John Trotter (Ret.), one of the cofounders of JAMS, and Alan Brutman, one of the cofounders of Judicate West, concerning Orange County’s role in the development of modern alternative dispute resolution.

]]> Orange County Bar Association Buzzsprout-14189682 Tue, 19 Mar 2024 09:00:00 -0700 3418 1 6 full false OCBA Affiliate Spotlight: Hispanic Bar Association History OCBA Affiliate Spotlight: Hispanic Bar Association History This episode spotlights the history of the Hispanic Bar Association of Orange County, going back to the 1970s. Shirin Forootan interviews esteemed guests: Judge Aguirre, Justice Sanchez, and Jeanette Garcia. Personal stories about Wally Davis, Justice Cruz Reynoso, and more remind us that we do in fact stand on the shoulders of giants. Tune in to learn how far this great organization has come over the past 50 years, and where it is headed. 

]]> This episode spotlights the history of the Hispanic Bar Association of Orange County, going back to the 1970s. Shirin Forootan interviews esteemed guests: Judge Aguirre, Justice Sanchez, and Jeanette Garcia. Personal stories about Wally Davis, Justice Cruz Reynoso, and more remind us that we do in fact stand on the shoulders of giants. Tune in to learn how far this great organization has come over the past 50 years, and where it is headed. 

]]> Orange County Bar Association Buzzsprout-14021627 Tue, 13 Feb 2024 14:00:00 -0800 4575 1 5 full false A Discussion with Justice William Bedsworth A Discussion with Justice William Bedsworth An in-depth discussion with Justice William Bedsworth about his personal and professional background including his first legal job with the Orange County District Attorney’s Office, path to the Orange County Superior Court bench and appointment to the California Court of Appeal, groundbreaking decisions, and much more. 

]]> An in-depth discussion with Justice William Bedsworth about his personal and professional background including his first legal job with the Orange County District Attorney’s Office, path to the Orange County Superior Court bench and appointment to the California Court of Appeal, groundbreaking decisions, and much more. 

]]> Orange County Bar Association Buzzsprout-13971462 Wed, 15 Nov 2023 10:00:00 -0800 4681 1 4 full false OCBA History OCBA History Former Presidents of the Orange County Bar Association and its current CEO/Executive Director discuss the growth of the Orange County legal community, the role the OCBA has played in the development of legal institutions in Orange County, and the impact the OCBA has had on the larger Orange County community.  

]]> Former Presidents of the Orange County Bar Association and its current CEO/Executive Director discuss the growth of the Orange County legal community, the role the OCBA has played in the development of legal institutions in Orange County, and the impact the OCBA has had on the larger Orange County community.  

]]> Orange County Bar Association Buzzsprout-13501189 Mon, 16 Oct 2023 00:00:00 -0700 7501 1 3 full false CLA SoCal History CLA SoCal History Current and former leaders of Community Legal Aid SoCal and other key players discuss the genesis of the organization and its work in serving the legal needs of low-income people in Orange County and beyond from the 1958 to the present. 

]]> Current and former leaders of Community Legal Aid SoCal and other key players discuss the genesis of the organization and its work in serving the legal needs of low-income people in Orange County and beyond from the 1958 to the present. 

]]> Orange County Bar Association Buzzsprout-13501179 Tue, 26 Sep 2023 16:00:00 -0700 6933 1 2 full false PLC History PLC History Current and former leaders of The Public Law Center discuss the genesis of the organization, its growth over the years, and its impact in providing free legal services to low-income residents in Orange County since 1981.

]]> Current and former leaders of The Public Law Center discuss the genesis of the organization, its growth over the years, and its impact in providing free legal services to low-income residents in Orange County since 1981.

]]> Orange County Bar Association Buzzsprout-13501170 Tue, 26 Sep 2023 16:00:00 -0700 4859 1 1 full false