December 2024
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Barristers/Young Attorneys Newsletter
A monthly e-publication by the Barristers/Young Attorneys Section
Statement from the AVP

Reflecting on 2024, I speak for all of the Barristers Executive Committee members when I say we are incredibly grateful for our members. Without you, our events would not be as vibrant, educational, and fun-filled. I hope everyone has a restful holiday season as we wrap up this year. Cheers to another great year!

- Jamison Gilmore


 
PAST EVENTS
 

Comfort and Joy Event  – On December 7, 2024, the Barristers joined the Los Angeles Trial Lawyers Charities in their annual Comfort and Joy event in creating a holiday village filled with family fun and games, as well as provide food for holiday meals, much needed household items, and giving away over 2,000 toys to more than 500 families.


Pictured left to right:  Matthew Richardson, Natacha Amuli, Yuhi Amuli, and Natacha’s and Yuhi’s son.

 



Barristers’ Annual Holiday Party – On December 11, 2024, the Barristers hosted their annual holiday party at The Stalking Horse.  The sold-out event was full of laughter, friendship, and great refreshments.  Thank you for everyone who attended!
 


Pictured left to right in the back row:  Emily Lown, Claire-Lise Kutlay, Matthew Richardson, Amir Shakoorian, Martin Hirshland, and Jeremy Swett.  Pictured left to right in the front row:  Harmony Gbe, Janette Blair, Adam Korn, Anthony Lai, Daniel Pelaez, and Katherine Ullrich.

 


Pictured left to right:  Anthony Lai, Amir Shakoorian, Martin Hirshland, and Daniel Pelaez.

 


Pictured left to right:  David Penner, Nathan Dehnert, Sonal Imbulamure, and Steven Moore.

 


Pictured left to right:  Elizabeth Valledejuli, Barrister member, and Maria Hutt.

 


Pictured left to right:  Barrister member and Andrew Gianelli.

 


Pictured left to right:  Katherine Ullrich, Barrister member, and David Penner.

 


Pictured left to right:  Daniel Glassman, Hannah Zirzow, Denisa Tudorache, Katherine Ullrich, Marisa Galvez, and Dana Lui.

 
UPCOMING EVENTS
 
  • January 14, 2025, join us at a Virtual “Brown Bag” Lunch with Judge Stephen Pfahler where Judge Pfahler will talk about his journey to the bench, as well as his advice to newer attorneys.  The event will take place at 12:00 pm – 1:00 pm.  Registration is found here.
     
  • January 16, 2025, come learn about opportunities to become involved in the Family Law Section by attending a fun Membership Mixer at Feinberg, Mindel, Brandt & Klein located at 12424 Wilshire Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90025, from 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm.  Registration is found here.
PRO BONO OPPORTUNITIES

A couple select opportunities for our members to give back to our local community can be found here:

  • January 11, 2025, join the Barristers and the PS Science Squad in creating science kits for elementary school students from 9:30 am – 11:30 am at 1000 W. Hillcrest Blvd. Inglewood, Ca 90301.  Registration is found here.
     
  • January 20, 2025, join the Barristers at the 2025 Martin Luther King Jr. Day Volunteer Festival at the L.A. Memorial Coliseum from 9:30 am – 1:00 pm.  We will work in hands-on activity zones tackling health equity, food insecurity, STEM education, and more.  Registration is found here.


 
News and Updates
Los Angeles Lawyer Magazine – Barrister’s Tips

Want to be featured in the Barristers Newsletter? If you were mentioned in a news article or press release, let us know!  We are always looking for Barristers members to spotlight. Please reach out to our Media and Marketing chairs Heather Mariano and Emily B. Lown at heather@dkylaw.com and lown@bgfllp.com, respectively.

 
 
Spotlights
 

SECTION SPOTLIGHT
The Family Law Section

The Family Law Section strives to be a Section that provides value to its members, that elevates the standards of family law practice through education and the sharing of ideas on its list serve, and that serves as a resource to the Family Law Division of our Court through our volunteer work, including as Daily Settlement Officers and Judgment Assistance providers.  This section’s programming addresses the needs of the experienced family lawyer, and the lawyer beginning practice in family law in Los Angeles.

The Family Law Section has several informative events coming up, including a mixer, brief writing tips, jurisdiction-based tips, and the 8th Annual Sorrell Trope Family Law Trial Institute Program.  Registration for these events can be found here.

For additional information or to get involved, please contact the Family Law Section liaison, Heather Mariano, at heather@dkylaw.com.
 



BARRISTER SPOTLIGHT

ExComm Member – Amir Shakoorian

Amir A. Shakoorian is a litigation attorney at Holland & Knight and a member of the firm’s West Coast Litigation Practice Group. Specializing in complex civil litigation, Amir’s practice covers commercial disputes, regulatory compliance, and internal investigations. His broad experience ranges from preparing CEOs of multinational corporations to testify before Congress to representing clients in high-profile litigation. He has also advised energy companies before state and federal regulators, assisted hedge funds in matters before the SEC and DOJ, and represented various businesses in both state and federal courts and arbitrations.

A first-generation immigrant, Amir’s journey began in Tulsa, Oklahoma, and has taken him to New York, Washington D.C., and now Los Angeles. His unique background has shaped his strong work ethic, persistence, and deep sense of empathy. Driven by the pursuit of the American dream, Amir is committed to making a meaningful impact on his community and the legal profession.

Amir can be contacted at amir.shakoorian@hklaw.com. 

 

Barristers Member – David Chang

 

David Chang is a Managing Associate at Orrick.  His IP practice focuses on copyright, trademark, and trade secret matters in entertainment and media adjacent spaces.  He also has multiple years of experience litigating tech-based trade secret and patent infringement issues.  David is passionate about serving his larger community and has an active pro bono practice focusing on civil litigation, veteran assistance, and refugee legal aid.

Prior to joining Orrick, David served as a law clerk for the Honorable Otis D. Wright, II in the Central District of California as well as for the Honorable Liam P. Hardy on the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Armed Forces.  Prior to clerking, David worked at Kirkland & Ellis LLP in their IP litigation group. In addition to his civilian career, David previously served as an infantry officer in the U.S. Army and continues to serve part-time as a Judge Advocate in the U.S. Army National Guard.

David earned his law degree from Notre Dame Law School and his undergraduate at the University of Southern California.

Outside of work, David enjoys downhill skiing, British mystery shows, and running on the beach with his little bulldog.  David can be contacted at david.chang@orrick.com.


Select Job Postings


Barristers Liaison Applications

Barristers Liaison Applications Now Open!

We are seeking Barristers Liaisons to serve on the following LACBA Committees:

  • Remedies
  • Alternative Dispute Resolution
  • Cannabis Law
  • Criminal Law
  • Environmental Law

Liaisons serve on the executive committee of their assigned section, help foster a connection between the sections, and ensure that the Barristers know of any upcoming events or issues in their assigned section (and vice versa!).  Serving as a liaison can help you get on the fast-track to LACBA leadership both in the Barristers and in whichever practice area you choose.  Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis. Apply today!

Application form accessible here: https://forms.gle/xVziDpsh1vmp6pzXA

 
CONNECT WITH US ON SOCIAL MEDIA

SOCIAL MEDIA

To stay connected with us and receive information about events, updates and opportunities, follow us on these social media forums:

  • Instagram: Follow @lacbabarristers
  • X: Follow @LACBAbarristers
  • Facebook: Like our page @lacbabarristers
  • LinkedIn: Connect with us. Group Name: Barristers/Young Attorneys Section, Los Angeles County Bar Association
GET iNVOLVED!

Interested in getting more involved with the BYA Section? Connect with our AVP of Outreach, Melissa Whalen (mwhalen@horvitzlevy.com) to hear about opportunities within the various BYA Committees and the benefits of membership and service. Committee descriptions can be found here.

Interested in being Spotlighted in an upcoming newsletter or contributing to Los Angeles Lawyer Magazine?  Please contact our Media and Marketing Chair, Media and Marketing chairs Heather Mariano and Emily B. Lown at heather@dkylaw.com and lown@bgfllp.com, respectively, for more information.

About the Barristers/Young Attorneys
The mission of Barristers/Young Attorneys is to provide opportunities for new and young lawyers to develop legal skills, build a professional reputation, network beyond each member's workplace and promote public service projects. Barristers/Young Attorneys activities also provide a forum for new and young lawyers to develop leadership skills and to interact with judges, experienced attorneys, as well as other Barristers/Young Attorneys members.
CONTACT US
Los Angeles County Bar Association
444 South Flower Street, Suite 2500
Los Angeles, California 90071
Questions about this newsletter? Email us at webmaster@lacba.org

 

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