What We Do

Our efforts start with sponsoring and supporting local Orange County law school students and high school students through our Pipeline Committee. We continue with the promotion of our practitioners by providing practical workshops, diversity-based education (CLEs), and our annual DEI Awards ceremony through our Professional Development Committee.

OCCDL PIPELINE

"Own Your Story" Workshop

April 18, 2022

Hosted by Oscar Teran (2022 Pipeline Committee Chair) 

Led by Estuardo Ponciano
"I learned through Estuardo [Ponciano] that I need to work on embracing my unique experiences to empower others because my experiences can be relatable to others...
Law Student Testimonial
Law Student TestimonialOCCDL Pipeline Workshop, "Own Your Story"
I had the opportunity to self reflect about how my identity as a first-generation law student, Latina, and single mother can be an asset to the community that I want to serve as a future attorney.
Law Student Testimonial
Law Student TestimonialOCCDL Pipeline Workshop, "Own Your Story"
I appreciated the 2022 Law Student Diversity Programs Guide that was distributed during the workshop because it has many scholarships, fellowships, and recruitment resources that can help law students. I wish I would have known all of this sooner."
Law Student Testimonial
Law Student TestimonialOCCDL Pipeline Workshop, "Own Your Story"
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Project SELF

Youth Project OC’s Project SELF is a paid eight-week summer internship that places qualified high school juniors in law firms and law-related businesses in Orange County. This important program exposes high school students from underrepresented communities to professional legal careers. This year, Project SELF placed 47 students in paid internships for the summer. OCCDL was excited to celebrate these students at their recognition reception July 27, 2022.
 

From left to right, Nancy Garcia (Associate Director, Project SELF); Kristin Gomez (Keynote Speaker at Project SELF Intern Recognition Ceremony); a Project SELF Intern; Martha Madrid (Project Youth OC); Maria Z. Stearns, Esq., (Project Youth OC, President); and Kristin Fabella, Esq., (OCCDL).

Project SELF 2022 Interns.

OCCDL’s Kristin Fabella with keynote speaker Kristin Gomez; Project Youth’s Martha Madrid, Nancy Garcia (Project SELF), and Maria Stearns.

OCCDL's Kristin Fabella (R) with Kristin Gomez, attorney at Hyundai

Keynote speaker Kristin Gomez (Hyundai) with OCCDL’s Kristin Fabella.

Credit: Lisa Renee Photography for Project SELF.

Project SELF Intern Recognition Ceremony, August 2022.
 
Credit: Lisa Renee Photography for Project SELF.
Attendees at the Project SELF Intern Recognition Ceremony applaud Nancy Garcia (standing), Associate Director of Fund Development and Project SELF.
 
Credit: Lisa Renee Photography for Project SELF.

Professional Development

DEI Awards

Professional Development Workshops

Social Justice Impact Litigation

June 16, 2022

“Discussion on Housing & Systemic Challenges for the Unhoused in OC” with Callie Rutter of Stronger Women United and Brooke Weitzman, Esq., of Elder Law and Disability Rights Center

(CLE Credit approved)

Connect with OCCDL

To join OCCDL as a member firm or community partner, or to find out more about what we do, please email info@occdl.org. 

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