Installation Tribute Book 2026

& JUDICIAL AWARDS INSTALLATION AWARDS GALA #JANUARY 2026

PROGRAM

INSTALLING INCOMING PRESIDENT CLARE LUCICH AND THE 2026 OFFICERS & BOARD OF DIRECTORS

JANUARY 10 , 2026 TH

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ORANGE COUNTY TRIAL LAWYERS ASSOCIATION 2026 OFFICERS AND BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Clare Lucich PRESIDENT

Michael Jeandron PRESIDENT-ELECT

Garrett Chambers 1st VICE PRESIDENT

Jason Argos 2nd VICE PRESIDENT

Tom Antunovich SECRETARY

Benjamin Ikuta TREASURER

Michael Berry BOARD MEMBER

Blaine Brown BOARD MEMBER

Alain Kinaly PARLIAMENTARIAN

Aaron Hicks IMMEDIATE PAST PRESIDENT

Ryan Cooper BOARD MEMBER

Taylor DeRosa BOARD MEMBER

Marc Ellis BOARD MEMBER

Amber Esposito BOARD MEMBER

Kristen Falkenstein BOARD MEMBER

Jason Flores BOARD MEMBER

Edwin Hong BOARD MEMBER

Nico Mamone BOARD MEMBER

James Perry BOARD MEMBER

Geoff Rill BOARD MEMBER

Allegra Rineer BOARD MEMBER

Amanda Robinson BOARD MEMBER

Puneet Toor BOARD MEMBER

Steve Young BOARD MEMBER

OCTLA PAST PRESIDENTS The Orange County Trial Lawyers Association salutes the Past Presidents of our organization who have collectively made a difference in our justice system.

1984 Fred V. Munoz 1985 John R. Cogorno 1986 Mark E. Edwards 1987 Troy D. Roe

2005 John A. Luetto 2006 John C. Adams, III 2007 Brian D. Chase 2008 Keith P. More 2009 Alan C. Brown 2010 Anne Andrews 2011 Yoshiaki C. Kubota 2012 Douglas W. Schroeder 2013 Hon. Scott B. Cooper 2014 Casey R. Johnson 2015 Ted B. Wacker 2016 Vincent D. Howard 2017 Hon. Shaina Colover 2018 Geraldine Ly 2019 B. James Pantone 2020 Jonathan Dwork 2021 Cynthia Craig 2022 Doug Vanderpool 2023 Lindsey Aitken 2024 Whitney Bertch 2025 Aaron Hicks

1963–1965 Ralph I. Callen 1966 Glen T. Bashore 1967 Stanley J. Hafer

1968 William Dougherty 1969 Wilbur S. Vaughn 1970 Theodore S. Wentworth, Jr. 1971 Peter M. Gwosdof 1972 Wylie A. Aitken 1973 Bruce N. Osterhout 1974 Marvin O. Burton 1975 Hon. Karl C. Frank 1976 Robert N. Christensen 1976 Garald J. Orman 1977 Ronald B. Schwartz

1988 Hon. James Di Cesare 1989 Hon. Thierry P. Colaw 1990 Gary Chambers 1991 Jean Hobart 1992 Steven R. Kuhn 1993 Lawrence S. Eisenberg 1994 Hon. Lon F. Hurwitz 1995 Peter A. Noronha 1996 Susan C. Kelley 1997 David P. Crandall 1998 John A. Montevideo 1999 Daniel M. Hodes 2000 John P. Burns 2001 Richard A. Cohn 2002 Eric V. Traut 2003 John ‘Jack’ Veth 2004 Jeffrey A. Milman

1978 Eugen C. Andres 1979 Michael D. Pursell 1980 Donald N. Belveal 1980 Nicholas C. Byhower 1981 Mark P. Robinson, Jr. 1982 Robert I. Schwartz 1983 William J. Howard

OCTLA MISSION

To protect the rights of people who have been harmed by the wrongful acts of others, by providing:

Superior education and training for attorneys Access to the collective resources, knowledge, and experience of our members Promotion and support of laws which correct injustice and protect access to the civil justice system TAKE NO CHALLENGE ALONE

MESSAGE FROM THE PRESIDENT CLARE LUCICH OCTLA PRESIDENT

I moved to Orange County to attend college at UCI in 2003, and the people and relationships I have built over the last twenty years are invaluable. I am deeply grateful to be part of this community and committed to giving back. I was introduced to OCTLA by my mentor and former president, Keith More. Over the years, I have been proud to watch the unity of this organization as it works together to help those who are harmed and asked to stand up for access to justice.

cancer could find hope and strength. We have also partnered with Operation Helping Hands, Kim Valentine’s charity, which provides a beacon of hope for homeless youth across Orange County. A snapshot of our recent fundraising efforts is included below:

2021 – A Walk on Water: $210,000 2022 – Operation Helping Hands: $300,674 2023 – CASA OC: $251,476 2024 – A Quarter Blue: $240,000 2025 – NEGU: $285,000 While OCTLA has used its voice to do tremendous good over the last 60-plus years, I know I personally can do more — particularly by volunteering more within our community. As we move forward, I encourage each of you to consider how you can contribute to our shared mission. Look for opportunities to volunteer, support local causes, or partner with organizations doing meaningful work. Together, we can honor the legacy of individuals like Jessie Rees and ensure that our profession is not only about advocating for clients, but also about making a lasting impact on the community. In 2024, OCTLA partnered with A Quarter Blue, an organization that provides trauma recovery centers for victims of sexual abuse. Our work with charities like these is especially vital in light of the current threats to access to justice, including justice for victims of sexual assault. As an organization, we are facing one of the most significant challenges to access to justice our community — and victims of sexual assault — have ever seen: Uber’s deceptive ballot initiative seeking to limit access to the courts for automobile accident victims. In response, we have united as a group to fight back and have raised considerable funds to fight to preserve our justice system. While our clients’ access to justice is increasingly threatened by large corporations, I am proud of how many of our members have stepped up and contributed when it truly counts. This is a critical fight for those who are harmed and rely on meaningful access to care and our courts. Finally, I want to thank outgoing OCTLA President Aaron Hicks. Through his leadership and commitment to strengthening our organization, we expanded our mentorship program, connecting seasoned attorneys with newer lawyers. Being stronger together means joining forces to protect our justice system, ensure access to justice for our clients, and give back to the community that has given so much to me personally.

As the organization’s 7 female president, I have also been honored to witness firsthand the leadership of so many remarkable women, including my good friends and colleagues — Geraldine Ly, Cynthia Craig, and Lindsey Aitken. I have likewise been fortunate to collaborate with and learn from outstanding women in our field, including Gretchen Nelson, Debbie Chang, and Geraldine Ly. OCTLA works tirelessly to protect our community by ensuring access to justice and supporting those in need. We are grateful for our partnerships with OCTLC, and others who share this mission. Each year, our Board selects a charitable organization as the focus of our annual fundraising efforts, including our auction at the Top Gun Gala. I am incredibly proud of the work we have done over the years, raising nearly $1.3 million for charity in the last five years alone. Reflecting on this charitable work helped shape my mission for this year: using our collective voice to make a meaningful difference. That mission also informs my vision for OCTLA moving forward. I am proud to lead this organization and excited about what we can accomplish together in Orange County to effect positive change. We are fortunate to be part of a strong statewide network — including CAOC, CAOIE, OCTLC, and CAALA — that amplifies our impact throughout California. Our charitable efforts have supported several important causes, including NEGU, founded by Jessie Rees, a compassionate twelve-year-old who battled cancer. Despite her own illness, Jessie focused on helping other children fighting cancer. Her motto, “Never Ever Give Up” (NEGU), reflected her mission to ensure that every child battling

Judicial Excellence Award Recipient The Honorable Maria D. Hernandez

While the customary term for Presiding Judge is two years, Judge Hernandez agreed to serve an additional third year, providing critical continuity and stability during a demanding period for the court. Her willingness to continue in this role reflects both her extraordinary dedication and the confidence placed in her leadership by her judicial colleagues. Under Judge Hernandez’s stewardship, the Orange County Superior Court has addressed longstanding challenges with innovation, collaboration, and transparency. She has prioritized reducing delay, improving efficiency, and expanding access to justice—always with an eye toward practical solutions that serve litigants, attorneys, and the public. One of her most impactful achievements is the creation and implementation of the Informal Discovery Conference (IDC) Program, a forward-thinking initiative designed to resolve civil discovery disputes quickly and efficiently. The program has achieved a remarkable 97 percent resolution rate, dramatically reducing discovery-related delays and easing congestion on civil calendars. The IDC program stands as a clear example of Judge Hernandez’s ability to identify systemic challenges and implement solutions that truly work. Equally significant has been Judge Hernandez’s commitment to communication and collaboration with the legal community. During her tenure, she instituted quarterly meetings with all Orange County bar associations, creating a consistent forum to share information, address concerns, and foster mutual understanding. She embraced an open-door policy, welcoming feedback and dialogue, and demonstrating genuine respect for the perspectives of practitioners who engage with the court every day. This approach strengthened trust and reinforced the shared mission of ensuring the effective administration of justice. Beyond Orange County, Judge Hernandez has contributed at the statewide level through her service on judicial committees and the California Judicial Council. She is also a dedicated educator and mentor, investing in judicial education and the development of future lawyers and judges. Judge Hernandez’s leadership is defined by intellect, humility, and an unwavering commitment to excellence. Her service has strengthened the Orange County Superior Court and enhanced public confidence in our judiciary. OCTLA is honored to recognize the Honorable Maria D. Hernandez for her extraordinary leadership and lasting contributions to our justice system. Please join us in congratulating OCTLA’s 2026 Judge of the Year.

The Orange County Trial Lawyers Association is proud to honor Maria D. Hernandez as its 2026 Judge of the Year. This distinguished award recognizes a jurist whose leadership, vision, and tireless commitment have strengthened not only the Orange County Superior Court, but the administration of justice throughout our community. We are especially honored to present this award at the Installation & Judicial Awards Ceremony on January 10, 2026, at the Balboa Bay Club in Newport Beach, where the legal community gathers to celebrate exceptional service to the rule of law. Judge Hernandez’s legal career reflects both depth and an unwavering dedication to public service. After earning her undergraduate degree from the University of California, Irvine, and her Juris Doctor from Western State University College of Law, she served with distinction as a Senior Deputy Public Defender in Orange County. That experience instilled in her a deep appreciation for fairness, due process, and the human impact of judicial decision- making—principles that continue to guide her leadership today. She began her judicial service as a Commissioner in 2006 and was appointed to the Orange County Superior Court bench in 2009. Over the years, Judge Hernandez served in a wide range of assignments, including criminal and juvenile matters, earning respect for her integrity, sound judgment, and commitment to meaningful justice. For the past three years, Judge Hernandez has served as Presiding Judge of the Superior Court of California, County of Orange, leading one of the largest and busiest trial court systems in the nation.

With appreciation and respect,

Congratulations from all of us at Supio!

Clare Lucich Incoming President

Judicial Award Recipient

Honorable Maria D. Hernandez

Immediate Past President

Aaron Hicks and All OCTLA Officers and Board of Directors

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BRIAN CHASE

OCBA Board of Directors Masters Division - 2025 Chair - OCBA Tort & Trial Section - 2023 Daily Journal Top Plaintiff Lawyer - 2020–21, 2023

President CAOC - 2015

Trial Lawyer of the Year OCTLA - 2014 Trial Lawyer of the Year CAOC - 2012 Trial Lawyer of the Year Nominee CAALA - 2012

President OCTLA - 2007

Product Liability Trial Lawyer of the Year OCTLA - 2004

Big Congratulations to OCTLA Leaders of 2026

Bisnar Chase is honored to congratulate the Orange County Trial Lawyers Association’s 2026 leadership, including the Incoming President Clare Lucich and the officers and board of directors. Additional congratulations go to Honorable Maria Hernandez , Judicial Award Recipient, and Aaron Hicks ,

Immediate Past President. 1301 Dove Street, #120 Newport Beach, CA 92660 web: www.BestAttorney.com Tel: 800-561-4887

Judicial Award Recipient Honorable Maria D. Hernandez Incoming President Clare Lucich Congratulations to OCTLA’s 63 Board rd

Congratulations! HonorableMaria D.Hernandez Judicial Award Clare Lucich Incoming President Aaron Hicks Immediate Past President Thank you to the incoming and outgoing OCTLA Officers and Board of Directors.

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Proud Sponsor of the OCTLA 2026 Installation & Judicial Awards Program Congratulations to the the incoming Executive Committee and tonight’s honoree

Hon. Maria D. Hernandez Judicial Award Recipient

proudly Congratulates OCTLA’s Incoming OfficersandBoard of Directors

Honorable Maria D. Hernandez JudicialAwardRecipient

Clare Lucich IncomingPresident

ImmediatePastPresident

Aaron Hicks

OCTLA OFFICERS Michael Jeandron, President Elect • Garrett Chambers, 1st Vice President Jason Argos, 2nd Vice President • Tom Antunovich, Secretary Benjamin Ikuta, Treasurer • Alain Kinaly, Parliamentarian BOARD OF DIRECTORS Michael Berry, Blaine Brown, Ryan Cooper, Taylor DeRosa, Marc Ellis, Amber Esposito, Kristen Falkenstein, Jason Flores, Edwin Hong, Nico Mamone, James Perry, Geoff Rill, Allegra Rineer, Amanda Robinson, Puneet Toor, Steve Young

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TO HONORABLE MARIA D. HERNANDEZ, JUDICIAL EXCELLENCE AWARD RECIPIENT AND TO THE 2026 OFFICERS AND DIRECTORS Congratulations

CLARE LUCICH, PRESIDENT Officers: Michael Jeandron, Garrett Chambers, Jason Argos, Tom Antunovich, Benjamin Ikuta, Alain Kinaly

Board Members: Michael Berry, Blaine Brown, Ryan Cooper, Taylor DeRosa, Marc Ellis, Amber Esposito, Kristen Falkenstein, Jason Flores, Edwin Hong, Nico Mamone, James Perry, Geoff Rill, Allegra Rineer, Amanda Robinson, Puneet Toor, Steve Young

OCTLA IS IN GOOD HANDS From Gibson Hughes Law & Valentine Law Group

OCTLA's 63rd ANNUAL INSTALLATION & AWARDS PROGRAM

Congratulates Judicial Award Recipient Honorable Maria D. Hernandez

Clare Lucich Incoming President

Aaron Hicks Immediate Past President

Michael Jeandron, President Elect Garrett Chambers, 1 Vice President Jason Argos, 2 Vice President Tom Antunovich, Secretary Benjamin Ikuta, Treasurer Alain Kinaly, Parliamentarian st nd OCTLA OFFICERS

Michael berry, Blaine Brown, Ryan Cooper, Taylor DeRosa, Marc Ellis, Amber Esposito, Kristen Falkenstein, Jason Flores, Edwin Hong, Nico Mamone, James Perry, Geoff Rill, Allegra Rineer, Amanda Robinson, Puneet Toor, Steve Young BOARD OF DIRECTORS

TO HONORABLE MARIA D. HERNANDEZ, JUDICIAL EXCELLENCE AWARD RECIPIENT Congratulations

CLARE LUCICH, PRESIDENT Officers: Michael Jeandron, Garrett Chambers, Jason Argos, Tom Antunovich, Benjamin Ikuta, Alain Kinaly Board Members: Michael Berry, Blaine Brown, Ryan Cooper, Taylor DeRosa, Marc Ellis, Amber Esposito, Kristen Falkenstein, Jason Flores, Edwin Hong, Nico Mamone, James Perry, Geoff Rill, Allegra Rineer, Amanda Robinson, Puneet Toor, Steve Young I look forward to a great year and working together. Congratulations to all! BOARD MEMBERS Michael Berry, Blaine Brown, Ryan Cooper, Taylor DeRosa, Marc Ellis, Amber Esposito, Kristen Falkenstein, Jason Flores, Edwin Hong, Nico Mamone, James Perry, Geoff Rill, Allegra Rineer, Amanda Robinson, Puneet Toor, Steve Young CLARE LUCICH, OFFICERS Michael Jeandron, Garrett Chambers, Jason Argos, Tom Antunovich, Benjamin Ikuta, Alain Kinaly

Jennifer Lopez

Congratulations! to OCTLA's Honorees Judicial Award Recipient Honorable Maria D. Hernandez Incoming OCTLA President Clare Lucich & To all of the OCTLA's Incoming Officers and Board of Directors

Michelle Reinglass, Mediator Judicate West Judicate West Office: (714) 834-1340 www.judicatewest.com

Office: (949) 587-0460 www.reinglassadr.com

CLARE LUCICH Officers: Michael Jeandron, Garrett Chambers, Jason Argos, Tom Antunovich, Benjamin Ikuta, Alain Kinaly Board Members: Michael Berry, Blaine Brown, Ryan Cooper, Taylor DeRosa, Marc Ellis, Amber Esposito, Kristen Falkenstein, Jason Flores, Edwin Hong, Nico Mamone, James Perry, Geoff Rill, Allegra Rineer, Amanda Robinson, Puneet Toor, Steve Young Congratulations INCOMING PRESIDENT HON. MARIA D. HERNANDEZ JUDICIAL EXCELLENCE AWARD RECIPIENT

I look forward to a great year and working together. Congratulations to all!

Jennifer Lopez

OCTLA ISSUE 63 TRIBUTE BOOK

Congratulations

EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE CLARE LUCICH, MICHAEL JEANDRON, GARRETT CHAMBERS, JASON ARGOS, TOM ANTUNOVICH, BENJAMIN IKUTA, ALAIN KINALY MICHAEL BERRY, BLAINE BROWN, RYAN COOPER, TAYLOR DEROSA, MARC ELLIS, AMBER ESPOSITO, KRISTEN FALKENSTEIN, JASON FLORES, EDWIN HONG, NICO MAMONE, JAMES PERRY, GEOFF RILL, ALLEGRA RINEER, AMANDA ROBINSON, PUNEET TOOR, STEVE YOUNG 2026 BOARD OF DIRECTORS

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INSTALLATION & JUDICIAL AWARDS PROGRAM ORANGE COUNTY TRIAL LAWYERS ASSOCIATION

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