Awards

At our banquet, we had the opportunity to recognize three organizations for their lengthy track record demonstrating their commitment to diversity and inclusiveness.

The California Minority Counsel Program, and California ChangeLawyers were honored with the Inclusive Excellence Award, for their commitment and contributions to diversifying the legal profession, and showing leadership in recognizing, and advancing Arab Americans within the legal profession. The Walt Disney Company was honored with the Diversity Champion Award, for their commitment to advancing Arab Americans through diverse and inclusive content. The General Counsel for Disney, Horacio Gutierrez, summed up the theme of the night succinctly: “When you wish upon a star, makes no difference who you are!”

Fireside Chat

We were also delighted to have California Supreme Court Justice Joshua Groban join us at the banquet for a Fireside Chat. Prior to joining the California Supreme Court, Justice Groban served as the Senior Legal Advisor to Governor Jerry Brown, ultimately advising the governor on the appointment of over 600 judges, or roughly one out of every three judges in California. Justice Groban repeatedly demonstrated his commitment to equal access to justice, and to achieving full diversity in the judicial branch; he had a hand in appointing one of only three Arab American judges currently on the bench, our very own AALASC board member, Judge Tony Raphael. During the fireside chat, Justice Groban shared his thoughts on the importance of diversity in the judiciary, and the qualities that make an excellent judge, emphasizing in particular that being a judge is “about being a good listener, having a high emotional IQ, and not having an ego.”

The Daily Journal published a great write-up for the event, and the photographer helped capture all the attendees who came out to celebrate with us! (View Photos)