Women’s Issues
Empowerment, Leadership
I believe in what the Dalai Lama is saying – the principal that western women are key to the future of the world. We are educated, part of the free world, and can be leaders to women around the world, which is necessary. I believe women’s minds are both soft and strong, and when we step into our own authority, take responsibility for our privilege, we can also be grateful for it. From this comes our power, where we can take a stand for something and make a difference.
– Mary McKelvey
A Passion for Pro Bono
Pro Bono A Passion for Pro Bono From Women Lawyers Association of Los Angeles archives April 2015 by Mary McKelvey When was the last time that you, as a lawyer, felt the deep satisfaction that comes from applying the principles of justice to right a wrong or been moved to tears by emotional gratification that flows from successfully advocating for a worthy individual who lacks a voice? If nothing comes to mind immediately, it may be time to consider taking on a pro bono project. When I made the decision to leave a successful career in finance to pursue a law degree, I confess I was an idealist. I was a bit mesmerized by principles of justice and fairness – the notion that there is an underlying fundamental order and [...]
Congrats from Women Lawyer’s Association of Los Angeles
Congrats from Women Lawyer's Association of Los Angeles Mary McKelvey, the incoming secretary of the WLALA Executive Committee, was recently named by the Los Angeles Business Journal as one of the Top Litigators in Los Angeles. She is only one out of seven women to be honored out of 50 litigators named. Mary is a fierce and highly respected trial attorney who is influential in every aspect of her career, i.e. in litigating difficult cases for national and global clients, in handling high stakes pro bono cases, in successfully assuming leadership positions at the state and local bar levels, in supporting the next generation of women lawyers, in mentoring at-risk non-lawyer women, and in proactively volunteering in the community. In addition to extensive trial experience, Mary has wide range of experience [...]
WLALA-Sponsored Resolution Signed into Law
Trial Work WLALA-Sponsored Resolution Signed into Law Have you ever thought, "this law should be changed or amended,” or "it should not exist at all?” Have you ever thought, "this law should be changed or amended,” or "it should not exist at all?” Have you ever thought "there ought to be a law about this” but when you researched the appropriate legal authorities, you found no law existed that addressed the topic you researched? Do you enjoy debating policy and the law as well as meeting interesting people from across the state? WLALA’s delegation to the Conference of California Bar Associations had an opportunity to participate in all of these activities and more at the state-wide Conference of California Bar Associations ("CCBA” or "Conference”) two weeks ago and had a [...]
Rachel and Angela M.: A Rare Glimpse Into the Lives of Two Girls Who Fled Danger and Abuse In Search of a Country That Could Provide a Safe Haven
Pro Bono Angela & Rachel Rachel and Angela M.: A Rare Glimpse Into the Lives of Two Girls Who Fled Danger and Abuse In Search of a Country That Could Provide a Safe Haven I was privileged to serve on a team of attorneys from my firm who were able to obtain two rare asylum victories, in a pro bono matter, for two young girls from Honduras who fled horrific abuse and an unbearable existence. The girls will say asylum saved their lives and gave them an opportunity at living the lives they had previously only dreamt of. I will say it allowed me a rare glimpse of the unbelievable courage, perseverance and amazing bond of two pre-teen aged sisters who risked everything for a chance for freedom from abuse, [...]