Imagine losing track of your mother overseas and fearing the worst. That became Elizabeth McCausland’s nightmare in 2005 as her mother was arrested in Vietnam and eventually spent 14 months in jail. Throughout the experience, Elizabeth found support in fellow colleagues who put her in contact with local congressional representatives who worked tirelessly to help bring her mother back to the United States. As Elizabeth aptly states during this podcast, “build relationships before you need them.”

Elizabeth McCausland is a sole practitioner who serves as the 2017-2018 President of the 3500-member Orange County Bar Association (OCBA). She sits down with Chief Judge Frederick Lauten to discuss why she took on the responsibility of heading the Bar. As its President, she encourages attorneys to develop meaningful business relationships and to grow professionally as they serve the Bar, themselves, and the community.

The OCBA is the only organization of its kind where 100% of its members participate in pro bono work either directly through legal representation or by giving in-kind donations. Through the Legal Aid Society, members render legal services in about 10,000 cases each year. Focusing on the need to expand access to legal services for low-income individuals, the OCBA offers a Lawyer Referral Service and a Citizens Dispute Resolution Program. Tune in to this podcast to learn more.

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