LACBA News

2025 Installation and Awards Dinner Highlights

Posted on: Jun 25, 2025

An Evening of Recognition and Celebration

LACBA’s sold out Installation and Awards Dinner was held June 20 with 460 attendees present. Legal leaders, including outgoing president Sarvenaz Bahar and special guest speaker the Honorable Patricia Guerrero, Chief Justice of California, delivered speeches and received standing ovations.

That evening, President-Elect Jeffrey B. Margulies and the new LACBA Officers and Board of Trustees leadership were inducted with tenures that begin on July 1, 2025. The awards ceremony portion of the event recognized the achievements of eight individuals within the legal community.

Thanks to LACBA's honorees, attendees, supporters, and sponsors for another wonderful event.

Photos by Hector Islas Photography. See more event images on the LACBA Installation Facebook album.

Top Awards Accolades

At the heart of the evening's celebration, LACBA recognized the distinguished recipients of its 2025 annual awards, highlighting the remarkable contributions and achievements of the following individuals:

2025 Shattuck-Price Outstanding Lawyer Award: California State Senator Thomas J. Umberg (SD-34) received this award for his unwavering dedication to public service, the courts, and the legal community.

2025 Outstanding Jurist Award: Los Angeles Superior Court Judge Kelvin D. Filer, Supervising Judge of the Compton Courthouse, was celebrated for his distinguished career on the bench and his significant contributions to both the community and the practice of law.

2025 Philip H. Lam Diversity Impact Award: Justice Helen Zukin was recognized for her long-term commitment and substantial efforts in promoting inclusion and diversity within the legal profession.

Outstanding Service Awards

In addition, Sarvenaz Bahar presented the 2025 Outstanding Service Awards to members who made significant contributions to enhancing the functions of LACBA committees, sections, and board-related duties.

Paula Kane received the Samuel L. Williams Outstanding Trustee Award.

Catherine Valerio Barrad, Susan Pithey for Alana H. Rotter, and Nicholas Connon for Susan Schwartz, received the Patricia Phillips Outstanding Committee Service Awards.