The National Law Journal's L.A. Legal Pad

Orange County's first LGBT bar association is established

James Moloney, a partner at Los Angeles-based Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher has helped found Orange County's first lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) bar association.

The Orange County Lavender Bar Association was launched during a gathering on the rooftop of Gibson Dunn's Irvine, Calif., office. Moloney is co-chairman of the securities regulation and corporate governance practice group.

Moloney spoke to The National Law Journal about how the same-sex marriage ban, Proposition 8, prompted him to begin discussions six months ago about forming an LGBT bar association in his community. He also talks about the challenges such a group may face in traditionally conservative Orange County. 

Full interview here.

San Diego's Wilson Petty wins diversity award

Wilson Petty received the Legal Employer Award for Diversity on Saturday from the Earl B. Gilliam Bar Association, an affiliate of the state Association of Black Lawyers and National Bar Association.

The San Diego firm is the first private law firm to get the award. This is the fifth time the award has been given.