Allow me to introduce myself. I am a Senior Trial Attorney at The Barnes Firm, LC. With 17 years of experience in civil litigation in California, my expertise lies in general tort liability, catastrophic personal injury, and premises liability. I’ve been honored to be recognized as among the Best Lawyers® in America, Top 40 Attorney Advocates Under 40 by the National Bar Association (NBA), a Super Lawyer®, a member of the Million Dollar Advocates Forum, and a Lawyer of Distinction™.

I am the first Black woman to serve on the board of the prestigious Consumer Attorneys Association of Los Angeles and I am an Emeritus Board Member. I am a lifetime member of the NBA, BWL, CABL,, and the John M. Langston Bar Association. I will use my experience and passion to serve as the 49th President of BWL.

My theme for the 2023–2024 board year is “From Vision to Reality: Dream Big, Push Boundaries, and Make History.” My theme is a retrospective: it looks back at our achievements, using that progress to chart a path for our future, by reminding us that we must set ambitious goals, and back those goals with hard work, dedication, and perseverance.

The theme also recognizes the power of ideas. In 1975, BWL’s founding conveners had the foresight to form this organization, to serve the needs (professional, social, and aspirational) of Black women in the legal profession. In so doing, they created a powerful community that has profoundly impacted Los Angeles and her legal community. This year, we will continue to contribute to the betterment of our community and our society with a commitment to justice, equity, and inclusion.

Yours truly,
Ronnivashti Whitehead Otieno