Plaintiff and defense attorneys gathered at The 30/30 Bar's second mixer

LOS ANGELES -- The 30/30 Bar returned Wednesday evening for its second event, bringing together plaintiff and defense attorneys for a cross-bar networking reception.

The event was co-hosted by Mayra A. Fornos of ADR Services Inc. and Candace Coleman of Express Network & Depositions. Organizers again structured the gathering to include a mix of attorneys from both sides of the bar.

Leaders from several major legal organizations were in attendance, including Elizabeth A. Hernandez of BD&J PC and president of the Consumer Attorneys Association of Los Angeles (CAALA); Alice Chen Smith of Yoka Smith LLP, president of the Association of Southern California Defense Counsel.

Also attending were Thomas J. Johnston of Johnston & Hutchinson LLP, president of the Los Angeles Chapter of the American Board of Trial Advocates (ABOTA), and William D. Shapiro of William D. Shapiro Law Inc., who is the national president of ABOTA.

The program also featured the founders of the "30/30 BAR," a networking initiative focused on connecting attorneys across practice areas, including Fornos, Coleman and Nicholas "Nick" Connor.

In brief remarks, Fornos emphasized the purpose of the gathering, noting that attorneys who typically "duke it out at court, at depositions, at trials, at motions" were instead coming together to build relationships. She said that in her experience as a mediator, attorneys on both sides share more in common than not, describing them as "zealous advocates for the pursuit of justice," regardless of which side they represent.

Hernandez, speaking as president of CAALA, thanked the organizers and stressed the importance of relationship-building across the bar. She said connecting with opposing counsel is not a sign of weakness but a form of leadership, adding that maintaining relationships across organizations and practice areas is essential.

Chen echoed that sentiment, saying opportunities like the event allow attorneys who may be opposing counsel to build camaraderie outside of litigation. She noted that professional relationships can play a role in resolving cases, particularly when attorneys communicate openly before mediation, and added that attorneys on both sides share a commitment to achieving just outcomes.

Johnston, speaking on behalf of ABOTA, described the organization as focused on the experience of trial lawyers and the relationships formed within it. He said the group emphasizes both skill and professionalism, adding that its members are expected to be not only strong trial lawyers but also respected colleagues within the legal community.

Shapiro, ABOTA's national president, reinforced the theme of shared purpose, saying attorneys across the bar are "all in it together." He pointed to common standards within the profession, including integrity, professionalism and civility, as essential to both trial practice and membership in organizations such as ABOTA.

Fornos said the goal of the 30/30 Bar is to create a space for connection beyond litigation and to encourage long-term professional relationships.