Frank Chirino
President

Frank Chirino is a founding partner and the lead trial attorney at Ayala Chirino LLP, specializing in the area of catastrophic personal injury.

Having spent more than a decade on the defense side, litigating cases on behalf of major insurance companies, he possesses a comprehensive understanding of injury litigation, which he proudly employs to achieve the best possible results for his clients.

Frank has resolved countless cases through settlement negotiations, mediation and trial. As an advocate for injured parties, it is his honor to work tirelessly to ensure that his clients receive fair treatment and just compensation.

Frank is active in several local organizations, including the Orange County Trial Lawyers Association, the Consumer Attorneys of California, and the OC Hispanic Chamber of Commerce. Additionally, he is a member of Business Networking International’s first all Spanish-speaking chapter – Lideres Sin Limites.

He is an avid martial artist, with almost 35 years of experience, and has black belts in three separate disciplines.

Laura Hassan,
President-Elect

Laura Hassan has dedicated her career to advocating for justice and equity. An accomplished attorney and leader, she has been a member of the Orange County Hispanic Bar Association (OCHBA) since 2021, serving as Chief Financial Officer in 2022 and 2023, and currently as Vice President for 2024. A passionate advocate for underserved communities, Ms. Hassan has worked extensively on pro bono initiatives, including supporting immigrant and refugee children, and championing the fight against domestic violence through her work with Laura’s House.

Recognized as a Rising Star by Super Lawyers in 2023 and honored with the “Outstanding Legal Leader Award” by Laura’s House, Ms. Hassan brings a proven track record of leadership, service, and commitment to advancing the legal profession and uplifting the Hispanic community. As President-Elect, she aims to further the OCHBA’s mission by fostering mentorship, promoting diversity, and enhancing opportunities for its members.

Ms. Hassan is eager to continue serving the OCHBA with integrity, dedication, and a collaborative vision for the future.

Alejandro Ruiz

Vice President

Alex Ruiz is a long-time member of the HBA and has served on its Board of Directors for the last two years.  This year, in addition to serving on the HBA’s Executive Committee and Foundation Committee, Alex will once again serve as Chair of the Judicial Evaluations Committee, Co-Chair of the HBA’s Scholarship Committee, and member of the Finance Committee.  Previously, Alex served on the HBA’s Bylaws Committee where he was tasked with revising and updating the HBA’s Bylaws.

In addition to the HBA, Alex currently serves as the Secretary for the Orange County chapter of the Association of Business Trial Lawyers (“ABTL”) and has been a long-standing member of the OCBA Labor & Employment Law Section.

In his practice, Alex is a partner with Payne & Fears LLP where he serves as the Co-Chair of the firm’s Employment Law Group and a member of the firm’s Diversity Committee.  Alex represents several of the firm’s clients in employment and business litigation matters and, being fluent in Spanish, is frequently called upon to liaise with Spanish-speaking clients, translate legal documents, and make Spanish language presentations to Spanish-speaking workforces.

Alex received his JD from Loyola Law School and his BA from Harvard University.  He enjoys spending his free time with his wife and three young children.

Patricia Santamaria,
CFO

Ms. Patricia Santamaria is an associate attorney with Madison Law, APC. She grew up in Orange County, California where she attended the California State University at Fullerton, earning her Bachelor’s degree in Child and Adolescent Development.

During her undergraduate studies, Ms. Santamaria worked for non-profit organizations providing a wide range of services to under-privileged men and women, at-risk youth, foster youth, veterans and survivors of domestic violence, and drug & alcohol recovery from various ages and diverse backgrounds.

Patricia Santamaria understands the importance of giving back and helping others. This desire for helping others combined with her personal experiences is what steered her towards a career in law.

Her practice focuses solely on Family Law matters. She comprehends the difficult and emotional process involved with family law matters and represents clients through the process with dignity and compassion.

Ms. Santamaria is a recipient of the Wally Davis Scholarship offered by the Orange County Hispanic Bar Association as well as a Rising Star Super Lawyers recipient for the last four years. Ms. Santamaria is a member of the Orange County Bar Association, Family Law section and Orange County Hispanic Bar Association where she is currently serving as their Chief Financial Officer.

Jennifer Corona

Secretary

Jennifer Corona (“Jenny”) is a family law attorney in Newport Beach. Jenny was born and raised in Orange County and was born to Mexican immigrant parents. As the first in her family to go to college, obtain a master’s degree, and to become a lawyer, Jenny strongly believes in the power of mentorship and education.

As the eldest of four children, Jenny always felt the need to set an example for her three younger siblings. This propelled her to prioritize education at a young age.

Upon graduating from UC Berkeley, and before law school, Jenny was a bilingual educator in the state of Texas through Teach for America.

During law school, Jenny was President of her school’s Latino Student Bar Association, served on Law Review, represented clients pro bono in immigration matters, and was the Pacific Regional Director of the National Latino Law Student Association.

Following law school, Jenny limits her practice to family law matters in Orange County. When she is not with her Minyard Morris or OCHBA family, networking, or mentoring, Jenny is finding the next new Netflix show to binge or planning her next dinner with her fiancé.

Shelly Aronson

Immediate Past President 

I have learned so much this year about partnering and working together with the vast talents and strengths on our Board. We are stronger together and balance each other. As we approach uncertainty regarding our immigrant community, I urge everyone to be kind to one another. We encounter each other daily not knowing what other people are going through, experiencing, or suffering. My 2024 theme was Empathy, Opportunity, and Hope. Empathy, kindness, and compassion are the foundations for a thriving community, legal system, and Board. I hope that through my leadership, we have helped improve the legal and immigrant community for law students, lawyers, judges, and community members. Thank you all for an incredible year. I look forward to a phenomenal year led by Frank Chirino, our 2025 President!         

Thank you to the HBA for giving me the honor and privilege of serving as your 2024 President. Thank you for trusting me with this incredible organization. It has been a learning and growing experience for me as well as rewarding. The role of President gave me a unique perspective into the pursuit of the HBA’s Mission of promoting education, unity, and diversity, and improving the quality of life in the Latinx community.

These are historically difficult times for us as a nation and those in immigrant communities, especially now with the urgent need to protect our diversity and to recognize and teach the significance and importance of preserving our rich immigrant culture and community. During my lifelong career as a Senior Public Defender, dedicated to representing individuals traditionally marginalized by society, it has been a natural extension of my work to serve on the HBA Board. I remain committed to working on social issues of inequality and injustice to continue the HBA’s Mission in the Latinx community.

This Board does extraordinary work by mentoring law students, recommending judicial candidates, hosting legal fairs, and by holding our annual Backpack Drive as well as a Stuffed Animal drive this year for the family courts. Our biggest event, the Annual Gala raises money for much needed Scholarships, given to deserving law students. This year, we created the Health & Wellness Committee which, along with the Mentorship committee, hosted two wilderness hikes as well as our very first Salsa Night Dance Night!  We worked together with our DCA and Orange County Superior Court judges to coordinate the Judicial Mentorship Program, including a Mentorship Mixer at Perla Restaurant, Santa Ana. Finally, we hosted several MCLE programs including our Annual Memorial Day MCLE. Please join us Memorial weekend 2025 for our trip to Puerto Vallarta!

Violeta Schultz
Director

Violeta Schultz is a transactional attorney for the Community Organizations Legal Assistance Project at the Public Law Center.  She received her Law Degree from the University of Guadalajara, and her International Business and Economics Law Master’s Degree (LLM) from the University of Southern California (USC).  At USC she was the LLM representative for the Women’s Law Association, a member of the Business Society, and the Latinx Chicanx Center for Advocacy and Student Affairs (La CASA).  

Before joining Public Law Center, Violeta worked at the Orange County Superior Court for the Self-Help Center for over eight years. During her time at the Court, Violeta’s professional Spanish quickly earned her a critical role in the monolingual Spanish-speaking community.  After the Court, Violeta was a trial attorney for two years in the private sector.

She believes that everyone deserves equal access to knowledge and justice regardless of their language, race, and economic means.  The second oldest sibling of six, her favorite pastime is traveling to Guadalajara to spend time with her family.

Christopher J. Ayala

Director

Christopher J. Ayala established his first law practice in downtown Santa Ana in 2012. Ayala Law Group, APC was later established in 2017. Mr. Ayala graduated with Honors obtaining his bachelor's degree in Business Administration Management and a minor in Philosophy from California State University, Fullerton. Mr. Ayala received his Juris Doctorate from Whittier Law School in 2011, graduated Magna Cum Laude, was a Law Review member, and on the Trial Advocacy Honors Board. He also received two CALI Awards in Legal Writing and Professional Skills. He was then admitted to the California State Bar in December 2011. He is a first-generation college graduate and attorney. His law practice focuses on criminal and immigration law.

By understanding the struggles faced by our Hispanic Community, he has volunteered at various pro-bono immigration clinics, health fairs, food banks, and has offered pro-bono services to DACA applicants. In 2012, he received the Wiley W. Manuel Certificate for Pro Bono Legal Services from the State Bar of California.

Christopher is committed to providing his clients with legal representation based on integrity, compassion, and experience. He will go above and beyond to meet his clients’ goals and objectives. Over 90% of his clients are Latino and Spanish speakers. He has a natural ability to connect with and understand each client’s unique circumstances because of his fluency in Spanish and cultural background. Christopher’s parents immigrated to the United States at a young age and taught him the importance of an education, hard work, and having integrity in all that you do.

Jeannette Garcia

Director

Jeannette Garcia is a family law and estate planning attorney. After six years of working for various prestigious family law firms, in 2021, Ms. Garcia opened her own family law practice in Orange County, the Law Office of Jeannette Garcia, APC. In January 2025 she added estate planning to her practice to help the Latinx community with protecting their legacy. Ms. Garcia is a first-generation Latina and proud daughter of immigrant parents. She was born and raised in Orange County where she graduated top of her high school class at Santa Ana High School (Once a Saint, Always a Saint!).

She attended the University of California, Irvine ("UCI") on a full scholarship and received a Bachelor’s degree in Criminology, Law and Society and Psychology and Social Behavior. While pursuing her Bachelor’s degree, she interned with the Juvenile Defenders, where she established a passion for law. 

Ms. Garcia received her Juris Doctorate from Western State College of Law ("Western State") in 2015, graduating Cum Laude. While at Western State, she received a merit-based full-tuition scholarship for two years and earned a Criminal Law Certificate. Additionally, she was part of the Law Review, Mock Trial Team, and she was President of the Latino Student Bar Association.

She was admitted to the California State Bar in 2015. Ms. Garcia has worked in the family law field for over 10 years. Prior to opening her own practice, Ms. Garcia litigated family law cases at large and prestigious family law firms in Orange County, where she gained valuable experience in complex financial cases, including high net- worth matters, business valuations, and tracing, among others.  

Ms. Garcia has been a board member of the Orange County Hispanic Bar Association since 2017, where she has served on the executive board and board of directors in various capacities. Ms. Garcia joined the Orange County Women Lawyers Association as a board of director in 2025.

Ms. Garcia is married and has two daughters- a six- and  three-year old. When not working or administering her law practice, she spends her time with her family. 

Catherine Navarro
Director

Ms. Navarro was born and raised in Orange County, California and is currently a Partner at Fontes Law Group, PC.

She graduated from the University of California, Santa Barbara in June of 2011 and earned her Bachelor Degrees in Chicana/Chicano Studies and Global & International Studies with an emphasis in Latin America.

In May of 2016, Ms. Navarro graduated Magna Cum Laude and received her Juris Doctor Degree from Whittier Law School.

In June of 2017, Ms. Navarro was admitted to practice law in the State of California and the Central District of California.

Ms. Navarro has represented litigants in Family Law Court and Probate Court.

Manohar Sukumar
Director

Manohar is the Supervising Attorney for the Health Law Unit at Public Law Center (PLC). Before PLC, he served as Staff Attorney in the Health Consumer Action Center of Legal Aid Society of Orange County. There, Manohar led a Blue Shield Foundation grant project to make policy recommendations to the Orange County Health Care Agency regarding implementation of their Low Income Health Project through California's Bridge to Reform, in the leadup to Medicaid Expansion under the Affordable Care Act. At PLC, Manohar runs a major medical-legal partnership assisting HIV-positive clients, engages in legislative advocacy, and provides consumer advocacy for indigent clients facing challenges with health care benefits. He holds a Bachelor's degree in Biochemistry from UCLA, a Master of Public Health in Community Health Education from Cal State Long Beach, and a law degree from Lewis & Clark Law School.

Angela Chavez
Director

When I was 6 years old, my dad was fired from his job for being Mexican and speaking Spanish at work. The local church would bring groceries to my family while my dad went through a lawsuit with one of the biggest banks in Los Angeles. My parents, both immigrants from Mexico, no longer allowed my siblings and I to speak Spanish. They wanted us to assimilate to the "American" culture. I remember the change and pain my family went through, and asking my dad who were the people that helped him. These people were his lawyers. From that point, I knew I wanted to be a lawyer so I could be the voice for people like my dad and specifically the Latino community. Becoming a lawyer was always my dream.

Many believed that my dream would never be a reality. At 17 years old, my dad was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer and given 4 months to live. I had also found out that I was pregnant. The first to know was my mom. I told her, "Mom, I am poor. I don't have money to bring a child into this world". My mom, a very conservative catholic, said to me, "Mija, how could you kill a life when your dad is just dying to live." The decision was made, I was to be a teen parent. When I told my dad "I am pregnant", it was the first time I had ever seen him cry. Not even when the doctors gave him a death sentence did my dad shed a tear. But, this time...he did. My dad said to me, "Mija, now you will never be a lawyer." And apart of me believed it.

As I sat on the side on my parent's bed, quiet, and in shame. I knew I had disappointed them. In my heart, I swore to myself I would not be another statistic. I would become a lawyer and be a voice for my Latino community. And it was not easy. As a single teen mother, I faced a lot of closed doors but creativity taught me to find a window to enter. The word "impossible" has shown up in my life more often than not, but I would like to believe I am one of those people that squint really hard and see the word "possible". Because sometimes your climb will be a mountain, not a hill. But, with perseverance and determination, I know possibilities exist. 

I received a scholarship to attend Chapman Fowler School of Law in Orange County, where I competed on their mock trial team. 

Currently, I am a trial attorney and run my own law office which caters predominately to the Latino community. I now look back to the 6 year old me who dreamt of becoming a lawyer. I wish I could tell her, "Latinas are lawyers, they exist". I am currently writing a children's law book, based on a Latina female, which educates children on various areas of the law. If ignorance of the law is not a defense, I want to use whatever tools possible to help vulnerable communities. I would like law to be more inclusive than exclusive. If only 4% of attorney's are Latinos, what can I do to raise that percentage?

I hope, through my actions and my voice, to be a change in my community and raise that percentage. I am the first in my family to have attended law school. I know firsthand the struggles of learning to pat yourself on the back. I wish to inspire, encourage, and teach other Latinos that "possible" sometimes comes in the form of "impossible", you just have to squint hard to see it. 

Nathaniel Perez
Director

Nathaniel Perez is a Southern California native with a background in both engineering and law. He earned his bachelor’s degree in chemical engineering from the University of Illinois, Urbana Champaign, in 2016. Following his undergraduate studies, Mr. Perez worked as a legal secretary at Dechert LLP while studying for and passing the patent bar exam. Mr. Perez continued on to Santa Clara University School of Law, where he graduated in 2022. While at Santa Clara, Mr. Perez dedicated himself to his legal education which earned him several distinctions, including Dean’s List, CALI Excellence for the Future Awards in Law & Technology in Silicon Valley, Intellectual Property Survey, and Mergers & Acquisitions, and a Witkin Award for Academic Excellence in Leadership for Lawyers. Additionally, Mr. Perez was involved in multiple student groups, most notably as the Co-Vice President for the Student Intellectual Property Law Association.

Upon graduation, Mr. Perez entered private practice at Goodwin Procter LLP, where he mainly focused on corporate law and intellectual property transactions. Now, drawing upon his diverse background and comprehensive legal knowledge, Mr. Perez has transitioned into representing injured plaintiffs in personal injury matters. With a commitment to advocating for justice and providing compassionate support to his clients, Mr. Perez wishes to make a positive impact in the legal community.

Adrian Canzoneri

Director

Adrian is a seasoned and diverse business litigator with the law firm Theodora Oringher. Adrian handles all types of business and commercial litigation matters, including labor and employment litigation matters, for a wide-ranging base of clients.

Adrian has represented clients ranging in size from the largest financial institutions in the country, to local small businesses and individuals. No matter the size, Adrian is passionate about his practice and zealously strives to obtain successful results for his clients.

Born and raised in Los Angeles County, Adrian obtained his Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from Loyola Marymount University, with a minor in Business Administration. He then obtained his juris doctorate from Loyola Law School in Los Angeles in 2009. Adrian is admitted to practice in the state of California, as well as being admitted to practice before all Federal Courts in California, and the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals.

Adrian is excited to serve as a Director on the 2025 Board of the OCHBA. In addition to being involved in the OCHBA, Adrian is also an active member of the Hispanic National Bar Association, the Orange County Bar Association, the Mexican American Bar Association, and the Association of Business Trial Lawyers. 

Miguel Alvarez
Director

Miguel I. Alvarez is a Workers' Compensation attorney. Mr. Alvarez is currently an associate at Mullen & Filippi, LLP. Mr. Alvarez focuses on defending all aspects of a Workers' Compensation claim.

Miguel has been involved in the California Workers' Compensation system since 2011. Prior to joining Mullen & Filippi, he was a solo practitioner before transitioning to the role of head of the Workers' Compensation Department at an Applicant firm. Miguel's experience on both sides of a Workers' Compensation case allows him to tailor his services to the needs of the client. 

Outside of work, Miguel enjoys taking camping trips with his family across the U.S. and Mexico. Born and raised in Ensenada, Mexico, Miguel is fluent in Spanish. 

Allison Aguirre

Director

Allison Aguirre is a business litigator at Michelman & Robinson, LLP, where she represents individual and institutional clients in a wide range of business disputes, including cases involving breach of contract, false advertising, fraud, trade secret misappropriation, and unfair competition. Allison also regularly defends clients in labor and employment matters, including wage and hour class actions. She serves as co-chair of the Women Attorneys of M&R committee, leading workshops and events focused on mentorship and advancing diversity within the firm.

A proud double Trojan, Allison earned both her Bachelor of Arts in Political Science and Communication and her Juris Doctor from the University of Southern California. During law school, she was actively involved in the USC Law Mediation Clinic, served as Editor-in-Chief of the USC Review of Law and Social Justice, and held a leadership role on the executive board of the USC Latino Law Students Association.

As a third-generation Orange County resident, Allison is deeply committed to continuing her family’s legacy of service within the Hispanic and broader Orange County community. She is enthusiastic about the opportunity to work with the OCHBA to increase Latino representation in corporate litigation and mentor emerging attorneys and law students interested in this field.

Christopher Hernandez

Director

Chris grew up locally in Boyle Heights. Chris is an Alumni of UC Irvine, Cal. Western, and the Trial Lawyers College.

He practices personal injury, criminal, and family law.

In addition, Chris shares an office with Llyod Freeburg in Fullerton and also has an office at the Riverside Bar Building. Chris is also an Adjunct Professor. Chris resides with his beautiful wife. 

Gardenia Montero

Director

Gardenia Montero is a Deputy Attorney General for the California Department of Justice. Ms. Montero is part of the Employment Law Section and provides legal representation to state agencies and state officials in state and federal courts and in administrative proceedings involving personnel matters and claims of employment discrimination, harassment, failure to accommodate disabilities, retaliation, and other employment claims.

Prior to joining the California Department of Justice, Ms. Montero was a civil litigation attorney at Schell Nuelle, LLP. During her time at Schell Nuelle, Ms. Montero assisted small business owners to larger corporations with all their business and employment needs. 

Ms. Montero joined the board of directors for the Orange County Hispanic Bar Association in 2024 and has participated in the Community Outreach committee, Newsletter and Communication committee, and MCLE committee. Ms. Montero will continue to work with the board of directors on advancing HBA’s mission in promoting  education, unity, and excellence in the Hispanic legal community.

Maria Elena Parada

Director

Maria Elena Parada was born in California and raised part of her life in Guadalajara, Mexico. She describes herself as a Tapatia at heart.

Ms. Parada graduated from the California State University, Fullerton and earned her Bachelor's Degree in Molecular Biology. She received her legal education from Whittier Law School, where she earned a Certificate in International Law.

Ms. Parada was part of Whittier Law School's Law Review Journal, a member of the Trial Advocacy team, and served on the Student Body Association as a 3L representative.

Ms. Parada has been practicing law since 2018. She is an associate at Haight Brown & Bonesteel LLP. Her practice focuses on civil litigation with an emphasis in insurance defense and personal injury matters involving automobile accidents and as well as premises liability. Her fluency in Spanish has allowed her to connect with clients to provide effective representation.

Griselda Rodriguez

Director

Griselda Rodriguez is the founder of Servin Rodriguez Law, specializing in personal injury and wrongful termination cases. As a first-generation attorney and trial lawyer, she is dedicated to achieving justice for her clients and making a positive impact.

A passionate advocate for the Hispanic legal community, Griselda mentors young professionals and participates in outreach programs through the Hispanic Bar Association. She works to bridge gaps in the legal field, fostering collaboration, diversity, and inclusion.

Griselda is committed to promoting an equitable and vibrant legal community through her work and volunteer efforts, exemplifying justice, empowerment, and community leadership.

Camilo Romero,

Director

Camilo A. Romero is co-founder of ReGeneración (www.regeneracion.co), a peace-building initiative, launched in Colombia and now operating globally, committed to healing intergenerational trauma through "Cuál es tu Paz?" children's books, story-healing workshops, and cultural celebrations like the "Poderosas" project (@regeneracion.poderosas).

Camilo teaches law at Santa Ana College focused on healing justice. He has led international delegations in Chocó, Colombia as legal director of the National Farmworker Association, organized student and consumer campaigns as a labor union organizer for the Sindicato Nacional de Trabajadores in North America & Europe, and designed know-your-rights trainings as legal coordinator for Homeboy Industries in Los Angeles, California.