Spring Reception 2026

Our 2026 WLAC Spring Reception was an outstanding success—truly one for the books! With record-breaking attendance and incredible energy throughout the evening, legal professionals and community members came together for a vibrant celebration of connection, mentorship, and community at the beautiful Terrace Room overlooking Lake Merritt.

We were thrilled to welcome an exceptionally strong turnout of attorneys, judges, and law students, all contributing to a dynamic and engaging atmosphere. The room was buzzing with conversation, new connections, and a shared commitment to supporting women in the legal profession.

A highlight of the evening was the presentation of our MAG Scholarships and the Kazan Scholarship, awarded to five remarkable law students preparing for the bar exam. It was an honor to recognize and support these future leaders at such an important moment in their careers.

Thank you to everyone who joined us and helped make this year’s reception so memorable. The enthusiasm, warmth, and sense of community were truly unmatched—we’re already looking forward to next year!

We also extend our sincere thanks to our generous sponsors and partners, and a heartfelt thank you to our WLAC Board members, whose time, energy, and dedication made this incredible evening possible!

Simone Browne
2026 Kazan McClain Partners’ Foundation Scholarship Recipient

2026 Scholarship Recipients

Simone Browne (she/her) is a JD candidate at Berkeley Law with a deep commitment to both human rights and intersectional feminism. As a law student, she has performed hundreds of hours of pro bono with Berkeley’s International Human Rights Workshop and Name and Gender Change Workshop, and has served on the editorial boards of the Berkeley Journal of Gender, Law, and Justice and the Berkeley Journal of International Law. Simone is excited to continue providing legal services to marginalized communities in the Bay Area, particularly through a gender justice lens.
Allison Jeon is a third-year student at UC Berkeley School of Law. Originally from South Korea, Allison moved to the United States at age fifteen, a transition that ultimately fueled her passion for writing and advocacy. Her legal interests are focused on litigation and international arbitration, and she is particularly dedicated to advocating and uplifting women within the legal profession. Upon graduation, she aspires to support global expansion for Asian businesses while remaining an active mentor for women in the East Bay legal community. In her free time, Allison enjoys exploring coffee shops throughout the Bay Area.
Metyia (muh-tie-ya) Phillips is a 3L at Berkeley Law from Houston, Texas. She graduated Summa Cum Laude from the University of San Francisco in 2023 with a major in Politics and double minors in African American Studies and Public Service & Community Engagement. Metyia is currently the 3L Editor-in-Chief of the Berkeley Journal of Black Law and Policy. She is also a Criminal Law and Immigration Project Intern at the ACLU of Northern California. After graduation, Metyia will begin a federal clerkship in the Central District of California. Outside her academic pursuits, she loves indoor cycling, Black romance novels, and traveling.
Millie Hernandez, a J.D. Candidate at McGeorge School of Law, is a first-generation Latina and daughter of immigrants committed to community empowerment and legal education access. She serves as Manager of the Center for Inclusion and Diversity, is a member of the Women of Color Collective (WOCC) and the Latinx Law Student Association (LLSA), and has worked with the Prisoners Civil Rights Mediation Clinic. Outside of law school, she is a LEAP Fellow supporting first-generation and underserved students. Passionate about mentorship, Millie is deeply grateful to the WLAS Scholarship for supporting her legal education.
Stephanie Bernaola is from Oakland, California. She worked seven years as a victim advocate at the state and federal levels, specializing in sexual assault and human trafficking cases. She entered law school to pursue advocacy for abused children and attends UC Davis School of Law. At Davis, Stephanie served as Chair of the Humanitarian Aid Legal Organization, expanding public interest opportunities for students. She also served as Retention and Recruitment Chair for the Latinx Law Students Association, sat on King Hall’s Community Engagement Committee, collaborated with UCD CARE Advocates, and volunteers with community organizations supporting survivors, youth, and undocumented families.