Plaintiff and defense attorneys unite at The 30/30 Bar's inaugural mixer

LOS ANGELES -- Attorneys from both sides of the litigation bar gathered Wednesday evening for The 30/30 Bar, an inaugural private networking reception that brought together an equal number of plaintiff and defense lawyers in downtown Los Angeles.

The event, co-hosted by Mayra A. Fornos, a mediator with ADR Services Inc., and Candace Coleman, of Express Deposition Services, was held at Bar 13 at Perch, atop the Pershing Square Building. Organizers said the goal was to create a relaxed setting for attorneys who normally face off in court to connect outside of litigation.

Leaders from several major legal organizations were invited, including Greene Broillet & Wheeler LLP's Geoffrey S. Wells, who is president of the Consumer Attorneys of California; Dordick Law Corporation's Gary A. Dordick, president of the Los Angeles chapter of American Board of Trial Advocates; and Nemecek & Cole's Marta A. Alcumbrac, vice chair of the California Defense Counsel.

Guests mingled during the three-hour reception, which also featured a surprise visit from two Los Angeles Rams Cheerleaders.

Fornos said the gathering was designed to "bridge the divide" between opposing counsel by highlighting shared goals within the profession. "We wanted to create a space where attorneys could meet each other as colleagues, not adversaries," she said.

During the program, speakers focused on unity, civility, and restoring public confidence in the legal system.

Lucie A. Barron, founder and president of ADR Services, Inc., called the event "exactly what the bar needs most -- humanity." She praised Fornos as "extraordinary in her ability to connect with everyone she meets" and said the 30/30 format "fosters genuine connection."

Fornos said her goal was to build a "new community" where opposing sides can find common ground. "After 30 years of wearing boxing gloves, I wanted to do something different," she said. "We're all zealous advocates in the pursuit of justice, but we have more in common than we think."

Wells said, "Civility between plaintiff and defense lawyers isn't just about manners -- it's the foundation of leadership. We all have a responsibility to stand up for the rule of law and protect access to justice."

Dordick said he gave up Dodgers' World Series tickets to attend. "When you give your word, it means something," he said.