For over 80 years, The Law Offices of Young Wooldridge, LLP has been a leading-edge law firm in California with deep roots in Bakersfield, Kern County, and the San Joaquin Valley. Since Joseph Wooldridge and John Young shook hands in 1939, our firm has been pioneering state and federal water law, leading the way for California.

As a premier law firm in Bakersfield, we’re grateful for our success, and we understand the importance of community responsibility. That’s why our attorneys are actively involved in the Kern County Bar Association, schools, civic groups, charitable events, and professional associations. We proudly support local charities and events that make our community a better place to live.

At The Law Offices of Young Wooldridge, LLP, we believe in giving back. Our support for various organizations and causes in Kern County is just one of the ways we demonstrate our commitment to the community. We understand that our success is intertwined with the success of our community, and we’re proud to be a part of it.

Below are a few local nonprofits we support:

  • Water Association of Kern County
    The mission of the Water Association of Kern County is to inform and educate the public and water community about water issues in Kern County. Over the years, the WAKC evolved to include outreach and activities that provided information about many other topics. Steven Torigiani, a managing partner at The Law Offices of Young Wooldridge, LLP and an attorney in our water law and environmental law practices, serves as the group’s board treasurer.
  • Bakersfield Memorial Hospital Foundation
    A charitable organization that supports the mission and goals of a specific hospital called Memorial Hospital. The foundation’s primary purpose is to raise funds and awareness to benefit the hospital and its programs, projects, and initiatives. Robert Noriega, a managing partner and business law attorney serves as Chairman of the Board of Bakersfield Memorial Hospital.
  • Kern County Farm Bureau
    The Kern County Farm Bureau works to promote and protect the interests of agricultural producers in the county. It serves as a voice for farmers and ranchers, advocating for policies and regulations that are favorable to agriculture and rural communities. The organization provides resources, information, and educational programs to its members, helping them stay informed about industry developments and best practices. Mark Bateman, business law and real estate attorney serves on the board of directors.
  • Bakersfield Symphony Orchestra
    For over 90 years, the Bakersfield Symphony Orchestra has brought world-class talent and provided new experiences and beautiful expressions of some of the world’s most fabulous musical creations. Alan Doud, water law and public agency attorney, has served on the board for eight years and is the immediate past chair of the board of directors.
  • Bakersfield College Alumni Association
    The BC Alumni Association is an organization that aims to connect and engage with former students of Bakersfield College, a community college located in Bakersfield, California. The association serves as a bridge between the college and its alumni, providing opportunities for networking, professional development, and continued involvement with the college community. Marlene Morales, Marketing Director, is an alumnus of BC and serves on the board of directors.
  • Bakersfield Association of Professional Landmen
    BAPL is a nonprofit professional association organized in 1957, designed to secure deserved recognition and improved standing for Land professionals engaged in all matters affecting the mineral and energy industries by coordinating the work and efforts of Land professionals serving in the industry.
  • Greater Bakersfield Chamber of Commerce
    Our team of attorneys are not just experts in their field, they are also active members of our community. For more than 30 years, they have taken on various leadership roles such as serving as board members, ambassadors, and committee chairs. The California Chamber awarded Jerry Pearson, employment law attorney, and the Bakersfield Chamber the 2023 HR Champion Award for their commitment to helping businesses in our region navigate California’s complex labor law landscape.
  • Bakersfield College Foundation
    Several special fundraisers, such as the Silver Sterling Dinner and Hall of Fame Athletic Banquet, are held by Bakersfield College each year to show appreciation to private donors and bring awareness of the annual effects donations have brought to the students’ total educational benefit. Frank Wooldridge, a public relations and investigations specialist at The Law Offices of Young Wooldridge, LLP, is a board member.
  • Providence Classical Academy
    This school’s mission is to provide the children entrusted to its care with an education grounded in the Christian scriptures and the Western tradition, to form godly, virtuous, self-governing men and women. Brett Stroud, a water law attorney with The Law Offices of Young Wooldridge, LLP, is the academy’s board president.
  • Bakersfield Police Benefit Association
    The BPBA raises and manages funding for Bakersfield police members as supplemental coverage for medical insurance upon an employee’s retirement. Funds may also be designated in the unfortunate event of a tragic injury or death to a police officer, where the funds can be used to help fill needed financial gaps for the fallen officer’s family. Frank Wooldridge, a former police detective who serves as an investigation’s specialist at The Law Offices of Young Wooldridge, LLP, is a board member.
  • Bakersfield Downtown Business Association
    The Downtown Business Association’s mission is to advocate and promote business and economic interests in the downtown area. The firm has been a supporter for over 50 years.
  • North of the River Chamber of Commerce
    The Law Offices of Young Wooldridge, LLP was awarded Business of Year, 2021-2022. The chamber represents small businesses located north of Bakersfield. The firm has supported the chamber for over 25 years, and Marlene Morales, director of public relations and marketing, has served on the board for over two years.
  • Kern County Hispanic Chamber of Commerce
    The vision of the KCHCC is to create innovative and influential business programs that will promote Hispanic business and economic development at the local, state, national, and international level. The Law Offices of Young Wooldridge, LLP has been a supportive member for over 30 years.
  • Kern County Black Chamber of Commerce
    The KCBCC is an advocate for black business growth and economic development. The firm has been proud members for over 20 years. The Chamber is committed to good business and entrepreneurial growth. The Chamber also provides entrepreneurial training, access to capital, and partnership with government and corporate agencies.
  • The Woman’s Club of Bakersfield
    This association is Kern County’s oldest cultural club for women. Its mission is to strengthen the community and enhance the lives of others through volunteer service. The group awards over $30,000 in scholarships and donations to local nonprofits. The Woman’s Club has many annual fundraising events, including its most significant event, the Festival of Trees. Marlene Morales, director of marketing and public relations for The Law Offices of Young Wooldridge, LLP, is on the board of directors.
  • Delano Community Alliance
    The Alliance uses resource specialists from many Delano organizations — such as schools, homeless shelters, health care, and private corporate stakeholders — to identify the needs of underprivileged families throughout northern Kern County. Frank Wooldridge, an investigations specialist at The Law Offices of Young Wooldridge, LLP, is a board member.
  • Bakersfield Breakfast Rotary Club Annual Fundraiser Wine, Place and Show
    This long-running community fundraiser supports local nonprofits such as Special Olympics and Wounded Warriors. The proceeds of the annual event target programs that do not receive funding from other sources. The Law Offices of Young Wooldridge, LLP serves as one of the event’s major sponsors.

In addition, attorneys and legal staff have served as board members for:

The Law Offices of Young Wooldridge, LLP values the importance of strong community foundations, strong civic engagement, organizations, and residents in Kern County.