MESSAGE FROM THE CHAIRMAN

Dear Members, 

I wanted to start by introducing myself as the new Chair of the PORAC Legal Defense Fund. I assumed the position at the end of January and look forward to working with you all in my new role.

I also want to thank Los Angeles Airport Police Officers Association Vice President Rudy Bojorquez for his service as LDF’s most recent Chairman. In 2025, Rudy led us through a series of changes that put us in a stronger financial position, expanded the number of panel attorneys available to our members, and helped LDF grow to over 161,000 members across all 50 states and US territories. Rudy remains on the Board of Trustees and will continue to make significant contributions to the Fund.

As I step into the big shoes of Rudy and the many Chairs who served before him, I will remain committed to ensuring the sustainability of the Legal Defense Fund. With the many uncertainties surrounding our profession, it is reassuring to know that the oldest, largest, and most respected Legal Defense Fund is here to provide members with the coverage we may need.

As labor association leaders, we spend a lot of time thinking about how we can advance the labor cause and preserve our members’ due process rights. Although much of our work can be a source of a few headaches (and lots of great stories!), the marquee wins make up for the losses. No one can truly understand the gratification we receive from our work except other labor leaders.

Just as we aim for a labor agreement that includes a strong pay and benefits package, many associations provide legal coverage to their members through LDF. As the laws governing our profession evolve, the need for legal representation through criminal, administrative, civil, and decertification hearings becomes increasingly more important. 

In the municipality where I work, LDF was always viewed as a nice-to-have. We knew it was available to us, but the coverage was something we hoped we never needed. After 11 years of serving my association, I can only recall a handful of significant administrative cases. All of that changed five years ago when our members responded to a seemingly routine call which culminated in a death. Although the initial investigation pointed to this being an unfortunate circumstance, a leadership change at the District Attorney’s Office prompted a second review.

From the moment a call was placed to the LDF staff, the involved officers and the entire POA knew they would be well represented by our panel attorneys and experts. Each officer, represented separately, received exceptional counsel throughout their administrative interviews and criminal proceedings. Although this was a difficult time for the officers, they knew they had the backing of the best legal representation and LDF available to any police officer. 

We are grateful for the panel attorneys, experts, staff, and the many association leaders who stood beside our officers. Just as labor leaders remain committed to their members, LDF provides our members with the most important form of due process: protecting our rights and freedoms. Since 2007, LDF has paid over $300 million to vigorously defend our members.

We provide an array of plan options, the most talented attorneys and experts, and comprehensive coverage for members with no caps on benefits. LDF will be here when you need it.

 I look forward to seeing you in the months ahead.

On behalf of the LDF Board of Trustees,
Alan Kuboyama
Chairman
PORAC Legal Defense Fund
Alankuboyama@hotmail.com