November 2017 Newsletter

Join us for this free one-hour webinar to learn all you need to know about the financial case for diversity and bias interrupters from Sheryl Axelrod, and get your organization ready for its own GOOD Guys program!

Benefits of GOOD Guys ("Guys Overcoming Obstacles to Diversity") programming:
*Engage men for the advancement of women and diverse professionals.
*Learn about the profitability of diversity & unlock its potential.
*Learn how to put on your own GOOD Guys program.
*Be part of the solution - become a diversity champion!

GOOD Guys is a program that spreads the message about why GOOD Guys are essential to the advancement of diverse professionals, which includes honoring GOOD Guys for their efforts, providing information about cutting-edge techniques to interrupt bias, and the latest on how diversity at the top makes more money for businesses. For more information about GOOD Guys, click here .

NCWBA Public Service and

Outstanding Member Program Awards

Each year, we recognize significant accomplishments of member associations in their work on behalf of the public and their own members. In giving awards to programs which we think are particularly effective and unique, we hope to inspire others to create similar programs, as well as to honor the good work of the volunteers. Nominations are now being accepted for the 2018 Public Service and Outstanding Member Program Awards, to be presented at the Women's Bar Leadership Summit in Chicago on Friday, August 3. For a nomination form, click here. Nominations will be accepted by email only until Friday, January 26.

Margaret Brent Nominations Due December 20

The ABA Commission on Women in the Profession is seeking nominations for the 2018 Margaret Brent Women Lawyers of Achievement Awards, which will be presented on Sunday, August 5 in Chicago during the ABA Annual Meeting. Click here for more details and a nomination form.

Save the Date--February 2 in Vancouver!

2018 ABA MIDYEAR MEETING IN VANCOUVER, BC

Luncheon Program on Friday, February 2, 2018

Noon to 1:30 p.m.

Vancouver Four Seasons Hotel, Seasons Ballroom

791 West Georgia Street, Vancouver, British Columbia

The Canadian Bar Association of British Columbia, Women Lawyers Forum and the National Conference of Women's Bar Associations are proud to present Challenges and Rewards for Women in Politics - Both Personal and Professional :

A Conversation with the Honorable Ellen Rosenblum, Attorney General of the State of Oregon, and the Honorable Suzanne Anton, former Minister of Justice and Attorney General of the Province of British Columbia. The luncheon is co-sponsored by the ABA Commission on Women in the Profession.

Have you ever contemplated working on a political campaign or going into politics yourself? Lawyers from the United States will join with their Canadian counterparts to hear from two extraordinary women leaders about the rewards and challenges of working in the political arena, the skills needed to navigate the transition into politics, lessons learned from contested races, and the importance of women serving in high political office.

P lanning for this program is well underway, and details concerning registration and cost will be announced soon.

NAWL Meeting in South Beach

The National Conference of Women's Bar Associations is a partnering organization of the National Association of Women Lawyers' 2018 Midyear Meeting in South Beach, held February 28 through March 2, 2018 at the W Hotel in South Beach, Miami. Members of member organizations of the NCWBA receive a 10% discount on registration. To register, please click here and use the code MYMNCWBA2018 to get the discount.

This comprehensive program will offer both professional development opportunities and skills training to help women in all fields of legal practice to thrive in their careers. Attendees will have the opportunity to shape the future of NAWL and the legal profession, and to honor leading lawyers and business leaders who have made a significant impact on improving and diversifying the field. NAWL's 2018 honorees include:

Leadership Award - to Marlene Gordon, Vice President, General Counsel, North America, Bacardi U.S.A., Inc.
Challenge Award - to Brightstar Corp.
Public Service Award - to Hon. Patricia Seitz, Senior Judge, United States District Court for the Southern District of Florida

Registration is open to NAWL members and non-members. Scholarships are available for attorneys who wish to attend, but may not be able to do so due to cost considerations.

For additional information about NAWL and the 2018 Midyear Meeting, click here.

Boca Raton Reception

SPBC FAWL President Tammy Saltzman (left) and

Membership Director Marissa Gart (right)

In early November, members of the board of the National Conference of Women's Bar Associations joined with the South Palm Beach Chapter of the Florida Association for Women Lawyers in Boca Raton for a reception honoring Judge Kathleen Kroll. To see more pictures from the event, click here.

Lawyers Club of San Diego

A profile by Madison Beck--NCWBA Intern and Women's Studies Student at San Diego State University

From the outside looking in, one may not understand the capacity of the San Diego bar association, Lawyers Club of San Diego, as its name leaves room for ambiguity, but upon second glance, Lawyers Club is much more than meets the eye. Its inclusive name makes room for all types of members from students, law or otherwise, to men and women, gay or straight. Its name opens the door of the organization to any person interested in the group's mission- the advancement of the status of women in the law and society.

Founded in 1972, Lawyers Club gave a voice to the 24 practicing women lawyers who, in light of California's potential ratification of the Equal Rights Amendment, wanted to address issues of discrimination in their profession, the law, and their community. Joined over the years by district and federal judges, attorneys, managing partners, students, and more, Lawyers Club has always focused on advancing the status of women, and creating an environment of inclusivity to do so. Solidified in the name, the organization realizes that women and men of diverse backgrounds are needed to address the issues of discrimination that exist in the law and in society.

Lawyers Club remains steadfast in its mission and relies on its inclusivity to make a difference in the lives of others, for those who remain active in the organization are also the ones that give the organization its passion and power to make changes to what others might deem as unchangeable. For example, Lawyers Club is home to many events and programs that are meant to inspire all of its members. This year, in September, the organization focused on work-life balance, while in October they targeted mentoring and sponsorship. In November Lawyers Club held a program entitled Solutions Summit: Eliminating Sexual Harassment, Sexism, and Bullying in the Workplace. Focusing on what is relevant to the organization's members helps ensure their involvement and their dedication to the mission statement.

In addition to the work Lawyers Club does for its members, the organization has a philanthropic arm created in 1997, the Fund For Justice, which allows them to reach out to the community and serve society, as outlined by their mission statement. Every year in December the organization holds the Annual Fund for Justice Holiday Luncheon, which raises money for community organizations such as Big Brothers Big Sisters of San Diego County and Hannah's House. Over the years, the Fund For Justice has made over 130 grants of more than $350,000 to 43 nonprofit organizations. The Fund For Justice also encourages volunteerism by Lawyers Club members.

The Lawyers Club's mission is truly what moves the organization forward. When choosing a topic or picking a program, the board always considers whether it will advance the status of women in the law, or advance the status of women in society. By remaining faithful to its mission, Lawyers Club is able to retain the interest and inspiration of its members, and maintain its philanthropic arm, both of which are imperative to keeping the organization going. When asked to give advice to other bar associations, current Lawyers Club president Olga Alvarez stressed the importance of constant communication with members as well as dedication to their mission statement saying, "to serve your members requires that you are in constant communication with what they need and what they desire to succeed in the profession."

Through the inclusivity of its diverse members, Lawyers Club is able to foster connections and partnerships that serve their mission statement, and ultimately all of society.

It's Time to Renew Your NCWBA Dues

Our membership year runs with the calendar year, which means that this is the right time to send in your organization's membership dues for 2018. Dues for 2018 have not increased, and are based on your organization's membership numbers. We rely on your membership dues and active participation in order to strengthen women's bar groups throughout North America. Click here to download a membership form to send in with your dues check. If you prefer to pay by debit or credit card, click here .

Are You on the NCWBA Listserv?

Are you a member of the NCWBA listserv? The listserv is an interactive resource for lawyer referrals and listings for unique jobs for lawyers and law faculty. It is a place to share questions about best practices for women's bar associations and announcements of possible interest to you and members of your associations. To join the NCWBA@yahoogroups.com list, send an email to Diane stating your name, interest in joining the list, and your affiliation with a women's bar association. You'll receive an automated invitation. When you click on "join mailing list," your list membership will be complete. Questions? Email us.

National Conference of Women's Bar Associations | info@ncwba.org | http://www.ncwba.org
PO Box 82366
Portland, OR 97282

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