Women Lawyers Journal
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The Women Lawyers Journal is a quarterly NAWL publication, which dates back to 1911. The Women Lawyers Journal is for NAWL members and provides a forum for the exchange of ideas and information. The emphasis of this publication is on printing the news and views of the membership, promoting association programs, discussing substantive issues affecting women in the law and women in society, and promoting the agenda and objectives of the NAWL. The WLJ (or the "Journal") is currently accepting articles for Vol. 93. For an editorial calendar or to express interest in submitting an article for publication in the WLJ, please contact nawl@nawl.org. Submitted articles should deal with general topics of interest to women practitioners or with broader issues concerning women’s rights or obstacles facing women
Networking
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NAWL brings together women in the national and international sphere, opening doors to vast networking opportunities. Through NAWL’s programs and meetings, members meet a variety of other women lawyers with different areas of expertise, increasing business opportunities through referrals.
In August 2007, NAWL published the 8th Edition of The National Directory of Women-Owned Law Firms and Women Lawyers. The Directory contains listings of women-owned law firms and women practitioners who are available to provide professional services to companies, individuals and other lawyers. The Directory is distributed at no charge to in-house counsel throughout the nation and NAWL members, and for a nominal fee to others. The Nineth Edition is scheduled to be published in August of 2008.
NAWL Speaks Out
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On issues that affect women and women
lawyers, NAWL is often the first – and sometimes the only – bar
association to speak out. NAWL was the primary sponsor of the ABA
resolution that opposed legislation restricting a woman's right to choose.
That resolution was adopted by the ABA
and remains its official position on choice.
NAWL makes its voice heard in federal
and state governments. Its representatives testified in favor of
a Federal Gender Bias Task Force, supported the inclusion of more
women in the Federal Judicial Conference Committee structure, and
advocated the extension of the federal rape shield rule.
NAWL has been at the forefront of women's health issues.
NAWL passed a breast cancer action resolution,
has presented several women’s health conferences, co-sponsored domestic
violence programs, and disseminated key information to promote women's
health.
NAWL participates in individual cases
by writing or joining amicus curiae briefs addressing issues of interest to women and their families.
NAWL focuses on issues relevant to
women lawyers, such as the glass ceiling, pay equity, and balancing
work and family.
As the only national organization for women lawyers, NAWL is represented in many other national and international organizations, commissions, and government agencies.
Diversity
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NAWL is committed to supporting diversity
in the legal profession. NAWL
publicizes and lobbies for issues important to women, continuing
our tradition of serving as a voice for women’s rights and equality
in the profession. By joining NAWL, you will have the opportunity
to demonstrate your commitment and the commitment of your firm or
company to support diversity in the legal profession.
Leadership Opportunities
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NAWL members in good standing have the opportunity to serve as a liaison
to other organizations, on a committee,
or on the Executive
Board. Women overwhelmingly hold NAWL positions, and,
therefore, the opportunity for women to develop and exercise their
leadership abilities is great. Because NAWL is a national organization,
women in leadership positions are able to address issues with national
and international implications.
NAWL is committed to recognizing and
supporting women within the organization who have developed strong
leadership capabilities. At the 2006 Midyear Meeting, Board Member and Past President Zoe Sanders Nettles was recognized with the 2005-2006 NAWL Service Award and Committee Member Anne M. Coughlin was recognized with the 2005-2006 NAWL Outstanding Member Award for her service on the Committee for the Evaluation of Supreme Court Nominees.
Working as a NAWL liaison, on a committee,
or on the Executive Board of a national organization provides women
with a unique experience that is also valuable in other professional
activities. Many women on the NAWL Executive Board also serve on
the boards of state and local bar associations.
Programs & Meetings
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NAWL is committed to providing excellent continuing legal education programs on career development and substantive areas of the law. In addition to holding annual and midyear meetings in keeping with tradition, NAWL also engages in a variety of national and regional programs to advance its mission. These programs include the hallmark career development series "Taking Charge of Your Career: Best Practices for Women Lawyers and Their Firms" held in major metropolitan cities such as D.C., New York City, Miami, Atlanta, and Chicago, "Backpack to Briefcase: A Transitions Program for Law Students" which is an extension of the "Take Charge" series, the "Women Lawyers General Counsel Institute", "Oral Argument in the United States Supreme Court" featuring Supreme Court Justices Ruth Bader Ginsburg and Sandra Day O'Connor in a rare joint appearance, among many other programs. For details on upcoming and past programs, please see Meetings & Events.
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