About California Women Lawyers
Our Mission CWL was chartered in 1974. We were organized "to advance women in the profession of law; to improve the administration of justice; to better the position of women in society; to eliminate all inequities based on gender, and to provide an organization for collective action and expression germane to the aforesaid purposes." |  |
Who We Are
California Women Lawyers promotes the advancement of women in the legal profession and is an active advocate for the concerns of women in society.
Since 1974, CWL has represented the interests of more than 80,000 women in all facets of the legal profession, supporting, speaking on behalf of, and influencing lawyers, educators, students and judges. CWL aims to support members’ individual career goals and the collective goals of women in law and society.
What We Do
As the only statewide bar association for women in California, CWL maintains a primary focus on advancing women in the legal profession, and we provide unique resources and support to our members. Whether it is helping lawyers to network and connect or assisting experienced attorneys in securing positions on the bench, CWL is an invaluable resource for the professional advancement of women lawyers.
CWL supports women at every stage of their legal careers.
• We offer a “So, You Want to Be a Lawyer” program for high school, college, and law students, providing information and inspiration for aspiring lawyers.
• We offer online and in-person MCLE programming, focusing on hot topics in the law, practical information for your legal practice, legal ethics, elimination of bias, competency issues, technology, and civility.
• We offer an In-House Counsel Network to help those working in-house to connect and learn from each other.
• We offer a “So, You Want to Be a Judge” program, providing inside information and insight from the governor’s judicial appointments secretary, JNE Commission members, and sitting judges about the pathways to the bench. We also conduct evaluations of judicial candidates, thoroughly vetting those who seek our evaluation and endorsement and providing letters of support.
• We offer an “Elect to Run” program, providing training on how to run for political or judicial office.
• We recognize exceptionally talented and passionate lawyers and judges with our annual awards – the Joan Dempsey Klein Distinguished Jurist Award, the Rose Bird Memorial Award, the Judith Soley Lawyer as Citizen Award, and the Fay Stender Award.
• In conjunction with the CWL Foundation, we present the annual Nancy E. O’Malley Scholarship to a deserving law student who demonstrates a commitment to issues affecting women and/or children.
• CWL protects and advocates for women in the community via legislation and amicus advocacy, supporting litigation and legislation that advances equality for women, fights violence against women and children, protects reproductive rights, and expands access to justice.
CWL supports equality for all, including historically marginalized groups, and we strive for diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging.
CWL received The State Bar of California's inaugural Diversity Bar Association Award in 2002 and has been recognized twice for its innovative programs by the National Conference of Women's Bar Associations for “So, You Want to Be a Judge?” (2009); and “Elect to Run” (2016).
Leadership of CWL
CWL is operated by a Board of Governors comprised of district governors representing nine geographical districts, affiliate governors representing sister bar associations from throughout the state, up to two at-large governors, and up to two non-voting judicial liaisons.
District governors are elected by CWL members in their districts to serve two-year terms, and affiliate governors are appointed or elected by their bar associations to serve one- or two-year terms. At-large governors and non-voting judicial liaisons are appointed by the CWL president each year to serve one-year terms.
| Gender Definition Position StatementGender for the purposes of the California Women Lawyers' mission is best described as a spectrum. For many it is fluid. Everyone defines and expresses their gender for themselves. California Women Lawyers welcomes persons of all gender identities and expressions. |
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One Powerful Voice for Women
CWL, with its statewide focus and headquarters in Sacramento, is uniquely well situated to develop and implement an advocacy agenda. Each year we productively engage the courts, the legislatures, and the media.
California Women Lawyers promotes the advancement of women in the legal profession and is an active advocate for the concerns of women in society.
Since 1974, CWL has represented the interests of more than 70,000 women in all facets of the legal profession, influencing lawyers, educators, students, and judges. CWL has consistently provided a high level of support and commitment to their individual career goals and to the collective goals of women in law and society.
As the only statewide bar association for women in California, California Women Lawyers maintains a primary focus on advancing women in the legal profession. CWL provides unique resources and support to its members. Whether it is helping new practitioners expand their client base or assisting experienced attorneys in securing positions on the bench, CWL is an invaluable resource for the professional advancement of women lawyers.
CWL received The State Bar of California's inaugural Diversity Bar Association Award in 2002 and has been recognized twice for its innovative programs by the National Conference of Women's Bar Associations for So, You Want to Be a Judge? (2009); and Elect to Run (2016)
We are proud to have a robust membership of well-known and respected leaders throughout California, including:
Justice Ronald M. George (Ret.)
Justice Joyce Kennard (Ret.)
Alameda County District Attorney Nancy O' Malley
Congresswoman Lynn Schenk (Ret.)