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Dear Members of California Women Lawyers,
June invites us to reflect on the values that unite us as a profession: justice, service, inclusion, and the ongoing pursuit of equal opportunity. As we move into the summer season, I continue to be inspired by the strength, resilience, and leadership demonstrated by women across California who are advancing our profession and serving their communities every day.
At California Women Lawyers, we recognize that our collective strength comes from the rich diversity of experiences, backgrounds, and perspectives represented within our membership. Throughout the year, we celebrate the many communities that contribute to the fabric of our profession, including the Jewish attorneys and leaders whose contributions we recognized during Jewish American Heritage Month in May. We remain committed to fostering a legal community where all individuals feel welcomed, valued, and empowered to lead.
This month, we honor Juneteenth, a powerful reminder that freedom, equality, and justice require both reflection and action. Juneteenth commemorates the emancipation of enslaved African Americans and serves as an opportunity to acknowledge both the progress our nation has made and the work that remains to ensure equal access to justice for all.
In recognition of Juneteenth, I encourage you to join CWL's Diversity, Equity, Belonging, and Inclusion Committee for aspecial virtual celebrationon June 17, 2026, from 5:30 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. via Zoom. The program will feature a fireside conversation withJudge John A. Houston, Senior United States District Judge for the Southern District of California. Judge Houston's remarkable journey, beginning with his upbringing in Greensboro, North Carolina, continuing through his service in the United States Army Judge Advocate General's Corps and the U.S. Attorney's Office, and culminating in his appointment to the federal bench, offers a unique perspective on leadership, perseverance, and the evolution of our legal system. The discussion will explore the history and significance of Juneteenth, progress and continuing challenges regarding race within the legal profession, and Judge Houston's personal experiences throughout his distinguished career. We are also honored thatYahairah Aristy, former CWL board member, past president of Lawyers Club of San Diego, and longtime Deputy Public Defender, will serve as interviewer and moderator for this important conversation.
June is also Pride Month, a time to celebrate the LGBTQ+ community and reaffirm our commitment to ensuring that every member of our profession has the opportunity to thrive. Our profession is strongest when every voice is heard, every perspective is respected, and every individual has a seat at the table.
I am also excited to share that CWL has launched a Lifetime Membership Drive. A Lifetime Membership is an investment in the future of our organization and a lasting commitment to advancing women in the profession of law and society. By becoming a Lifetime Member, you help strengthen CWL's ability to advocate, educate, mentor, and support generations of women lawyers to come. I encourage you to learn more about this opportunity and consider joining the growing community of CWL Lifetime Members.
As we continue our work together, I encourage each of you to invest in the relationships that sustain and strengthen our profession. Mentor a newer attorney, reconnect with a colleague, support an affiliate event, or simply extend encouragement to someone navigating a challenging season. Small acts of connection often create lasting impacts.
Thank you for your continued dedication to California Women Lawyers and to our shared mission of advancing women in the profession of law and society. I wish you a meaningful Juneteenth, a joyful Pride Month, and a wonderful beginning to summer.
Together Strong,
Judge Patanisha E. Davis Pierson, Esq.
President, California Women Lawyers
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