News & Event Archive

The Fay Stender Award is given annually to a feminist attorney who is committed to the representation of women, disadvantaged groups and unpopular causes, and whose courage, zest for life and ability to effect change make her a role model.  For information about the award and how to submit a nomination, please click here.  Nominations must be received by July 9, 2010.

Judge Garrett has been a member of the Solano County bench since 1992, when she was appointed by Governor Wilson to the Northern Solano Municipal Court. She was the first woman and the first African-American appointed to that court, both heavy obligations at only 39.  Garrett became a Superior Court judge when the courts were consolidated in 1997.  She established the Solano County Drug Court and, most recently, served as Presiding Judge for a two-year term in 2008-2009.  Judge Garrett’s current assignment is as a Trial Judge for the Superior Court of Solano County, Civil Litigation and Probate.

The Rose Bird Memorial Award was established in honor of the first woman to serve as Chief Justice of the California Supreme Court.  CWL is proud to honor Judge Garrett as the 2010 Rose Bird Memorial Award recipient.

The reception took place on May 21, 2010 at the Solano County Administration Center in Fairfield.

The State Bar seeks active members of the State Bar, former members of the judiciary, and members of the public who are interested in volunteering to serve on the 2011 Commission on Judicial Nominees Evaluation (JNE Commission).  Information on the commission and time commitment and the application are available from the State Bar's web site at www.calbar.ca.gov (select links to Attorney Resources/ Committees and Commissions/Other Entity Appointments) or from the State Bar’s Appointments Office:  415/538-2318; fax 415/538-2255. The application deadline is June 1, 2010.

Click here for additional information.

March 1, 2010
CWL is seeking nominations for its award that will go to an outstanding judge from Southern California.

In our continuing effort to “go green”, CWL members will now have the added option to cast their vote online for the District Governor elections. 

To vote online, current CWL members can send an email to Renee at CWL requesting an online account.  Some members already have an account, in which case, a user name and password have already been established.  To vote online, go to the CWL website (CWL.org), click on “Members Only” and log in.  Once the user name and password have been authenticated, follow the direction to the ballot and vote.  Voting will be open February 1, 2010 through March 1, 2010. 

The District Governor ballots will be sent out the end of January and can either be scanned and attached to an email (info@cwl.org) or faxed (916) 646-6469 or mailed to California Women Lawyers, 650 Howe Ave., Ste. 1050, Sacramento, CA  95825.

Make sure you renew your membership so you can access your account and vote!

If you have any further questions or need assistance, please contact Renée Calta, CWL Executive Administrator at (916) 646-3114; info@cwl.org.

In June 2010, CWL President Nancy E. O’Malley was elected the District Attorney for Alameda County.  Ms. O'Malley is the first woman to serve in this position.   CWL is proud to have Nancy O'Malley serve as its current president.  Ms. O’Malley is a nationally recognized expert in issues involving Violence Against Women and interpersonal violence, including sexual assault, domestic violence, elder abuse, child abuse, stalking/threat management.  She is also an expert in ethics and discovery and has written statewide protocols in those areas. 

JAMS and CWL will partner on Thursday, October 15, 2009 to present a presention focused on aiding women to capitalize on opportunities in these economic times.

This CLE program will take place in multiple locations at the JAMS resolution centers in San Francisco, Sacramento, San Jose, Los Angeles and San Diego.

5:30 pm - Reception
6:30 pm - Statewide address from CWL President Nancy O'Malley
7 to 8:00 pm - CLE Program

Download a flyer.

Click here to register for the event in one of the available locations.

August 6th was an exciting and historic day for women lawyers.  The confirmation of Judge Sonia Sotomayor as the third woman and first Hispanic justice on the nation’s highest court marks another significant stride toward equality regarding both gender and ethnicity. 

CWL previously filed a letter with the Judiciary Committee urging Judge Sotomayor's confirmation.  And now, CWL proudly salutes and celebrates Sotomayor's appointment.  She will bring more judicial experience generally and federal judicial experience in particular to the Supreme Court than any justice in recent history. 

In addition to her outstanding legal experience and impeccable judicial qualifications, Justice Sotomayor will enrich the court with her life experiences of growing up in impoverished circumstances as a member of two groups who often experience discrimination in this country. She will therefore provide the diversity of background and experience which is of crucial importance to improve the quality of justice and enhance the perception of equality to the litigants and the general public. 

At the CWL Annual Dinner on September 10, 2009, CWL honored Deputy District Attorney of Alameda County Sharmin Eshraghi Bock with the Fay Stender Award. 

The Fay Stender Award is CWL's most prestigious award given to a woman attorney who has demonstrated her commitment to under represented or disadvantaged people.  Sharmin Eshraghi Bock

The honoree, Sharmin Eshraghi Bock, is a leader in bringing to the forefront issues of Human Trafficking and sexual exploitation of minors. 

The National Association of Women Lawyers ("NAWL") invites CWL members to its Annual Meeting and Awards Luncheon, which will be held on July 23, 2009 at the Waldorf=Astoria Hotel in New York City. 

Each year over 1000 guests -- including in-house counsel, law firm attorneys, government lawyers, non-profit and public service attorneys, and members of the federal and state judiciary -- gather in the historic Waldorf ballroom for this inspiring event.

At NAWL's Annual Meeting this year , NAWL will be honoring a number of extraordinary people and businesses, including, among others, Marcia Greenberger, Founder and Co-President of the National Women's Law Center, General Mills Legal Department and its General Counsel Rick Palmore, LexisNexis, and Holly Fujie, President of the California State Bar.  There will also be a number of exciting programs held in conjunction with the Annual Luncheon.  All of the details are provided in the attached invitation.