| Rose Bird AwardThe Rose Bird Memorial Award was established in 2000 in honor of the first woman to serve as Chief Justice of the California Supreme Court, Rose Bird. Chief Justice Bird was one of the pioneers who founded CWL in 1974. She was a teacher and the first woman to serve in the California cabinet (Secretary of Agriculture). Justice Bird stood strong for her convictions and continued to champion the underdog throughout her career. After leaving her position as Chief Justice, Rose Bird volunteered for the East Palo Alto Community Law Project. She passed away on December 4, 1999 after a long battle with breast cancer. |
Award Criteria
Candidates for the award are judged on the basis of the following attributes which were characteristic of Rose Bird:
- Excellence as a jurist;
- Longstanding and/or groundbreaking public service;
- Inspiration to women lawyers in California; and
- From the northern portion of California.
The Rose Bird Memorial Award is presented annually at CWL's Northern California Judicial Reception which is held in the Honoree’s home town, and organized with the help of the local Affiliate organization.
Past Recipients:
2024: Hon. Noel Wise, Alameda County Superior Court | 2012: Hon. Diana Becton, Contra Costa County Superior Court |