2019 Mid-Year Leadership Summit SPRING 2019 1 SPRING 2019 2

MISSION NAWJ’s mission is to promote the judicial role of protecting the rights of individuals under the rule of law through strong, President’s Message committed, diverse judicial leadership; fairness and equality in the courts; and rom the day it was founded, NAWJ has been In our continued efforts to diversify the bench equal access to justice. ON THE COVER 18 NAWJ Members Continue to Lead in committed to diversity in our membership. across the nation, NAWJ continues to encourage NAWJ Leadership meets in San Diego Washington State: Our organization welcomes both women all Governors to appoint more women, especially BOARD OF DIRECTORS See photos and summary on page 5 Women in Law: Past, Present, Future- and men judges, lawyers, academics and women of color to the bench. We have also always EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE 2nd Annual Women’s History Month friends who are passionate about NAWJ’s mission. encouraged our Presidents to appoint more women 2 President's Message PRESIDENT NAWJ is the leading voice for women in the judiciary to the Federal bench. Our hope is to have an equal Hon. Tamila E. Ipema 19 Judges & Journalists with its mission of equal access to justice for all! ratio of female to male judges appointed to the Superior Court of California, San Diego County 3 Executive Director's Message Gather at National Symposium various courts across this great country in order to VP of Publications Message This year, we are focusing on building on the provide a more accurate representation of our diverse PRESIDENT-ELECT foundation of NAWJ and looking towards the future. population. Hon. Bernadette D’Souza 21 District 6 Regional Conference Parish of Orleans Civil District Court, Louisiana 4 Preserving the Past Inspires a Call to Action Members of the National Association of Women NAWJ History IS Women’s History: Judges’ Board of Directors, past presidents, founding We are also constantly striving to preserve and VICE PRESIDENT, DISTRICTS Reflecting Back on the 40th 24 New Member Spotlight: members and staff gathered at a Leadership Summit protect judicial independence with our Emmy-Award Hon. Orlinda Naranjo in San Diego, California, April 24 - April 26, 2019, winning public service video on NAWJ’s civics 419th District Court of Texas, Austin Anniversary of the Founding of NAWJ Judge Ronayne Krause Through the Eyes of Past Presidents to address a vision of the future for NAWJ. We are education program, Informed Voter Project (IVP), very proud to have set a 5-year strategic plan with which emphasizes the importance of impartial judges, VICE PRESIDENT, PUBLICATIONS 25 From Success Inside & Out Hon. Karen Donohue 5 Inside NAWJ: Successful 2019 Mid- realistic goals and a distinct plan of action. and fair and free courts. We have pipeline programs King County Superior Court, Seattle, Washington Las Colinas’ FREE TO THRIVE Clinic designed to help young students to realize that it is Year Leadership Summit is Launched SECRETARY NAWJ’s theme this year is “Global Judicial possible for them to become attorneys and judges Hon. Elizabeth K. Lee Leadership.” We celebrated International Women’s through NAWJ’s “Color of Justice and Mentor Jet Superior Court of California, San Mateo County 7 Women in Prison Projects Make a 27 #WeToo 2019: Day in March and continue to strive to provide equal Programs”; NAWJ also has re-entry programs for Difference Across the Country An Exploration of Sexual Harassment access to justice for all, including women, children, women in prison entitled “Success Inside & Out” TREASURER Hon. Randa Trapp and all vulnerable members of our society. Our which are held across the nation giving the necessary Superior Court of California, San Diego County 9 NAWJ Members to Receive 33 Program Spotlight: members participated at the 63rd Session of the tools to women to succeed once they are released Prestigious Margaret Brent Color of Justice and MentorJet United Nations Commission on the Status of Women from detention. We are proud members of NAWJ IMMEDIATE PAST PRESIDENT Achievement Award Programs (CSW63) in March and our members presented on and we are passionate about making a difference in Hon. Tanya R. Kennedy New York State Supreme Court, New York County We are also constantly a panel on the issue of Domestic Violence. We also our community by giving back. 10 A Good Year to Jump In 35 Committee Spotlight: striving to preserve have a two-day conference coming up in New York FINANCE COMMITTEE CHAIR Mothers in Court: NAWJ’s Newest in June. It is entitled, “Global Judicial Leadership” NAWJ was at the forefront in the establishment and Hon. Heidi Pasichow and protect judicial and it is focused on the Human Rights of all women. implementation of gender bias task forces in both Superior Court of the District of Columbia 11 Global Judicial Leadership Committee independence with our The conference will be held at the UN Building and federal and state courts. We were instrumental in PROJECTS COMMITTEE CHAIR Combating Gender Based Violence 37 After the Bench at Columbia University Law School on June 10 and the passage of Violence Against Women Act and Hon. Pennie McLaughlin & Human Trafficking in Bangladesh: Emmy-Award winning 11, 2019. this year, we also submitted a Position Statement Superior Court of California, San Diego County Coming Full Circle for extension of the Act. We have greatly advanced 38 District News public service video on NAWJ received a trademark on #WeToo in the the administration of justice in many areas including STAFF Justice Debra Stephens Visits the Ukraine NAWJ’s civics education Legal Work Place.” On March 21, 2019, we held a domestic violence, sexual harassment, and the Executive Director 48 Resource Board and Contributors one-day conference in Sacramento under the same treatment of women in the courts. NAWJ is respected Connie Pillich program, Informed 15 Conference Retrospective: title, where NAWJ California members met with as a leader in educating judges and attorneys across Senior Programs and Publications Manager the members of the Legislative Women’s Caucus, the nation and internationally with its cutting-edge San Antonio Delivers 2018 Voter Project (IVP), Lavinia Cousin State Senate Pro Tem, Senator Toni G. Atkins, and educational programs. Annual Conference which emphasizes the the California Chief Justice, the Honorable Tani G. importance of impartial Cantil-Sakauye to discuss their efforts to curb sexual We have an exciting year ahead of us. Please join harassment and assault in the state capitol and in the hands with us and help NAWJ achieve its goals. I am judges, and fair and courts. Our goal is to present similar programs in all honored to serve NAWJ and its members. free courts. of NAWJ’s 14 districts. On July 16, 2019, we will COUNTERBALANCE is published by: hold another meeting with the Women’s Caucus in Thank you! National Association of Women Judges Washington, DC. A sexual harassment and assault 1001 Connecticut Avenue, NW, Suite 1138 program, in addition to all the other amazing cutting- Washington, D.C. 20036 edge educational programs will also be presented at Phone: 202 393 0222 the NAWJ 2019 Annual Conference in Los Angeles, Hon. Tamila Ebrahimi Ipema Fax: 202 393 0125 California (October 15-19, 2019). Judge of California Superior Court, San Diego County E-mail: [email protected] Web: www.nawj.org SPRING 2019 3 SPRING 2019 4 Message from the Executive Director

My first seven months at NAWJ have been quite updates, register for events, and much more! For amazing. I’ve had the pleasure of meeting a the national office, all of our data is in one place number of our remarkable judges at our annual and is updated instantly, every day. conference in San Antonio, our mid-year board meeting and leadership summit in San Diego, I look forward to working with our organizational and at several regional events. It is an honor to consultants as we tune our operations to best be a part of NAWJ. support our most important asset: our judges! Our staff is here to serve you, and I hope to get to At the national office, I have begun to make greet you all personally at some time in the near his year, America will celebrate the centennial some internal changes. The most visible to future. of the passage and ratification of the 19th our members is our new membership database Amendment of the Constitution of the United “When we first started, very few states “NAWJ has had a significant impact system. After three-plus decades of letting States that provided for women’s suffrage. had women in the judiciary. Now, on women in the judiciary and the legal third parties handle our membership data, I Generations of women since the times of Susan B. look at all of the women chief justices profession. We played a role in the that have served on our state courts. In brought it in house. Our new, top-of-the-line Anthony, Sojourner Truth, Alice Paul, and others, have appointment of Sandra Day O’Connor as 1979, there were no women on the U.S. the first woman on the Supreme Court.” technology allows each member to manage her Connie Pillich continued to carry the baton and fight for women’s rights Supreme Court. Now, we have three and – Hon. Gladys Kessler, 1982-83 or his membership information, receive monthly Executive Director and true gender equality. the possibility of gaining a fourth. We recognized that NAWJ has a unique The National Association of Women Judges (NAWJ) carries sisterhood with women judges all over within its mission and values the legacy of the women’s the world. . . . Being a feminist means “The impact of NAWJ’s work identifying suffrage movement, and continues to fight for equality, the standing up for what you believe in, and fighting gender bias in the courts, Message from VP of Publications rule of law, and for diversity. NAWJ also celebrates its 40th standing up to eliminate inequality, getting more women on the bench, anniversary this year. In 1979, one hundred courageous standing up to remove barriers against encouraging and collaborating with The National Association of Women Judges In an era of shrinking memberships for clubs the advancement of women. Feminism feminist legal scholars, and bringing and revolutionary women judges, led by our founding enlightened subject-matter focus and began a sustainability study and strategic and organizations, it becomes essential to mothers Justice Joan Dempsey Klein and Justice Vaino is a topic that we, as an association of women, must not shy away from.” methodology to professional judicial planning process two years ago, which highlight the relevance of our organization. If an Spencer, joined together and founded NAWJ with about 100 education was, and has been, huge. Ideas – Hon. Joan Dempsey Klein,1980-81 culminated in the Leadership Summit held effort to do so, this firstCounterbalance of 2019 judges from across the country. NAWJ has grown to over that we introduced to the conversation April 24 – 26 in San Diego (more information showcases the many programs and projects that twelve hundred members today and stands as a nationally have now become mainstream values, about that event is contained elsewhere in this NAWJ sponsors and supports. We hope you and internationally recognized and respected organization, and women throughout the courts have magazine). find this information helpful and inspirational. representing the voices of women judges from almost “When Women in Prison began, become empowered as a result.” It is my hope that future editions will not only every jurisdiction and from every level of the judiciary in NAWJ was told that judges had no - Hon. Christine Durham, 1986-87 One of the early conclusions of the study was continue to focus on member accomplishments this country. NAWJ’s history is a special and unique one business being concerned with conditions that is intertwined with the history of women’s rights in of confinement. This is no longer true. that NAWJ needs to expand our visibility both and activities but will include timely and Recently, I read that in the past few years locally and nationally. In an effort to help meet thought-provoking articles that will compliment this country. the Federal Bureau of Prisons has done “I served as NAWJ President at a particular that goal, all involved agreed that increased our wonderful conferences. some things for its women prisoners. moment in history. It spanned the time of the communication and vitality are essential. As we reflect upon and celebrate NAWJ’s 40th anniversary, NAWJ can take some credit for these Anita Hill and Clarence Thomas hearings. Towards that end, the Board agreed to refresh Thank you to all who submitted articles. I in conjunction with the centennial of the 19th amendment, positive changes.” It was at a time when the light was really We hope you like the Counterbalance and bring it in line with our encourage each of our members to share I would like to share a few thoughts from some of our past – Hon. Brenda P. Murray, 1992-93 beginning to be shone on gender bias and vibrant and dynamic organization. Thank you to activities, scholarly articles, ideas and talents presidents, in their own words, on where NAWJ has been, sexual discrimination. We had been doing new look of our premier great work with these issues beforehand, but Executive Director, Connie Pillich, for securing with us for future additions. We cannot do this where it currently is, and where it is going as we look forward to many years ahead. these hearings brought up the issue of sexual publication. We will a grant to help make this goal a reality. without you, our wonderful “sisters in the law.” “During my tenure as NAWJ President, harassment on a much larger national scale. Please send any submissions to Lavinia Cousin. we hosted the conference in October continue publishing These reflections on critical The world began to realize that this was an We hope you like the new look of our premier 2001, three weeks after 9/11, at the junctures of NAWJ’s history, issue that most women confronted at some Counterbalance digitally publication. We will continue publishing Judge Karen Donohue end of which I became President. The point in their lives.” by NAWJ Past Presidents, are conference was supposed to be downtown, digitally in order to be VP of Publications – Hon. Bernice Donald, 1990-91 in order to be economically Counterbalance just a few examples of the but the hotel at the World Trade Center and environmentally economically and environmentally responsible. proud history of the National had disappeared. The New York judges, However, we will also produce a small number Association of Women Judges. as well as judges from all over the world, responsible. of print copies to assist in attracting new rallied and came to the conference that “NAWJ has a powerful voice when it chooses members. As always, electronic copies of each was put together in three weeks. The to use it, and I was proud to represent NAWJ issue will be archived on our webpage. You can By Chief Justice Anna Blackburne-Rigsby, support and emotion were overwhelming. in the negotiations that led to the passage of access back issues at https://www.nawj.org/ D.C. Court of Appeals It was a thrilling beginning for my term.” the original Violence Against Women Act.” newsletter-archive. NAWJ Past President 2013-2014 – Hon. Karla Moskowitz, 2001-02 – Hon. Mary M. Schroeder, 1998-99 SPRING 2019 5 SPRING 2019 6

acknowledged that the organization must Membership: Grow Membership and Related optimistic, invigorated and enthusiastic about the improve communication internally and externally Income future of NAWJ. in order to attract and retain members. Organizational Excellence: Align Leadership Efforts and Staff Support with the Strategic Plan At the mid-year board meeting the following Ms. Scarborough facilitated day two of the morning, Chief Judge Blackburne-Rigsby and Summit. All 35 attendees actively participated by Financial Sustainability: Ensure the Long- Judge Nechtem, presented the Executive Board splitting into small workgroups in order to tackle Term Sustainability of NAWJ with a draft Strategic Plan for 2019-2024, five pillars of action: prepared by Ms. Scarborough.Working together, Many wonderful ideas emerged from this work. Education: Develop and Deliver Quality, All who were present ended the day feeling Continued on page 14 Relevant Programming Communication and Marketing: Increase Recognition of NAWJ Internally as Well as Externally

By Judge Karen Donohue Executive Board were joined by ten of our former successful and productive meeting. presidents, who joined the Summit to share Led by Mr. Cris Collie of the Collie Gorg Group Members of the National Association of their experiences, views and wisdom. In total, and Ms. Danell Scarborough, President of Women’s Board of Directors, past presidents, 35 members were present to participate in this Convening for Change, attendees were asked to founding members and staff gathered at a consider what is required for NAWJ to thrive. Leadership Summit in San Diego, California In attempting to answer this question, attendees April 24 - April 26, 2019 to address a vision of We do conferences well and called out the strengths and weaknesses of the the future for NAWJ. The three-day effort was organization. All present recognized that NAWJ a continuation of the work of the Sustainability provide cutting-edge education is unique in that we are the only organization Committee, formed in 2015 under the direction to our members. However, we do that is open to all levels of courts, whether of then-President Lisa Walsh. the court is an administrative tribunal, a tribal not market ourselves well and court, a state or local trial court, a military This year’s Leadership Summit was the vision participants acknowledged that tribunal or the United States Supreme Court. of Judge Tamila E. Ipema, current President the organization must improve We do conferences well and provide cutting- of NAWJ. Judge Ipema spent nearly a year edge education to our members. However, we planning and formulating the meeting. “I communication internally and do not market ourselves well and participants realized that NAWJ had not had a Leadership externally in order to attract and Summit in a very long time and it was about time for our organization to start thinking about retain members. new ways of doing business to sustain itself moving forward. I decided not to have a Midyear conference this year so that we could get together with the leaders of our organization and put our concentrated thoughts and efforts on the sustainability of our organization by developing a five-year strategic plan that will make our organization stronger and more prosperous financially going forward.” The combined Strategic Planning and Sustainability Committee Co-chairs, Judge Anna Blackburne-Rigsby and Judge Amy Nechtem, and their committee played an integral role in planning for this leadership summit.

Representatives from each district and the full SPRING 2019 7 SPRING 2019 8

their relationship with their children. was a panelist on the “Review of Treatment Bayview Correctional Facility, a medium-security of Women Offenders While Incarcerated” women’s prison in Manhattan. After Hurricane “NAWJ has tried for at least 20 years to have panel, and Murray spoke on the “Rehabilitative Sandy shuttered the facility in 2012, the women the U.S. Department of Justice and Bureau of Opportunities for Women in Prison & Life After – and the program – transferred to Taconic Prisons focus on the treatment of incarcerated Prison” panel. Correctional Facility in Bedford Hills, N.Y. women and their children,” Murray said. “We incarceration for nonviolent females; to urge have written and met with the White House Women make up about 7% of the federal NAWJ members to visit local correctional and counsel, the Attorney General, the Deputy prison population as of November 2018 and The program was inspired by pre-detention facilities and invite speakers to Attorney General, many times with the BOP about 7.5% of the state prison population as a similar program, the Project address the issue of the treatment of women Director, some Congressional staff, members of of 2016, according to the federal Bureau of Joy Holiday Program sponsored in prison; and to urge the American Bar the U.S. Commission on Civil Rights, and others. Prisons. Though many more men are in prison Association, the National Center for State NAWJ Women in Prison Committee members than women, the rate of growth for female by the nonprofit Women for Make a difference Courts, the State Justice Institute, the Women were interviewed by the Inspector General of imprisonment has outpaced men by more than Human Rights and Dignity, Judges’ Fund for Justice, and other organizations DOJ for the IG’s report on Bureau of Prisons’ 50 percent between 1980 and 2014, according interested in the administration of justice to management of its female prisoners in September to The Sentencing Project research and advocacy Inc., which was held from across the country devote time and attention to the issue. 2018.” center, which calculates that about 1.2 million 1988 to 2009 at the Albion women are under the supervision of the criminal The Women in Prison Committee currently has The Women in Prison Committee’s efforts have justice system. Correctional Facility. group of 15 of so women gathered Addressing Unequal Treatment of three co-chairs: Judge Cheryl Gonzales, who led to some positive results, Murray said. The in a classroom on a beautiful April Incarcerated Women serves on the New York City Housing Court for committee can take some credit for exposing in Between 1980 and 2014, the number of The Beyond the Bars program includes a day of evening. Outside, rabbits darted Kings County; past NAWJ president Brenda two reports the conditions suffered by women incarcerated women increased by more than seminars and workshops addressing re-entry across the wide lawns of the campus The Women in Prison Committee began as a task Murray, who serves as Chief Administrative housed for almost three years in “temporary” 700%, rising from a total of 26,378 in 1980 to issues, plus entertainment in a holiday party under a full moon. Inside, the women shared force dedicated to addressing the unequal Law Judge for the U.S. Securities and Exchange conditions at the Metropolitan Detention Center 222,061 in 2014, according to Bureau of Justice atmosphere. Facilitated by volunteer lawyers cookies and opinions about the book they had treatment of incarcerated women. Yale Law Commission; and Justice Betty Williams, who in Brooklyn, N.Y.; in the creation of a new Statistics. The BJS also reports that more than and representatives from community-based all read, a novel about the impact on a young School Professor Judith Resnik, who still serves serves on the New York Supreme Court for women’s prison in Danbury, Conn., 60% of women in state prisons have a child under organizations, the workshops cover topics such marriage when the husband is sent to prison for a the age of 18. as permanent housing options/other entitlement crime he didn’t commit. benefits; parole matters; foster care, custody Because prison educational, vocational and and parental rights; successful dressing; how The women laughed, shared insight, critiqued re-entry programs traditionally have served the to overcome criminal record barriers; financial the characters, and questioned their motives. male inmate population, women often have fewer planning; careers in the construction industry; One woman commented that the book related resources available to meet their specific needs. and life skills/motivational workshops. to her own life – that she understood how hard it They also tend to be incarcerated farther from was for someone outside to wait for someone on their homes because fewer facilities exist for In December 2018, the Beyond the Bars Holiday the inside. women than for men. Program provided the women at Taconic with 400 gift bags, filled with items such as socks, All these women were on the inside. Beyond the Bars wash cloths, note cards, pens, candy canes, clear nail polish, lotion, shampoo and conditioner, Incarcerated at the Las Colinas Detention and While the Women in Prison Committee plus toys and movie passes for the women’s Reentry Facility just outside San Diego, they advocates for change at prisons nationwide, it children and grandchildren. Program organizers were participants in one of the growing number has also focused on creating programs that help also provided clothing and 1,500 daily planners of NAWJ Women in Prison book club programs incarcerated women now. for the women at Taconic and Albion. and other programs aimed at helping women succeed when they leave prison. One of the first NAWJ Women in Prison Success Inside & Out – Alaska’s Pioneering programs was organized by New York chapter Program San Diego Superior Court Commissioner Pennie members in 2000. McLaughlin started the “Freedom Through NAWJ’s first conference-style program for Words” book club for on the committee, inspired the formation of the Kings County. The three are also active in local with a therapeutic treatment program; and the The holiday program, which came to be called incarcerated women began in 2006 in Alaska. the women at Las Colinas committee with her writings on the unequal and Women in Prison programs – Gonzales and creation within the Bureau of Prisons hierarchy “Beyond the Bars,” was organized by Gonzales, in October 2015, but unsuitable treatment of female prisoners. Williams are organizers of programs in New of a bureau focused on Women and Special who was then a court attorney for the New York Former Alaska Supreme Court Chief Justice NAWJ has been focused York, while Murray coordinates programs in Populations headed by a clinical psychologist Supreme Court for Kings County, and two Dana Fabe, who was then serving as NAWJ on helping incarcerated In its 1991 resolution, NAWJ resolved to Maryland. with a small staff. judges then serving on that court, Justice Sarah Project Chair, developed the Success Inside women for nearly 30 raise awareness about the treatment of women Krauss and Justice Laura Jacobson. New York & Out conference as a re-entry program for years, establishing in prison. NAWJ stated its intention to The committee works to disseminate Recently, Murray and Resnik participated in the Supreme Court Justices Betty Williams and incarcerated women who are within a year of their its Women in Prison communicate its concerns about the issue to information, make recommendations, and U.S. Commission on Civil Rights Public Briefing Debra James also have led the program. release dates. Committee by resolution federal and state officials; to support proposals develop new initiatives and programs to improve “Women in Prison: Seeking Justice Behind in 1991. regarding issues such as alternatives to the lives of women inmates and ex-offenders, and Bars” in Washington, D.C. in February. Resnik Beyond the Bars began at the now-closed Continued on page 29 SPRING 2019 9 SPRING 2019 10

Ms. Dermody is Managing Partner of the San Francisco office of Lieff, Cabraser, Heimann & NAWJ Members to Receive Prestigious Bernstein, LLP. She chairs the firm’s Employment Practice Group and specializes in class and Margaret Brent Achievement Award collective actions on behalf of employees. Ms. Dermody is a nationally-recognized advocate in to improve civic education in California and the areas of pay equity, #metoo, and diversity to implement the recommendations of the and inclusion, and has prosecuted numerous Justice Judith McConnell, one of the original 100 founding mothers and a former By Commissioner Pennie K. McLaughlin California Task force on K-12 Civic Learning, cases challenging unfair hiring, promotion, Projects Committee Chair, San Diego Superior Court president of the National Association of Women Judges, and Ms. Kelly M. Dermody, which she co-chaired. In 2016, she received compensation, and performance systems. former co-chair and current member of NAWJ’s Resource Board have been named as the Chief Justice’s Award for Exemplary Service 2019 recipients of the Margaret Brent Women Lawyers of Achievement Award. and Leadership for her work in improving civic The Daily Journal has observed that Ms. n a perfect world, women in jail cells all learning. Dermody’s “values have translated into real over the country would be signing up of hours of time commitment, you will be a Margaret Brent was the first woman lawyer in America, arriving in the colonies in workday value for lots of people — people who for an evening book club hosted by two part of the solution and a positive force in the 1638. An award in her name was established by the American Bar Association’s In 1997, Justice McConnell was elected to the have won better job opportunities from companies NAWJ members. Imagine the excitement lives of these women. From there, workshops Commission on Women in the Profession in 1991 to recognize and celebrate the American Law Institute. In addition, Justice like Abercrombie & Fitch, Home Depot, and of each of the dozen selected women as she and resource fairs can spring up, empowering accomplishments of women lawyers. Each year, this award honors up to five McConnell has been on the faculty for numerous Smith Barney, or monetary damages from banks receives her own copy of the chosen novel for the women to believe in a better future and a outstanding women lawyers who have achieved professional excellence within their educational programs for judges and lawyers that have engaged in predatory lending and the month and the hours she will spend lost in different kind of life. area of specialty and have actively paved the way to success for other women lawyers. on such topics as case management, ethics, servicing.” its pages. Better yet, picture the friendship These women demonstrate excellence in a variety of professional settings and personify juvenile law and civil procedure. She served on or bond of familiarity that will develop as For a different idea and positive effect on In 2012, Ms. Dermody served as President of the women notice each other reading the a group that responds to inspiration and excellence on either the national, regional or local level. the governing board for the California Center for Judicial Education and Research. the Bar Association of San Francisco. She is a same book, knowing that they are all part of encouragement, you can host a Mentor Jet member of the College of Labor and Employment something special. In a few weeks, picture the Program in your courthouse for high school Justice McConnell received a J.D. degree Lawyers and the American Law Institute. She is a two local judges sitting with these same women students. Through this program, the students Justice Judith McConnell in 1969 from the University of California, past member of the ABA Labor and Employment over tea and cookies discussing the characters are mentored in five minute segments by local Berkeley Law, and a B.A. degree in 1966 Law Section governing Council, where she also and the plot lines, and ultimately, the myriad of judges and attorneys. In five minutes, you have Court). Her colleagues on the Superior Court from the University of California, Berkeley, previously served as Co-Chair of the Section’s days lived for these twelve strangers. a conversation and sometimes, just maybe, twice elected her Presiding Judge. She also where she was awarded Phi Beta Kappa. Justice Annual Conference, Committee on Diversity in a tidbit of advice seeps in and changes the served as Presiding Judge of the Juvenile Court McConnell began her legal career in San Diego the Legal Profession, and Equal Employment In San Diego, the women in our first group direction of a young person’s life. and Supervising Judge of the family, appellate in 1969 at the State of California, Department Opportunity Committee. The Daily Journal showed both surprise and curiosity that judges and civil law and motion departments during her of Transportation. She served as a trial attorney has selected Ms. Dermody as one of the top would bother to spend an evening with them. NAWJ is a unique organization. We are tenure on the Superior Court. in the Department’s Legal Division until 1976, 100 attorneys in California, top 75 labor and We explained it simply, telling them that we members who flock to conferences and when she entered private practice until her employment lawyers in California, and top 100 believe in them and that there were many enjoy the comradery of each other and the Justice McConnell has worked throughout appointment to the San Diego Municipal Court women litigators in California. In 2016, The worlds, ideas and hours of pleasure to be found friendships we form through the years. We her judicial career to make the courts more in December 1977. Recorder awarded her the “Dragon Slayer” award in books. Through these monthly gatherings, are also members who give back in a positive accessible to the public and to improve the for her litigation work. new book, new faces, different judges, we have way to groups of people that are in need of court system through better case management. grown to represent a positive feature in the direction and help. This is a good year to step Justice McConnell served two terms on the Ms. Kelly M. Dermody Ms. Dermody has received awards from charitable lives of the inmates who unfailingly count the back and ask yourselves what more you can do California Judicial Council, the rule making body and civic organizations, including the NAWJ, days of their incarceration. Book Club gives in between the busy lives we juggle. Can you for the state courts, and chaired the council’s the Anti-Defamation League, the Lawyers’ them something to look forward to in a life of spare one evening or one morning a year to Superior Court and Planning committees. She Committee for Civil Rights of the San Francisco patterned routine and often, monotony. make a difference and bring the passion and was a member of the Blue Ribbon Task Force Bay Area, California Rural Legal Assistance, commitment of the NAWJ to your community? on Jury System Improvement, the Commission Legal Momentum, Equal Rights Advocates, This is a good year to follow the lead of many For most, the answer is yes, and onward we on the Future of the Courts and the Advisory Centro Legal de la Raza, and Bay Area Lawyers for NAWJ members from coast to coast and start a step together. Administrative Presiding Justice Judith Committee on Gender Bias in the Courts. Individual Freedom. Ms. Dermody received a B.A. book club in your local jail. For the two to three McConnell was appointed to the Court of In 2005, she was elected by the Supreme degree from Harvard University and a J.D. degree Appeal, Fourth Appellate District, Division Court to serve on the Commission on Judicial from Berkeley Law School, UC Berkeley. She One in August 2001, and took office upon her Performance, an independent state agency clerked for the Hon. John T. Nixon, U.S. District Imagine the excitement of each of the dozen selected women confirmation October 3, 2001. On September responsible for judicial discipline, and served as Court for the Middle District of Tennessee, as she receives her own copy of the chosen novel for the month 25, 2003, she was confirmed as Presiding chair from 2009 to 2012. In 2007, the Chief before joining Lieff Cabraser. and the hours she will spend lost in its pages. Better yet, Justice of the court. On September 29, 2003, Justice appointed her to the Commission for she was appointed by the Chief Justice as Impartial Courts, where she served as chair of The 2019 award will be presented at the ABA picture the friendship or bond of familiarity that will develop as Administrative Presiding Justice of the Fourth the Public Information and Education Task Annual Meeting in San Francisco on Sunday, the women notice each other reading the same book, knowing Appellate District. She served for 23 years Force. She chaired the Leadership Group for August 11, 2019. Congratulations to these that they are all part of something special. as a trial judge in San Diego (21 years on the Civic Education and currently chairs the Power NAWJ members for the well-deserved recognition Superior Court and 2 years on the Municipal of Democracy Steering Committee, established of their outstanding accomplishments. SPRING 2019 11 SPRING 2019 12

The Honorable Tamila Ebrahimi Ipema Now fast forward four decades. Baba passed away government is working with the UN and School of Oriental and African studies. But in the spring of 2018 and in November, I flew to other non-profit organization to provide she gave up the comforts of London to lead the selected “Global Judicial Leadership” as Bangladesh. The Department of State and the protection and assistance to the Rohingya charge in running a school that is dedicated the theme for this year, a theme that she Department of Justice’s Office of Prosecutorial refugees and others. Police officers are being to providing a liberal arts education to the passionately believes in based Development (affectionately known as OPDAT) trained through an anti-trafficking module at neediest students from 15 countries across had invited three of us to teach a program on the police academy and both they the Rapid Asia and the Middle East. Taught by local and on her own life experience. Gender Violence and Human Trafficking. Action Battalion of the Bangladeshi army are foreign faculty members from Australia, the Our team consisted of the Supervisory Special active in identifying victims of trafficking. To United Kingdom, and the United States, AUW Agent of the FBI’s Civil Rights Squad, Matthew streamline adjudication of these sensitive cases, Coit and Quentin Heidin, Agent-in-Charge the government is also in the process of setting Continued next page One of the first, and most important, tasks We have a responsibility to volunteer our time to judges here to the US to observe our system and of the U.S. Department of Labor, Office of up Women and Children Violence Protection that each incoming NAWJ President faces is go into our own communities to teach and train we learn from each other. And our judges could Investigation for Labor Racketeering and Tribunals, specialized courts to hear these the selection of a theme for their term. More men and women on these important rights. But also go and spend time observing courts in various Fraud. We flew into the capital, Dhaka, where cases quickly with specially trained judges and often than not, the theme chosen reflects personally, I believe as judges we also need to be countries and open a dialogue and do comparative we toured the nation’s only DNA laboratory prosecutors. the President’s background and beliefs. The global leaders in getting involved in the rule of law and rule of law work. and meet with the Chief Justice of the Supreme Honorable Tamila Ebrahimi Ipema selected law training, in training judges, and attorneys, Court, Syed Mahmud Hossain. From there we When it was my turn at the podium, I decided to “Global Judicial Leadership” as the theme for prosecutors and police forces in developing As an immigrant and refugee woman, having been flew to Chittagong, a bustling city on the Bay start my lecture in Bengali, telling the audience this year, a theme that she passionately believes countries on protecting women’s human rights raised in a developing country where women’s of Bengal only a few miles from where Baba that where we sat -- the Radisson Blu Hotel in based on her own life experience. in all areas that I mentioned earlier. We need to rights were violated and women continue to suffer was born. Our audience was a group of judges, -- was only a few short miles from the village volunteer and work with legal systems around the on a daily basis, this issue is very close to my lawyers, and law enforcement officers. I joyfully where my father was born. I had come full “I believe, as women and as judges, we all have world on constitutional reform. heart. I know our judges being involved as global watched the participants listening to lectures by circle, speaking in a language that my father a responsibility to stand up for the human rights leaders in legal education and rule of law and Matt and Quentin. Both agents presented case loved, trying to build bridges and talking about of all women. If a woman suffers somewhere Many women are suffering silently around the constitutional reform work, would make a huge studies of successful labor and sex trafficking issues that I had spent my entire professional in the world due to human rights abuses we world and we need to educate ourselves about difference in the lives of these women who are less investigations, showing CNN footage of victims career addressing. I was filled with gratitude all suffer. We have a responsibility to educate what is going on in various parts of the world, fortunate than we are. While we are not perfect, we who had been rescued, and even a surveillance for this amazing shrinking world, where agents ourselves about the plight of all women including bring awareness to their plight, and work together are a lot better off than many of the other countries video from an undercover agent pretending to be from one democracy can fly half way across the women refugees who are fleeing their countries with judicial leaders in their countries to educate in the world; and I believe we have something to a worker in a Los Angeles factory suspected of globe to help the people of a country that is less due to civil strife or war. As judges we also them and to find solutions. offer to make a difference in the world; and we holding hostage undocumented workers. than 50 years old. Together, we were sharing have a responsibility to educate the masses, not must try!” meals and ideas, learning how to tackle the only in the US, but also judges and attorneys in I am working hard to create a closer relationship In 2017, Bangladesh had adopted the international problems of gender violence and developing counties to protect women’s human between NAWJ and IAWJ where we could work This year, in support of President Ipema, implementing rules for the Prevention and human trafficking. rights; about gender equality; domestic violence; together on these important issues relating to Counterbalance will feature the stories of members Suppression of Human Trafficking Act (PSHTA) human trafficking; reproductive rights; sexual women. My hope is to create judicial exchange who are exercising Global Judicial Leadership. and has since made significant efforts to eliminate We spent out last day in Chittagong giving harassment and violence against women, etc. programs where we could bring International trafficking. But it is a daunting task. While some a freewheeling presentation at the Asian Bangladeshis migrate willingly in search of better University for Women (“AUW”). The Vice jobs, others are lured by fraudulent recruitment Chancellor of the school, Dr. Nirmala Rao had companies and find themselves locked into previously headed the University of London coercive employment Combating Gender Based Violence & Human Trafficking contracts, subject to contract switching and in Bangladesh: Coming Full Circle stranded abroad. Moreover, Bangladesh is home By Judge Rupa Goswami, Alhambra, California to more than 1 million undocumented Rohingya My father whom I called Baba was Bengali, whereas West Pakistan was Urdu- childhood. How he ran about with no shoes, refugees fleeing Burma. born in what is now Bangladesh. speaking. In 1947, when India and Pakistan played soccer, and caught shrimp with his bare More than half of these When he was only a teenager, were formed, he fled East Pakistan in one of the hands. Like many immigrant children, we lived vulnerable people are India because independent of world’s largest and most bloody migrations. two lives. Inside our home you could smell women and children, many British colonial rule. What had been British By the time we immigrated to America, Baba’s incense, hear my mother singing Bengali songs, of whom are recruited to India for over 200 years suddenly was cut up birthplace had changed names again. In 1971, and run into an eclectic group of engineers and work as maids in homes into three pieces, creating West Pakistan, East Pakistan sought independence from foreign students who all gathered around our and hotels only to find India in the middle, and on the far right -- East Pakistan, becoming its own nation – Bangladesh. dining table for feasts of eggplant, chicken curry, themselves in the sex trade Pakistan. My father and his extended family tomato chutney and fish chop. or sold to trafficker in other lived in what became East Pakistan and spoke I grew up hearing stories of my father’s rural countries. The Bangladeshi SPRING 2019 13 SPRING 2019 14

educates women who speak over 25 different created the glamourous possibility of women strategy for erasing gender violence and human languages, represent over 35 ethnicities, and in law enforcement and everyone wanted to see trafficking was staring right back at me – came from countries as far flung as Bhutan, and hear from the American federal agents. The educated women! By empowering Asian and Yemen, Palestine, and Vietnam. students were bubbling with questions, brave, Middle Eastern women to think, speak, work, Continued from page 6 excited, and full of ideas on how the world and dream, this remarkable school in of all I foolishly thought we were meeting with a few “should” work. places Chittagong, Bangladesh, was answering the Strategic Planning and Sustainability chaired by Judge Cindy Davis of California Resources, Office of San Diego District Attorney. students and one or two teachers. But once the question, how do we eradicate violence Committee and the Executive Board will finalize Superior Court, San Diego and Ms. Jerilyn The luncheon was the perfect close to a very word got out that an FBI agent was part of Looking out at that sea of shining faces, seeing against the most vulnerable people in the world? the plan, which will ultimately be shared on the Malana, Chief Deputy District Attorney, Human successful summit. our team, every woman on campus appeared so many women fighting for an education and a Quite simply, we do so by making the most NAWJ website, in July 2019. The NAWJ board in a huge auditorium filled to capacity. After voice in a world where they were so rarely heard vulnerable people less vulnerable. will then start implementing the action plans all, Priyanka Chopra of Quantico fame, had -- it occurred to me that the most successful according to very specific goals and time lines.

The program ended with a Leadership and Diversity Luncheon. The 200 people in Justice Debra Stephens Visits Ukraine attendance heard from California Governor Gavin Newsom’s judicial appointment secretary, Washington State Supreme Court Justice by several hundred people, with hundreds more revolution, and their cases became a lightning Justice Martin Jenkins (Retired Justice of the Debra Stephens, co-chair of NAWJ’s Judicial live-streaming from other cities, underscoring rod for judicial reform. the California Court of Appeal) and Ms. Diane Independence Committee, visited Kyiv, Ukraine the broad public interest in building traditions Bellas, the chair of the Judicial Nomination in December 2018 as part of the USAID New of open justice in Ukraine. The work of the New Justice Program supports Evaluation Commission of State Bar of Justice Program. Since Ukraine’s “revolution of Ukranian efforts to rebuild court systems and California. Justice Jenkins and Ms. Bellas spoke dignity” in 2014, its national judicial system has As a highlight of her visit, Justice Stephens create an impartial and independent judiciary. about the importance of judicial diversity and undergone significant reforms, with a new cohort attended sessions of the Supreme Court Justice Stephens was humbled to be able to the process of selection and appointment of of judges working to increase public trust and Criminal Cassation court, Grand Chamber and play a small part in that work. She encourages judges in California. Justice Judith McConnell, confidence in the judiciary. Justice Stephens’ High Council of Judges and met with several all NAWJ members to learn more about Administrative Presiding Justice of the California outreach included trainings and meetings on the judges there. Among the hearings she observed Ukraine’s revolution of dignity and to support Court of Appeal, and a former NAWJ President, topics of judicial independence, judicial ethics, were the appeals of former judges who, perhaps our judicial colleagues striving for justice and moderated the panel. The luncheon was co- common law jury trials (not a current feature bowing to governmental pressure, imprisoned peace in that country. of Ukrainian judicial systems), and criminal protesters in the February 2014 Maidan Square justice reforms. Commemorating “Law demonstration rather than allowing them to Week,” Justice Stephens delivered a lecture receive immediate medical assistance. The entitled: “Fair and Open Courts: Lessons from judges were removed from office following the American States on contemporary threats to judicial independence and accountability in an age of polarized politics.” The public event at the National Academy of Sciences was attended SPRING 2019 15 SPRING 2019 16

nnual Conference Co-Chairs Judge LLP and Co-Chair of NAWJ’s Resource Board. Cheever; H-E-B Grocery; Siebert Foundation; Orlinda Naranjo (419th District Court, The Supreme Court of Texas Permanent Judicial Texas) and attorney Linda Tamez, Esq. Many thanks go to the members of the Conference Commission for Children, Youth and Families (The Herrera Law Firm), welcomed, with Planning Committee: Justice Eva Guzman (Texas GOLD ($7,500) - Quicken Loans; Silver Eagle genuine Texas hospitality, approximately 300 Supreme Court); Justice Gina Benavides (Texas 13th Distributors; SILVER ($5,000) - Center for Women judges, attorneys, law professors, legal experts, Court of Appeals); Judge M. Sue Kurita (Texas County in Law; Cokinos Young, PC; The Herrera Law Firm; colleagues, friends and volunteers to the 39th Court at Law #6); Judge Lora Livingston (Texas 261st Ketterman, Rowland, & Westlund; State Justice Annual Conference in San Antonio District Court); Judge Marcella A. Holland (Circuit Institute; Thomson Reuters October 3 – 7, 2018. Court for Baltimore City, Retired); Judge Karen Sage Continued on page 17

Attendees were treated to five days of informative (Texas 299th District Court); and Judge Catherine educational programming, which included Torres-Stahl (Texas 175th District Court). sessions on Dementia in the Courtroom, Mental Health, Neuroscience of Judicial Decision Making This committee was responsible for gathering the and the Dark Web and Virtual Currencies among esteemed slate of speakers and for finding partners others. Plenty of time for fun at some of San like the University of Texas at Austin and The Center Antonio’s famous landmarks was also included. for Women in Law.

Attendees enjoyed a welcome reception in the Equally generous in their contributions were the Garden Terrace, a private Riverwalk boat cruise on Conference Friends Committee Co-Chairs Justice the San Antonio river and a reception at the Alamo. Catherine M. Stone (Fourth Court of Appeals (Retired), Everyone who attended the Annual Gala Banquet shareholder at Langley & Banack Inc.) and Chief on Saturday night was touched by the stories Justice Wallace B. Jefferson (Supreme Court of Texas of pain, hope and redemption shared by the (Retired), partner at Alexander Dubose Jefferson Conspired Theatre performers, a group whose Townsend LLP). Their network produced a host of mission is to offer incarcerated women and their donors who were essential to making the conference allies a healing and empowering experience we all enjoyed possible. through theatre and creative writing. Later, the DIAMOND ($15,000) - American Constitution following Annual Awards were presented: Justice Society; PLATINUM ($10,000) - Alexander Dubose Joan Dempsey Klein Honoree of the Year was Jefferson & Townsend LLP; Regina and Charles presented to Hon. Bea Ann Smith (Texas Court of Appeals, Retired) and NAWJ President 2002-2003; The Justice Vaino Spencer Leadership Award went to three leaders 1) Hon. Bernadette D’Souza, Orleans Civil District Court, Louisiana, now NAWJ President-Elect; 2) Hon. Marcella A. Holland, Baltimore City Circuit Court (Retired) and NAWJ Project Chair 2016-2018; and Hon. Lisa S. Walsh, Florida’s 11th Circuit Court, Civil Division and NAWJ President 2015-2016; The Mattie Belle Davis Award (given earlier in the conference) was presented to attorney Karen Johnson-McKewan, Esq., a partner in Orrick, Herrington & Sutcliffe SPRING 2019 17 SPRING 2019 18

BRONZE ($2,500) - Becky Beaver Law; Bracewell LLP; CourtCall; GEICO; Hartline Dacus Barger Dreyer LLP; Jefferson Cano; Langley & Banack, Incorporated FRIENDS ($1,000) - Branscomb PC; Calibre CPA Group; Nicola DeMarco; Bobby and Robin Farris; Kastl Law, P.C.; Law Office of Carmen S. Mitchell, LLP;Lexitas Legal; Honorable Orlinda Naranjo; Noelke Maples St. Leger Bryant, LLP; San Antonio continue to lead in Washington State Bar Association/ San Antonio Bar Foundation; Schoenbaum, Curphy & Scanlan, P.C. ($1,500); Texas by Judge Marilyn Paja Parks’ efforts to foil separate public facilities. Women Lawyers; U.S. Legal Support n Wednesday March 13, 2019, the Justice Gordon McCloud spoke about the progress Washington State Gender & Justice of the initiative in Washington State to review the Commission, in collaboration with 30-year old 1989 Report of Gender & Justice in the Washington Women Lawyers, the Courts. This new and forward-thinking Gender Bias Washington State Bar Association and the Washington Study was first announced at the NAWJ Conference State Women’s Commission hosted an acclaimed in Seattle in 2016. With initial funding from the afternoon presentation to celebrate Women’s History NCSC and support from our partners, including the Month. NAWJ members were leaders in the event NAWJ, the project is moving forward. planning and presentation. NAWJ members Judge Karen Donohue (NAWJ Vice President of Publications) A University of Washington Law School professor, and Judge Marilyn Paja (Vice Chair of the State Gender a Boeing lawyer and a Seattle University School & Justice Commission) again served on the planning of Law student spoke about The Evolving committee for this annual event. CLE credits were Jurisprudence and Legacy of Justice Ruth Bader awarded to attendees who both graced the room and Ginsburg. Justice Ginsburg, a long time NAWJ participated simultaneously by webinar. member, was acknowledged for her work relating to women in the workplace and for NAWJ member Washington State Supreme Court her other opinions and dissents that have Justice Sheryl Gordon McCloud lead a rousing moved Congress and SCOTUS toward a discussion about women’s interaction in American better acknowledgement of women in our jurisprudence focusing on individual women country. (Bobble-head RBG dolls were who made a difference, beginning with the Salem raffled at the event.) Witch Trials, highlighting Sojourner Truth, a strong woman and a slave whose child was sold from her, early From their unique perspective NAWJ workplace legislation intended to protect frail women, member Washington Supreme Court Margaret Sanger’s struggles with contraception, Rosa Justice Debra Stephens and her colleague Justice Steven Gonzalez presented the history of the Washington State Equal Rights Justice Ginsburg, a long time NAWJ Amendment. member, was acknowledged for her work Judge Raquel Montoya-Lewis, a Superior relating to women in the workplace and for Court Judge for Whatcom County Washington shared a version of the impressive program she her other opinions and dissents that have developed for the Washington State Judicial College moved Congress and SCOTUS toward a better on Implicit Bias. We were all riveted. One attendee said: “A powerful panel of presenters – their acknowledgement of women in our country. knowledge and enthusiasm for women’s issues in the law was quite inspiring.” SPRING 2019 19 SPRING 2019 20

National Press Club. Participants interacted • The Judges Roundtable https://www.c-span. and walked around the room, engaging with the with IVP leaders and learned about the valuable org/video/?455874-1/verbal-attacks-courts- audience and sharing her personal story. resources available. Justice Barbara Pariente media The symposium at the National Press Club can be and Justice Robin Hudson serve as co-chairs • Lunchtime conversation with Nina viewed online at the links below. of the National Association of Women Judges Totenberg: https://www.c-span.org/ National Judicial College website: https://www. Judicial Independence Committee. The Informed video/?455874-2/verbal-attacks-courts-nina- judges.org/dcpressclub_livestream/ Voters, Fair Judges Project operates through the totenberg C-SPAN recorded the full program and broadcast NAWJ Judicial Independence Committee. Chief • Eyewitnesses the Downfall of several segments. Three of the recorded Justice Tani Cantil-Sakauye of California and Democracy: https://www.c-span.org/ segments are currently available on the C-Span Linda Leali of Florida serve as co-chairs of the video/?455874-3/verbal-attacks-courts- website: Informed Voters, Fair Judges Project. Annette eyewitnesses-democratic-failures • The Judges Roundtable https://www.c-span. Boyd Pitts serves as National Education Chair of org/video/?455874-1/verbal-attacks-courts- Gather at National Symposium the program. For additional information on the National media • Lunchtime conversation with Nina The program concluded with a special evening at the United Totenberg: https://www.c-span.org/ video/?455874-2/verbal-attacks-courts-nina- By Annette Boyd Pitts of the judicial branch and the critical importance States Supreme Court and a conversation with Justice Sonia totenberg of educating the public. Resources available Sotomayor. Justice Sotomayor addressed the National Judicial • Eyewitnesshes the Downfall of eaders of the National Association through the National Association of Women Democracy: https://www.c-span.org/ of Women Judges Informed Voters, Judges Informed Voters, Fair Judges Project College participants and walked around the room, engaging with video/?455874-3/verbal-attacks-courts- Fair Judges Project participated in a were highlighted. The panel discussed the the audience and sharing her personal story. eyewitnesses-democratic-failures nonpartisan national symposium for need for the public to understand how judges judges and journalists recently at the National make decisions based on the facts and the law; The program concluded with a special evening Association of Women Judges Informed Voters, Press Club in Washington, D.C. The historic how the judicial branch is different from the at the United States Supreme Court and a Fair Judges Project, visit www.ivp.nawj.org or program, Undermining the Courts and the other branches in that it was not designed to conversation with Justice Sonia Sotomayor. email [email protected]. A variety of Media: The Consequences for American be a political or representative branch; and Justice Sotomayor addressed the National educational materials and resources exist to assist Democracy, was sponsored by the National the critical role of the judicial branch in our Judicial College participants and walked around with public presentations on the judicial branch Judicial College and broadcast on C-Span. constitutional design. The panel also discussed the room, engaging with the audience and and the role of judges in our constitutional Chief Justice Tani Cantil-Sakauye of California, labeling, current attempts to politicize the sharing her personal story. design. Assistance is also available to educate Justice Barbara Pariente of Florida, and Justice courts, and other ways utilized to marginalize the public about judicial selection processes and Robin Hudson of North Carolina participated the judicial branch. “It is not our job to do what The symposium at the National Press Club can be how to evaluate judicial candidates. The National in a Judicial Roundtable panel of federal judges is popular,” commented Justice Hudson. “It viewed online at the links below. Association of Women Judges is a dynamic and state Supreme Court justices to address is our job to interpret and apply the law.” The National Judicial College website: https://www. gathering of women judges who are dedicated challenges facing the judiciary and the potential panelists challenged participants and the public judges.org/dcpressclub_livestream/ to preserving judicial independence. Since its consequences for judicial independence and to consider how we can protect our courts and formation in 1979, NAWJ has inspired and led American democracy. The program also included who should speak in defense of judges and the C-SPAN recorded the full program and broadcast the American judiciary in achieving fairness and A variety of educational materials and resources an array of prominent editors and reporters from judicial branch. several segments. Three of the recorded equality for vulnerable populations. You can exist to assist with public presentations on the Washington Post, The New York Times, Justice Hudson and Justice Pariente, co-chairs segments are currently available on the C-Span learn more about NAWJ by visiting its website the judicial branch and the role of judges in Fox News, CNN, and more. A conversation with of the NAWJ Judicial Independence Committee, The National Judicial College provided prime website: at www.nawj.org. For additional information on our constitutional design. Assistance is also Nina Totenberg was also featured during the addressed judicial selection processes and exhibit space for the NAWJ Informed Voters, the National Judicial available to educate the public about judicial prestigious event. their individual experiences with attacks on the Fair Judges Project throughout the event at the College, the nation’s selection processes and how to evaluate judiciary during their state leading provider of judicial candidates. The National Association merit retention elections. judicial education, visit of Women Judges is a dynamic gathering of A montage of televised their website at https:// women judges who are dedicated to preserving judicial attack ads targeting www.judges.org/. judicial independence. Since its formation in state court justices in 1979, NAWJ has inspired and led the American Iowa, North Carolina, and The program concluded judiciary in achieving fairness and equality for Tennessee was featured with a special evening vulnerable populations. You can learn more highlighting the infiltration at the United States about NAWJ by visiting its website at www.nawj. of dark money to impact Supreme Court org. For additional information on the National the outcome of judicial and a conversation Judicial College, the nation’s leading provider of retention elections. NAWJ with Justice Sonia judicial education, visit their website at https:// IVP leaders Justice Pariente, Sotomayor. Justice www.judges.org/ Justice Hudson, and Chief Sotomayor addressed Justice Cantil-Sakauye the National Judicial discussed the vulnerability College participants SPRING 2019 21 SPRING 2019 22

Court of Appeal, Second Circuit; and NAWJ Appeal, New Orleans, who presented on Human Esie, Louisiana State University - Paul M. Hebert President-elect Judge Bernadette D'Souza, Trafficking. Other male jurists who supported Law Center; and Monette Davis, Shearil Matthews, Orleans Civil District Court. These women, who the NAWJ through instruction and presentations and Lauren Grant, Southern University Law were the first females and first Asian and African were Louisiana Supreme Court Associate Justice Center. American females to sit in their respective offices Scott J. Crichton, who presented on ethics, on the bench, offered guidance to students from social media, and a memorial to a judicial giant, As the guest speaker for the Awards and Southern University at Shreveport and other and James Stewart, District Attorney, Caddo Recognition Dinner, Chief Justice Johnson attendees. Guests were privy to an in-depth Parish, who presented on Women and Domestic reported that while males remain the largest By Trina S. Vincent discussion on the Women in Prison program. Violence. population in the nation’s prisons, the number Public Information Specialist The panelist included Judge Arthur J. Hunter, Jr., of female inmates continues to climb, growing Community Relations Department Orleans Parish Criminal Court; Ms. Dolfinette Conference participants also enjoyed the by more than 700% over the last 35 years. As a Louisiana Supreme Court Martin, Operations Manager, Operation opportunity to make a difference in the lives of result of stricter drug penalties, more expansive Restoration New Orleans; Chief Justice Johnson; others through the Color of Justice program, laws, and an absence of reentry programs, this he National Association of Women and April Baur, Program Manager, Louisiana which inspires girls and minorities to consider number could continue to rise.1 It is noted that Judges (NAWJ), District Six is on Transitional Center for Women (LTCW), who legal careers. Panelists included: Judge Yvette in Louisiana, of the 18,000 male and female the move and committed to inform, described new reentry programs and the Alexander, Baton Rouge City Court; Judges offenders who are released from prison each year, encourage and take action. This was Paula Brown and Regina Bartholomew-Woods, 43% will return in less than five years due in part to apparent as NAWJ District Six, led by Director, Fourth Circuit Court of Appeal lack of employment and the inability to find a place to live.2 The strategy is to provide incarcerated women serving approximately two years or less Judicial Firsts: From left to right - Judge Ramona Emanuel, First Judicial District Court; Judge Shonda Stone, with skills and an education to become licensed Louisiana Court of Appeal, Second Circuit; Judge Pamela Taylor Johnson, East Baton Rouge Juvenile Court; cosmetologists or earn associate degrees which Chief Judge Felicia Toney-Williams, Louisiana Court of Appeal, Second Circuit; Louisiana Supreme Court Chief better prepare them to become productive Justice Bernette Joshua Johnson; Louisiana Supreme Court Associate Justice Jeannette Theriot Knoll, Retired; citizens. Chief Justice Johnson expounded on NAWJ President-elect, Judge Bernadette D’ Sousa, Orleans Civil District Court; Judge Dale Atkins, Louisiana Court of Appeal, Fourth Circuit; Judge Yvette Alexander, Baton Rouge City Court. the difficulty incarcerated women face in getting sufficient hygiene and sanitary products that to support upcoming legal minds and to inspire to accurately reflect the role of women in the are safe for daily use, as well as their inability to all to action. Attendees at the conference had the democratic society by financially supporting successfully transition back into the community Judge Sheva Meshawn Sims, opportunity to meet and discuss matters of great female law students. The road to the bench begins once they are released. Chief Justice Johnson Shreveport City Court, hosted its importance to both the NAWJ and society at large, with attending law school. At the Awards and opined that many recently released women have 2019 regional conference entitled, namely Human Trafficking, Domestic Violence, Recognition Dinner, Assistant City Attorney few options for employment and a place to live Visionary Women: Champions of and Women in Prison issues. Felicia M. Hamilton, Shreveport, who organized due to lack of skills, lack of clothing, and limited Perseverance, Persistence, and Progress. the local scholarship program, awarded seven (7) opportunities. Thus, the probability of their Not only was the conference an informative The NAWJ District Six took action as it continued scholarships to the following recipients: Allison returning to prison is high. This sparked another meeting of jurists, attorneys, legal professionals, to show alignment with the organization’s ideal Payne, Loyola University New Orleans College of call to action. community leaders, law students, and the public, challenges New Orleans; along with Attorneys Curtis Joseph, of increasing the number of women on the bench Law; Zakia Nesbitt, Kaylin Jolivette and Brittney but it was also a mentoring vehicle of living women face once released from prison Jr. and Anna Priestly of Shreveport. Through catalysts who shared their accomplishments and to find housing, clothing and jobs. Judge mentorship and instruction, the continuous inspired a call to action. It was camaraderie for Joy Cossich Lobrano, Fourth Circuit Court of message woven throughout the conference was sitting judges who united with colleagues in solidarity to support and exchange nuggets of wisdom on service and the application of justice with integrity. It stimulated awareness and the need to combat recidivism, human trafficking, and domestic violence as well as the responsibility to get involved with the Women in Prison Program. This program is a passion of Louisiana Supreme Court Chief Justice Bernette Joshua Johnson who served previously as District Six Director and has passed the mantle to Judge Sheva Sims.

The “Judicial Firsts Paving the Way” Roundtable was a discussion of judicial leaders, which included Color of Justice: From left to right Attorneys Anna Priestly and Curtis Joseph, Jr., Women in Prison Panel: From left to right Judge Arthur L. Hunter, Jr., Orleans Chief Justice Johnson; Associate Justice Jeanette Louisiana Supreme Court Chief Justice Bernette Joshua Louisiana Supreme Court Associate Justice Scott J. Shreveport; Judge Aisha Clark, Monroe City Court; Judge Paula Brown, Louisiana Parish Criminal District Court; Ms. Dolfinette Martin, Operation Restoration Theriot Knoll, Retired, Louisiana Supreme Court; Johnson and NAWJ President-elect Judge Bernadette Crichton presenting at the Shreveport City Court. Court of Appeal, Fourth Circuit; Judge Yvette Alexander, Baton Rouge City Court; New Orleans; Chief Justice Bernette Joshua Johnson, Louisiana Supreme Court; Chief Judge Felicia Toney Williams, Louisiana D’Souza, Orleans Parish Civil District Court and Regina Bartholomew-Woods, Louisiana Court of Appeal, Fourth Circuit. April Baur, Program Manager, LCTW. SPRING 2019 23 SPRING 2019 24

Judge Sheva Sims and NAWJ District Six are such as the Greater ProVision Christian Church, Armed with skills, education and the possibility advocates for addressing recidivism through the Pastor Helen Godfrey-Smith, Delta Lambda of a clean slate, incarcerated women reentering with all of you. Thank you for the opportunity Women in Prison Program by implementing skills Omega Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, their communities will have a better chance to find to tell you a bit about myself. Here is to Justice! and educational reentry programs for incarcerated Inc., Shreveport Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma employment, a place to live and the opportunity women at the Louisiana Transitional Center for Theta Sorority, Inc. and Dr. Sharon D. Sims, to live successful lives. Louisiana Supreme opportunities and more time to bond with other Judge Michelle Rick, who encouraged Judge Women (LTCW) in Tallulah. The program, a Shreveport were present and donated items to Court Chief Justice Bernette Joshua Johnson judges from across the country. Krause to join, writes: response to over 200 incarcerated women who April Baur for the women at LTCW. In addition, commented, “I am pleased with the program and expressed interest in attaining employability skills, representatives of the Greater St. Stephens Full the efforts of Judge Sims and her team. When I graduated from The University of Michigan (Go “Judge Ronayne Krause and I have a long is a collaboration between judges, prison officials, Gospel Baptist Church visited the facility to plan imprisoned women receive adequate support prior Blue!) where I was a member of the marching history together. She has been my mentor and as well as others. Judge Sims has collaborated with a course of action to continue to provide hygiene to release, their chance of future involvement band for 4 years and the University of Notre friend since 1990. At the time, she was an Warden Billy Tigner, who has agreed to allow items in the future. in criminal activity is lessened, reducing the Dame Law School. After a brief stint in private assistant prosecutor and I was a third year law the use of the facility in support of this initiative. likelihood of recidivism." practice handling corporate reorganizations and student interning in her office. That’s where our some litigation, I became an assistant prosecutor friendship began. Other partners include the Cosmetology Board Representatives of Delta Lambda Omega Chapter of of Louisiana, Dr. Rich Bateman, Jr., Chancellor Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., and Shreveport Judge Sims said. “I am honored that Chief Justice in 2 different counties. My last 4 years I was the As an assistant prosecutor and an assistant and Karen Recchia, Vice Chancellor of Student Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. Johnson asked me to spearhead this initiative. Director of the Sex Crimes Prosecution Unit. I attorney general, Judge Krause has been a Services, both of Bossier Parish Community with Judge Sheva Sims and April Baur shortly after It will ultimately change the lives of women, handled all sexual assault cases including child fierce advocate for crime victims. As a trial College (BPCC) which will offer online courses donating hygiene products to LTCW. children, and families. When women succeed, and adult victims. From there I moved on to the court judge, Judge Krause used her passion and to earn an associate degree; Dr. Rodney Ellis, society wins.” The success of reentry programs Attorney General’s Office and was there for over 6 voice by creating the one of the first domestic Chancellor, Southern University at Shreveport such as this not only influences the future of years. Initially, I handled administrative matters violence treatment courts in Michigan. Now (SUSLA); Chancellor John Pierre, Southern incarcerated individuals, but also positively against health professionals, however spent most Judge Krause serves with distinction on the University Law Center (SULC) which has impacts, families, the prison system, and the of my career there working in the criminal division Michigan Court of Appeals. Judge Krause is partnered with SUSLA to provide expungements taxpayers. Judge Ronayne Krause and handled criminal matters all over the state of an inspiration and role model for new women to qualified participants upon completion of Michigan. I am Michigan born and bred and love judges and lawyers alike. It is great to welcome their sentences. Andrea Buttross, Director of Sources: I am elated to have joined NAWJ as I have been this state. I was a district court judge for the City 1. Historical Corrections Statistics in the United States, 1850-1984. her to NAWJ.” Education, Louisiana Department of Corrections (1986); Prison and Jail Inmates Series. (1997-2014.) Washington, a judge for almost 16 years. My colleague and of Lansing for almost 8 years and have been on is instrumental in providing furnishings and DC: Bureau of Justice Statistics; Prisoners in 2016. (2018). friend, Judge Michelle Rick is the reason I have the Michigan Court of Appeals for over 8 years. I If you are a new NAWJ member, please supplies for the cosmetology class. Washington, DC: Bureau of Justice Statistics. joined. She has been encouraging me to do so have been married for almost 19 years and right contact us and introduce yourself. We look 2. Louisiana Department of Public Safety and Corrections. https:// for years and now I am here. My hope and now, we have 3 rescue dogs. It is a real pleasure forward to welcoming you and seeing you at doc.louisiana.gov/reentry-overview (2018) Chief Justice Johnson and Judge Sims concluded goal in joining includes additional educational to join to NAWJ and I look forward to networking conferences and events around the country. the conference by taking action. They scheduled a tour and meeting with Warden Billy Tigner and April Baur, LTCW; Attorney Kenn Barnes, Jr., Special Counsel, Pre-Trial Services, Louisiana Supreme Court; Gerald Joshua, Campus Dean, Northwest Louisiana Technical College; and Representatives of Delta Lambda Omega Chapter of Judge Arthur Hunter to observe and discuss the Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., and Shreveport area that is earmarked for the new cosmetology Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. classes as well as the new Coding Program that with Judge Sheva Sims and April Baur shortly after Judge Hunter is organizing. Judge Sims has conferred with Judge Hunter, whose experience in this area comes from his co-founding (along with Judge Laurie A. White, Orleans Parish Criminal Court) the Orleans Reentry Court Workforce Development Program which began in Louisiana State Penitentiary known as Angola. The program utilizes trained mentors who are incarcerated, to train and teach other incarcerated men life-skills and trades to better prepare them for success upon release. The group toured the building that houses the coding program for women at LTCW as well. Women will be trained in coding in a computer lab located within classrooms and because of Judge Sims efforts, a classroom and storage area will be converted into cosmetology classes taught by a LTCW visit: From left to right - Sandra Brown Prison Chaplain; Dominique McCraney, SULC student; Judge Sheva M. Sims, Shreveport City Court; Judge Arthur L. Hunter, Jr., Orleans Civil District Court; April Baur, licensed cosmetologist. To assist in providing safe Program Manager, LCTW;(forefront) Chief Justice Bernette Joshua Johnson, Louisiana Supreme Court (rear) toiletries and hygiene products, organizations Joel Brown; Warden Billy Tigner. SPRING 2019 25 SPRING 2019 26

refused to have sex with him. Even when she understand that in order to be successful in their trauma. Other clients may be ready for legal wouldn’t try to see them, he regularly stalked legal cases, our clients need to be fully supported services at the first meeting. and harassed her. She regularly changed her in every aspect of life. They need housing, jobs, phone number, tried to keep him from knowing education, trauma-trained therapists, medical The overall impact of the Clinic on clients is where she lived, blocked him on social media. and dental care, mentorship, help cleaning up life-changing. Clients receive no-cost, trauma- Eventually, she completely shut him out of their credit, tattoo removal and much more. informed legal representation and access to the her life just to keep her sanity and stop the court system, a system that, until very recently, emotional abuse. She simply gave up hope of The Legal Clinic is holistic has labeled them as “criminals” instead of ever seeing or talking to her kids. “victims”. Clients receive medical and mental in that we understand that health care from professionals trained to work This heartbreaking story is the reality for many in order to be successful in with survivors of trauma. Clients have increased of the clients we serve at Free to Thrive, a San employment as well as educational and housing Diego-based non-profit organization that their legal cases, our clients opportunities after clearing their criminal empowers human trafficking survivors to be need to be fully supported records and eliminating other barriers to their free and thrive by providing them with legal success. Clients have financial independence, services and connections to other support. in every aspect of life. They higher self-esteem and overall happiness and Free to Thrive achieves this mission through its need housing, jobs, education, well-being as they achieve their personal and mobile legal clinics at 11 locations throughout trauma-trained therapists, professional goals, complete their education, San Diego County. reunify with their children, improve their credit, medical and dental care, access public benefits and social services, and Twenty-nine (29) percent of Free to Thrive’s mentorship, help cleaning up heal from their trauma. clients were inmates at Las Colinas Detention and Reentry Facility (“Las Colinas”), San their credit, tattoo removal Free to Thrive is one of only a handful of Diego’s women’s jail when we first met them. and much more. organizations around the United States This clinic location was born out of NAWJ’s providing comprehensive and holistic legal Success Inside & Out Program, an annual When we conduct a client intake and needs services to human trafficking survivors. We tried to get a job, but had been in the “life” She worked hard to get stable, always focused one-day program run by judges, attorneys and assessment with every new client, we ask them need attorneys and organizations around the LAS COLINAS’ of being sold by others for sex since she was on the goal of reuniting with her kids. Her community leaders at Las Colinas aimed at about their personal, professional and legal county to serve this client population. We 17 years old. She had “square” jobs here and good intentions were thwarted by her reality supporting the women in their future success, goals. They light up when we ask them about also need the entire criminal justice and legal FREE TO THRIVE there, but nothing stable or long term. Even of poverty, homelessness, addiction, mental both inside and outside of jail. their hopes and dreams for the future. The system to have comprehensive training on the if an employer would hire her, they would health issues due to her trauma (severe PTSD, tell us how they want to get their high school issue of human trafficking and the legal needs CLINIC IS likely revoke the offer as soon as they saw depression, anxiety, paranoia and other The Free to Thrive legal clinic (“Legal Clinic”) diploma and go to college. They want their kids of survivors. My dream is that the day will come her background. If they still hired her, she diagnosis) and numerous physical health issues is mobile, holistic and trauma informed. It is back. They want to clear their criminal record when we no longer need organizations like Free LAUNCHED would be more likely to be sexually harassed, and hospitalizations due to years of physical mobile in that rather than having a physical so they can get a job and housing. They want to Thrive because human beings are free from propositioned, mistrusted, or alienated because abuse, starvation, prolonged drug use, lack or location, we go to our clients, meeting them to help others who have been through this all forms of exploitation. he was in jail when the court granted full of her criminal record. To make matters worse, preventive care and sleep deprivation. at residential treatment programs, the San experience and work with kids so they avoid legal and physical custody of her kids to no one would rent her an apartment because of Diego Family Justice Center, and in jail. Free this path altogether. After they share their goals Jamie Beck is the President & Managing her [fill in the blank – trafficker, abuser, to Thrive provides direct legal representation and dreams, we go through an extensive and Attorney of Free to Thrive. For more sex-buyer]. She was not represented by ...Free to Thrive, is a San Diego-based non- and pro bono attorneys for a variety of matters evolving list of legal and social services aimed information about Free to Thrive visit an attorney, so the court had no way of knowing including criminal vacatur and expungement, at supporting them in pursuit of these goals. www.FreetoThrive.org where she was or why she did not appear at the profit organization that empowers human restraining orders, divorce, child custody, Finally, we develop a unique case plan for custody hearing. He was there, looking sharp benefits appeals, civil litigation, criminal each client so that we are all clear on the legal in an expensive suit, with a lawyer. He said, trafficking survivors to be free and thrive restitution and identity theft. We also advocate services we will provide, what other services we she’s not here because she’s a “criminal” “drug by providing them with legal services and for clients in criminal and dependency cases will connect them to and what everyone’s next addict” and a “prostitute.” He gets full custody and work closely with their court appointed steps are. of their kids. connections to other support. attorneys. While awareness of this issue has increased dramatically in recent years, judges The overarching question constantly guiding When she is finally her criminal record. She couch hopped, staying The months turned into years and she still had and attorneys move departments, creating a our approach to service is “what can we do to released from jail, she with friends and acquaintances when she could. no custody of her kids. She tried seeing them, knowledge and empathy gap between the legal support our client’s well-being and future fought for her life – she Sometimes she had enough money for a hotel but she had to go through her ex [trafficker/ system and our client-population. Our job as success?” This organically results in a was now homeless room. The rest of the time, she slept on the abuser/sex-buyer] to see or speak to them. He advocates in these cases is to bridge this divide unique process and experience for each because she lived with streets. Before she was arrested, she had a car, used the kids as a weapon, taunting her and by helping our clients’ attorneys, prosecutors/ client. For some clients, the immediate her “boyfriend”/ but he took that too. She knew she would not be manipulating her knowing that he held all of the children’s counsel and the court better course of action may be the development of trafficker/abuser until able to get custody of her kids until she got a job control. When he let her see them, he demanded understand their experience. a safety plan to escape a trafficker. For other she was arrested. She and a stable place to live. sex, money or both. She had no money and clients, they may need trauma-specific therapy The Legal Clinic is holistic in that we to support their healing and recovery from their SPRING 2019 27 SPRING 2019 28

but that the two panelists were leading two of heard, claims will be investigated, and parties will many reasons why people don’t come forward. California’s three branches of government; a be treated with respect” in order to overcome any Senator Atkins raised Prof. Hill as an example, historic first. intimidation that may exist in reporting judges “Anita Hill came forward and she was shut down. or justices. She hopes to get the working group She was articulate, educated, and she was shut The Chief Justice shared two fronts on which she recommendation this Summer. down. We saw that again recently. Women are had been focused to combat sexual harassment going back in the closet because of that. They’re in the courts. The first dealt with the California Likewise, Senator Pro Tem Atkins going to wait to see if we’re serious this time. We Rules of Court and public access to records. She led the change on reporting procedures in the have to show them we are.” told those that gathered that she became aware state legislature. “The system has failed us, so By Renee N. G. Stackhouse of a situation where records were being sought we had to take a look at it,” she began, which President Ipema was not alone in sentiment known about the conduct and failed to take immediate pursuant to C.R.C. 10.500. She assumed they prompted her to “create something new because that “we are very lucky in California to have two action, SB 1343 (Mitchell) which requires employers would be provided by the individual courthouse, people didn’t trust the existing process.” The very capable and strong women in charge of the he Historic 1928 Courts & Library Building with five or more employees to provide at least 2 hours of in downtown Sacramento is beautiful; boasting as they were appropriately sought, but later new process, two years in the making and Senate and Supreme Court who are committed sexual harassment training to all supervisory employees learned the documents had not been produced the result of seven hearings, and hundreds of and are taking steps to improve training and wood polished to a shine, high ceilings, and and at least one hour of training to all nonsupervisory crown molding. The building harkens back to because of a perceived ambiguity in the rule. She testimonials, uses a model created by the City education of all employees, and hold perpetrators employees (vice the 50 employees required by FEHA), immediately asked the Judicial Council to take of Los Angeles and went into effect this year. It accountable.” a time of the invention of Mickey Mouse, the discovery of and SB 820 (Leyva) which prohibits confidentiality penicillin, and the first trans-pacific flight. It was built in action to review the court rule on public records involves an initial investigation by a workplace clauses in settlement agreements for certain sexual to clarify that settlement agreements to resolve conduct unit, and then a review of the unit’s Interrupting the Power a time when women had just shortly prior (1920) won the offenses. She noted that we must continue the forward right to vote. sexual harassment and discrimination complaints findings by a panel of legal experts who will momentum and can’t “let things go back to ‘normal.’” against judicial officers must be publicly then recommend appropriate responses from The second panel featured attorneys Jerrilyn California Women Lawyers President Amee Mikacich disclosed in response to records requests and the Assembly or Senate. Those experts include Malana, Chief Deputy of Employment/Special On March 21, 2019, the historic nature of the building commented on the strength of women coming together to Advisor to the San Diego County District was sharply juxtaposed with the forward-thinking women that the names of judicial officers may not be individuals appointed by the Chief Justice, the support each other at events such as this and highlighted redacted from those agreements. Even stronger, Senator Pro Tem and the Speaker. Attorney’s Office and Kelly Dermody, managing gathered to explore sexual harassment and to talk about programming of CWL in furthering women in society partner of Lieff Cabraser Heimann & Bernstein creating a new future- a “new normal”- Brought together the amendment made it clear that the disclosure and the legal profession, including “So, You Want to be a of records applies to all settlement agreements The new process is an “incredible opportunity,” and was moderated by recently appointed Contra by the National Association of Women Judges’ Day Judge?” and “Elect to Run.” Costa County Superior Court Judge Wendy at the California State Capitol: #WeToo in the Legal entered into since January 1, 2010 to ensure Atkins said, “If we turn away from the focus on that past as well as future publicly funded sexual harassment, we’ll slip back to a definition McGuire Coats. Workplace, the room was filled with women lawyers, The mix of lawyers, judges, justices, and legislators judges, and legislators all committed to working together settlement agreements against judicial officers of ‘normal’ that is not normal. We need to change coming together on #WeToo was truly extraordinary. are disclosable as a matter of law. According to the definition of normal.” She said, “The true test The panel delved into the barriers reporters face on ways to eliminate sexual harassment and assault in the and what can be done to overcome those barriers. California workplace. the Chief Justice this was the “fastest acting work is not how the new procedures work today, but California Women Lead group in the history of the Judicial Council.” how the response to them is long-term.” Many women are familiar with the barriers to reporting including fear of not being believed, NAWJ President, San Diego Superior Court Judge Judge Weber moderated the first panel featuring Senate Tamila Ipema said that she made the program the first President Pro Tem Toni Atkins and California Supreme She also raised the working group she created to In both the legislature and the judiciary, there are Continued on page 32 goal of her presidency because “sexual harassment and Court Chief Justice Tani Cantil-Sakauye. Weber began by keep courthouses “safe from discrimination and assault is still prevalent at every workplace, including recognizing that, not only was it Women’s History Month, harassment.” The working group is developing the courts and legislative branches” and that “we need recommendations for reporting procedures for to bring awareness to this problem by demanding handling harassment complaints which focus on transparency and accountability.” confidentiality, building confidence in reporters, and safety. The message the Chief Justice wants #WeToo program co-chairs, San Diego Superior Court to promise and deliver is that reporters “will be Judges Paula Rosenstein and Joan Weber met, and exceeded, that goal through their efforts in bringing the program to life.

Stronger Together The day began with a welcome from the three partnering organizations; the NAWJ, the California Legislative Women’s Caucus, and California Women Lawyers. President Ipema noted many accomplishments of the NAWJ including its recent position statement to extend and strengthen the Violence Against Women Act. Legislative Women’s Caucus Chair Sen. Connie Leyva shared recent legislative wins in California including SB 1300 (Jackson) which made employers responsible for the acts of nonemployees if they knew or should have SPRING 2019 29 SPRING 2019 30

dreaming about, counting down the months, Institution in New Castle, Del., the only women’s healthy relationships, changing behavior, handling weeks, days. Head home and put your time at prison in the state. money, reconnecting with children, going to Continued from page 8 MCIW behind you. But life gives us challenges college, and succeeding on probation. and you still have mountains to climb to achieve Delaware Superior Court President Judge Jan Fabe, who retired from the bench in 2016, said success on a limited budget. Correctional Institution for Women (“MCIW”) your goals.” Jurden, a member of the NAWJ Women in Prison “We want to help the women who are here in when then-NAWJ president Vanessa Ruiz, a in Jessup, Md. That conference was organized Committee, led the organization of the first detention start thinking about getting their lives Senior Judge on the District of Columbia Court of “My vision was to make it look like an NAWJ by NAWJ Women in Prison Committee co-chair The Women Moving Forward Conference has a conference. In the program’s first year, Delaware’s back together when they go back out there,” Appeals, appointed her as NAWJ Project Chair, conference,” Fabe said. “NAWJ conferences Murray and Associate Judge Cathy Hollenberg website, www.wmfmd.org, that provides links to First Lady, Carla Markell, gave the keynote Ipema said. “We basically want to set them up for she asked her to develop a program related to have always been so meaningful to me. There’s an Serrette, who serves on the Circuit Court for community resources for women to help them find address, and workshops addressed issues related success. We teach them how to get out of debt, women in prison. Before taking the bench, Fabe excitement. You get your bag with goodies in it. Prince George’s County, Md. services and support after their release. to personal growth and health awareness, intimate how to fix their credit and not to fall into these had been Alaska’s chief public defender, and You have plenary sessions, and you have break-out partner violence, grief and loss, educational needs payday loan pitfalls. We also teach them how to she was familiar with the inequalities in a prison sessions you can choose. That was my model Serrette and Julia Weatherly, Senior Associate In 2009, NAWJ helped develop a Success Inside of children, positive relationships, employment modify child support; if they owe child support, system that provided more resources to men than for the program, to make it look like an NAWJ Judge for the Prince George’s County Circuit & Out program at the Mission Creek Corrections skills, emotional development, and re‐entry how to take care of it; how to seal their records so women. conference.” Court, co-chair the program today. Center for Women in Belfair, Washington. services. they can get a job when they get out, so they can compete with others in the work environment. We “When we don’t provide the tools and the Indeed, the Success Inside & Out attendees enjoy The Women Moving Forward Conference Joyce Oswald, a professor at Tacoma Community Jill Biden, wife of then-Vice President Joe Biden, want them to succeed when they get out there into inspiration to prisoners as they are getting ready to fun conference perks like goodie bags, colorful provides workshops on a variety of topics College at Mission Creek Corrections Center gave the keynote at the 2016 conference. That the real world, to be able to get their lives back be released, and in particular the information they journals they choose for themselves, and even a such as housing and home ownership; money for Women, organized the first program after same year, for the first time, inmates served on an together and never have to come back here again.” need in order to succeed, it is much more likely fashion show featuring inmate models. Fabe said and credit management; obtaining medical moving from Alaska to Washington. She had been in-house planning committee. They created the involved in the Success Inside & Out program in conference theme, assisted in the planning and that they’re going to cycle back into the system the owner of a local designer consignment store insurance; educational opportunities; family Ipema also organized an annual resource fair at Alaska while serving as Education Coordinator for development of the workshops, and introduced despite their wish to succeed outside,” Fabe said. works with the women for weeks in advance, reunification; re-entry mediation services; Las Colinas in 2017, with representatives from fitting and styling them for the show. the Alaska Department of Corrections. each workshop. They also designed artwork for coping with trauma, substance abuse, and mental local community colleges, legal aid organizations, health concerns; yoga, meditation, and dealing the conference program book, planned the menu So, Fabe and others – including the Alaska and nonprofits providing educational and career Fabe said she hopes the women who participate in with post-release legal issues; avoiding gangs; The Washington program – which has grown into for the volunteer breakfast, organized audio-visual Courts’ “amazing administrator,” Brenda Aiken guidance. – visited Hiland Mountain Correctional Center the annual program see long-lasting benefits. and tips on successfully navigating parole and a two-day conference – features presentations needs, and wrote poetry that was read throughout near Anchorage, the state’s only women’s prison, probation requirements. Workshop topics from women who have found success after their the day, and students in the institution’s Culinary The San Diego Success Inside & Out program is “to do a needs assessment, to see what the women “My hopes are that they are able to have the nuts- also include skill building in parenting, anger release, as well as re-entry workshops on topics Arts Program prepared the breakfast for the currently chaired by San Diego Superior Court needed and what they didn’t have.” and-bolts skills that they need and information that management, positive thinking, and employment such as how to reinstate your license, how to start conference. they need in order to succeed immediately upon preparation including resume writing, job your own business, finding a job, funding your Commissioner Terrie Roberts and San Diego Superior Court Staff Attorney Nadia Keilani, and Based on those conversations with the release,” Fabe said, “and also an inspirational, retention enhancement skills, and interviews with education, and accessing library resources. The In 2011, Philadelphia judges presented the first incarcerated women, Fabe and her steering aspirational piece where they can see that other employers ready to hire upon the participant’s conference also includes roundtable discussions Success In & Out Conference at the Riverside the resource fair is chaired by San Diego Superior committee of women judges, attorneys and women have been able to succeed and go on to release. with judges on legal issues such as domestic Corrections Facility for Women. Philadelphia Court Commissioner Pennie McLaughlin. business leaders began planning the one-day advanced degrees and professions and also an violence protection orders and court payment Common Pleas Court Judge Doris Pechkurow conference, dubbed “Success Inside & Out.” understanding that we as women judges care about The conference also includes keynote and options. Participants also can browse a resource chaired the conference steering committee, “Each time we host these events, we learn,” said Fabe said that, while planning the program, she their success, that we as women professionals in motivational speakers, a plenary session exhibit hall with information from agencies and planning a program that included presentations on San Diego Superior Court Commissioner Pennie also sought the input of Murray, Williams, and our community care about their success.” of formerly incarcerated women who have community organizations. court etiquette, getting ready for work, parenting, McLaughlin, who co-chaired the 2018 Success Senior Judge Gladys Kessler, who serves on the successfully transitioned home, a business-attire domestic violence, and succeeding after release. Inside & Out conference and the 2018 resource U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia. To make the Success Inside & Out program fashion show, lunch, and a resource fair. King County Superior Court Judge Karen fair. “We gain a greater understanding of exactly easier to replicate in other states, Fabe and Donohue and King County District Court More recent Philadelphia Success In & Out what is needed for each woman to succeed. Here, The Success Inside & Out program’s goals are her team created a 108-page planning guide Like Fabe, the Women Moving Forward Judges Lisa Paglisotti and Janet Garrow work on conferences have included representatives from success is measured in what it will take to end the to provide mentorship and support for women in March 2007. The guide includes a planning organizers seek to provide participants with a the conference planning committee on behalf Career Wardrobe, a local agency that provides repetitive return to jail and the criminal justice in prison who are within one year of release; timeline, checklist, schedule, session topics and true conference experience – including providing of NAWJ. The Washington State Gender and professional-type clothing to women as well as system.” to provide women prisoners with information descriptions, budget information, registration conference bags with a copy of the conference Justice Commission, Mission Creek Corrections educational programs. The representatives gave about resources available to them upon re-entry; form, press release, and more – a complete tool kit program, a t-shirt, a journal, and items such as Center, Northwest Justice Project, and Tacoma helpful hints about dressing for success, as well as The San Diego program has a website, https:// and to allow women judges and other women for putting on a re-entry conference. The guide is a calendar, toiletries, and other items donated Community College sponsor the conference along gift certificates to each participant to redeem at the success-sd.com/, that provides links to professionals the opportunity to participate in available on NAWJ’s website at www.nawj.org/ by conference partners and sponsors. In 2011, with NAWJ. store managed by the agency. community resources for help with housing, a program within the prison, observe the prison catalog/community-outreach-programs/women- for the first time, the conference provided employment, criminal record relief, legal advice, environment, and become acquainted with in-prison. participants with a USB flash drive with preloaded “The overall goal of the conference was to ensure NAWJ’s Success Inside & Out program spread and reconnecting with children. corrections officials. resource materials such as a resume template, each woman walked out of the event with her to Southern California next, with San Diego Success Spreads medical insurance application, and information head held high, with the resources in her hands Superior Court Judge Tamila Ipema, who now Storybook Project Connects Moms The conference includes sessions and workshops on other community services. to succeed, knowing that there is light at the end serves as NAWJ president, organizing the first to Kids of their tragedy, and triumph is theirs to obtain,” program in the San Diego area in 2016. addressing housing, transportation, education, The Success Inside & Out conference model soon Oswald wrote about a recent conference. While Success Inside & Out is a one-day substance abuse counseling, parenting training, spread to other NAWJ chapters. “You would think it would be easy to go home,” exercise and nutrition, stress management, Weatherly and 2018 conference co-chair Mary The daylong conference, held at Las Colinas conference program for women nearing their In May 2013, the “Sisters in Success” program Detention and Reentry Facility in Santee, Calif., release dates, the Women in Prison Committee self-esteem, job search and interview skills, In the Fall of 2008, the first “Women Moving Pat Donelan wrote in their welcome letter to debuted at Baylor Women’s Correctional features speakers and workshops addressing communication skills, budgeting, and dressing for Forward Conference” was held at the Maryland participants. “After all, it is what you have been and NAWJ chapters also sponsor activities that SPRING 2019 31 SPRING 2019 32 help incarcerated women throughout the year. Book Clubs Develop Confidence, mentored her throughout the development of wound down, one woman asked whether there One of the book club session leaders explained “I used to use drugs,” the woman said. “I want to Empathy the program. were book clubs outside prison. how she could find or form a book club by using do something better when I get out.” In Maryland, NAWJ members coordinate two the online social site, MeetUp.com, where programs at the Maryland Correctional Institution Several NAWJ chapters coordinate book clubs for “Our motto is ‘Read, travel to other worlds, and She said she wanted to join a book club with people form groups to share various interests and Jodi Cleesattle is a Deputy Attorney General for the for Women that are geared toward helping incarcerated women, bringing judges, attorneys, into your own,’” Paulsen said. “It helps the women her grandmother when she was released. Her activities in their communities. The woman was California Department of Justice and a member of NAWJ. mothers. and other volunteers in to lead lively discussions of develop and improve their empathy, their listening grandmother recently had eye surgery, she said, excited by the idea, and about sharing the book fiction, nonfiction, classics, and poetry. skills, and their speaking skills. They have ‘a ha’ and could now see well enough to read again. club experience with her grandmother. Senior Judge Marielsa Bernard, of the moments when discussing the books. The goal Montgomery County Circuit Court, began the NAWJ’s Women in Prison Committee sponsors a is to get a better understanding of yourself and “Storybook Project” at MCIW in 2001. Modeled book club at the Maryland Correctional Institution others and develop confidence and empathy.” after programs operated by nonprofits in Illinois for Women, where volunteers lead book and Alabama, the Storybook Project records The book club, which is also supported by the discussions and teach creative writing sessions Continued from page 28 incarcerated mothers reading storybooks, then about twice a month. NAWJ Women in Prison Iowa Organization of Women Attorneys and sends the recordings to their children along with Polk County Women Attorneys, meets every two Committee co-chair Murray founded the program not being believed, and not having the complaint The panel concluded that “[Ending sexual bring sexual misconduct into the light and subject the books and a brief recorded message from weeks, with a group of about 30 volunteers taking in about 2004 and is still an active participant. upheld or even investigated. Dermody cited harassment] is a long play- it’s about sharing our to serious consequences we keep the momentum mom. The program aims to help mothers maintain turns leading sessions. The book club has read 92 Volunteers include judges and attorneys as well stories and our context, even though we are not of #WeToo going. Things are changing for a bond with their children despite their separation. different books to date, and the volunteers have as academics and writers, including famed writers Microsoft as an example, where there had been defined by those moments, we are so much more women in the workplace; that sexual harassment donated more than 1,300 books, including books like Nikki Giovanni. The book club members 119 complaints and only one was upheld by than those moments, and we grow beyond those is beginning to be taken seriously; and that Bernard prepared a how-to guide for how to used in the book club, as well as books donated also enjoy occasional movie nights featuring film human resources. She also noted the disservice moments.” having women in positions of power makes all the coordinate a Storybook Project, which is available to the prison library, health center, living units versions of books they’ve read. that occurs in the judicial system when a judge or difference. As they say, if you’re not at the table, on the NAWJ website at https://www.nawj.org/ without privileges, and work release units. justice steps down who had been facing a complaint And so the #WeToo program came to a close you’re on the menu.” catalog/community-outreach-programs/the- Even before the book club was started, the and the investigation stops. While ceasing the for 2019, but the work is far from done. “This storybook-project. “The book club helps the women see that they’re Women in Prison Committee had organized an investigation may seem to make sense, she raised event should not be a one-time program, but a not forgotten,” Paulsen said. “There are judges, Recommended Reading eight-week speaker series at MCIW in 1994, at that ceasing the investigation leaves the reporter continuing dialogue going forward. If we all work “As simple as it is, this is a most important prosecutors, and professional women from the the request of the warden, who was concerned in limbo; forever an “accuser” with no vindication together we can come up with viable solutions Our panelists recommended some reading project,” Bernard writes in the guidebook. “The community who take the time to come be with that women serving sentences of 20 years or or closure. Dermody pointed out that the process to these issues that have plagued women in the throughout the discussion we wanted to share with children can turn on their CD player and hear them. It’s one thing to send money to a charitable more were ineligible for the prison’s various shouldn’t be about the accused, but should be workplace in California and throughout this you: their mom’s voice whenever they feel lonely or group. It’s another thing to drive out to a prison, re-entry programs. The speaker series addressed changed to provide resolution for the reporters. country,” Judge Weber said. Judge Rosenstein sad. They can play the CD over and over, and each go through security, and sit down face-to-face with Don’t Be an Asshole! Creating a Better World the appellate process in Maryland criminal cases agreed articulating that, “By continuing to hold by A. Vidal time hear their mom read the story and say, ‘I miss someone. It’s a very positive thing for the women Through Self Awareness and post-conviction issues; how to conduct Malana spoke to what could be done to overcome #WeToo events across the country, holding the you. I love you.’ It never gets old. It’s the next and for our volunteers.” legal research; divorce, child custody, support, the barriers stating strongly that “bystanders need leadership in each of our courts accountable so That’s What She Said: What Men Need to Know best thing to having their mother right there with and visitation; legislation affecting incarcerated to speak up. Sex harassment is about power. We that sexual harassment by judicial officers and (and Women Need to Tell Them) About Working them.” The newest NAWJ book club operates at the by J. Lipman persons; and public benefits and educational need to interrupt that power over the target.” She people in positions of power is not swept under Together Homestead Correctional Institution, a women- opportunities. created an acronym to help bystanders take action: the rug, and by working for policy changes that You Just Don’t Understand by Deborah Tannen MCIW also hosts a special Girl Scout troop only facility in Florida City, Fla. through the Girl Scouts Beyond Bars program, In Iowa, District Court Senior Judge Donna M – Make a decision to interrupt (be an active ally) which has been led for many years by Senior Paulsen founded a book club at the Iowa Florida Eleventh Judicial Circuit Court Judges E – Escalate to a person in authority Judge Marcella Holland, of the Baltimore City Correctional Institution for Women near Des Andrea Wolfson and Lisa Walsh organized the T – Take action and interrupt the situation Circuit Court. The Scouts visit MCIW and work Moines – the state’s only women’s prison – in monthly book club there in January 2018. Walsh, O – Open dialogue with the person responsible for on projects with their mothers, even enjoying April 2015. a past president of NAWJ, said the program the offensive conduct an annual sleepover where the women and their has operated for a year in collaboration with the O – Offer support and assistance to the victim children spend the night in the institution’s gym. Paulsen said the book club grew out of an earlier Miami-Dade Chapter of the Florida Association project in which judges and attorneys furnished for Women Lawyers. They are waiting to hear She also said that modeling or demonstrating Colorado Court of Appeals Judge Terry Fox a visiting room for children, stocking it with whether the warden will approve the book club to leadership is key pointing out the work being started a Storybook Project program for the games, toys, flash cards, a play kitchen, train continue this year. done by Sen. Atkins and Chief Justice Cantil- inmates at the Denver Women’s Correctional sets, doll house, and books so that mothers could Sakauye. Dermody agreed and referenced the Facility in 2012, collecting 238 children’s books enjoy interactive play with their children. After “The interaction and stimulation are the best Proskauer Value Insights survey that had recently in the first year. the success of that project, Paulsen heard from parts for the women,” Walsh said. “It’s very been released which found that the five major best the warden, who said there were women serving satisfying for both volunteers and inmates. They practices were led by demonstrated leadership In the program’s second year, organizers collected long sentences who were starved for intellectual were so excited and grateful. They have sparse buy-in. nearly 800 books, aided by book drives led by stimulation – would the judges be interested in opportunities for programming in Florida.” volunteers such as Judge Elizabeth Brodsky of the starting a book club for the women? Judge Coats encouraged women in positions 20th Judicial District Court in Boulder County, Walsh added that she eventually would like to of power to have conversations with men – the Judge Elizabeth Weishaupl of the 18th Judicial Paulsen was happy to take on the project. She put on a Success Inside & Out conference at the good men who are not in the room when sexual District Court in Arapahoe County, and Judge said she sought advice from Murray, who shared Florida facility. harassment happens- because “they need to know Julie Huffman of the Montrose County Court. information about Maryland’s book club and has Back in San Diego, as the April book club session this is not new.” SPRING 2019 33 SPRING 2019 34

events will succeed in inspiring more young themselves. I cannot wait to see the fruit these Beattie, who selected students to participate in women of color to become judges, she also hopes programs bear in terms of more women seeking the program. Mr. Beattie also indicated that 16 of these events will result in an understanding about careers in the law, and especially in the judiciary.” his students will be competing in the high school the importance of perspective. “If you don’t have mock trials in February of 2019. Crawford High different perspectives, the interpretation of the In San Diego, between 25 to 40 students and School Law Academy offers legal courses as part law will be skewed. The society is diverse and the equal number of mentors typically participate of the college career and technical education law needs to be perceived through diverse eyes.” in the program each year. To allow maximum program (CCTE). participation by the mentors, the San Diego The event was a such a success that Judge program is scheduled during lunch hour from 12 The Color of Justice Program opens the eyes Whitener convinced the Washington State p.m. to 1:30 p.m. of these students to the various opportunities Superior Court Judges Association (SCJA) to available to them within the justice system. sponsor other Color of Justice events around The first phase of this two-phase program features Beattie reported that students have consistently the State. Yakima County Superior Court a panel discussion with the mentors (judges, demonstrated a heightened interest in law after Judge Ruth Reukauf read an article about the attorneys, law professors, and law students), all attending the program. In fact, teachers asked Pierce County program and realized that the of whom will share personal and professional students to offer feedback to the co-chairs of By Judge Tamila E. Ipema young women in her county needed exposure insights with the students. The second phase of the program right after the program, and many and Judge Karen Donohue to the program. Yakima County is one of the the program, Mentor-Jet, provides a small group students reported that they met judges and most diverse in Washington State. In the 2010 of approximately 25-40 students the opportunity attorneys who grow up in similar socio-economic The National Association In fact, these programs are census, 49% of the respondents noted they were to speak with the 25-40 mentors on a one-on- situations as them, who went on to college, law of Women Judges’ (NAWJ) so popular and in demand by Hispanic or Latina/o, non-Caucasian. None of one basis. Here, the students may ask questions, school, and ended up in successful careers as the Color of Justice Program, schools in San Diego County the ten Superior Court Judges or Commissioners request personal feedback, explore feelings about attorneys and judges. The students realized that which has been adopted by that several other judicial is a person of color. In November 2018, Judge law as a career, and set career goals. This phase is it is possible for them, too, to also attain greatness the members of the NAWJ officers have volunteered to Reukauf held what she hopes to be the first of the focal point of the San Diego program. in life just like the mentors they had just met. across the country, is now held also hold similar programs many day-long Color of Justice/Mentor Jet NAWJ is making a big difference in the lives of annually in several different in Chula Vista Courthouse events in her county. During the Mentor Jet phase, students spend these children through its Color of Justice and states and is considered to (chaired by Hon. Patricia 3-5 minute sessions with each mentor one on Mentor-Jet programs. be the most popular NAWJ Garcia), and Vista The Honorable Veronica Alicea Galvan (King one, with a ringing bell indicating the end of each program in the country. Courthouse (Chaired by County Superior Court) attended both events: session. By the end of the phase, each student Beattie indicated that “It is crucial for each Hon. Michael Washington, “It is hard to be what you cannot see. This is why will have spoken to 25-40 different mentors; individual to understand that despite the personal In 2001, the Honorable Brenda and Hon. Pennie McLaughlin) it is so important to me, as one of two Latina students are provided a booklet, resembling challenges and disadvantaged backgrounds that Stith Loftin, St. Louis County each year. trial court judges in the State of Washington, to a passport book, to store mentors’ business these students face, they are students, like any Circuit Court Judge, a NAWJ participate in the Color of Justice events. cards in, and they are encouraged to stay in other. These students have dreams and goals, member, created the Color of The program co-chairs attribute the contact with these mentors after the program. and have the right to realize them. They want to Justice Program for the NAWJ, success of the program in large part “It is hard to be what In addition, the law schools provide the students succeed academically and become teachers, social which aims to inspire and to the passionate judges, attorneys, with helpful information regarding available workers, nurses, police officers, and attorneys, encourage minority students law professors, and law students you cannot see. This is financial aid, including grants and scholarships. and judges, amongst others.” to join the legal profession and who participate in the program; each why it is so important to USD Law provides students with an article called become judges. 1. Expose students to real legal practitioners and year, these individuals continue to volunteer me, as one of two Latina “Path to Law School,” which offers guidance in No matter which jurisdiction sponsors Color workplaces their time to act as mentors and role models for completing high school and college and applying of Justice and Mentor-Jet Programs, the hope NAWJ’s Mentor-Jet program was created by the 2. Motivate students to pursue careers in the law the students. Students who have attended the trial court judges in the to a law school. of each judicial officer involved is that they will Honorable Dana Fabe, Chief Justice, and judiciary program in the past have ranged in age from 14- State of Washington, to inspire students, empower them, and make them Alaska Supreme Court in 2009, and is an 3. Identify the academic requirements and skills 17 and come from diverse, often disadvantaged San Diego’s November 28, 2018 Color of Justice believe that they can do anything in life if they amazingly effective teaching tool encouraging the required for success in a legal career backgrounds. Teachers select and recommend participate in the Color of and Mentor-Jet Programs featured students from work hard and stay committed to their goals. The students to go to law school and become judges. 4. Convey the importance of the personal students based on attendance, and interest in Justice events. Crawford High School Law Academy. These great activist and scholar Henry Steele Commager commitment, passion, and perseverance law, but students are encouraged to participate students predominantly live in areas rife with once wrote, “A child is not a vessel to be filled, The purpose of the Color of Justice and Mentor- necessary to succeed in the program regardless of career interest. This past year I had the opportunity to share my gangs and violence, in crowded apartments but a flame to be lighted.” Jet Programs is to encourage minority and other 5. Build appreciation and understanding for the The teachers strive to expose the students own story with young women from our state. in the Lincoln Park and Encanto areas of San disadvantaged students enrolled in middle roles and responsibilities of attorneys and to legal professionals in order to combat Young women, who share experiences similar Diego County. They described their community Please consider bringing a Color of Justice and/ school and high school to consider the law and judges stereotypes created in the students’ minds by to my own, and whose potential is limitless. as everything from “ghetto” and “unsafe” to or Mentor-Jet Program to your court. NAWJ is judgeship as career goals in order to diversify the media, family, or community bias. Young women, who nevertheless, have not “ratchet” and “scary,” and labeled “shootings,” here to assist you to make a difference in your legal profession and the judiciary. The program The Honorable Terrie Roberts and the seen themselves reflected in the leadership of “violence,” and “beatings” as daily challenges. community and help diversify our judicial branch. focuses on career preparation and helps create a Honorable Tamila E. Ipema, co-chaired the 8th In August 2017, the Honorable Helen G. institutions that have such an outsized impact on Please contact our executive director, Connie much-needed pipeline to the bench. Annual Color of Justice and Mentor-Jet programs Whitener held a Color of Justice event in Pierce their lives. These young women were engaged The students from Crawford High School Pillich, at [email protected], and she will put in San Diego on November 28, 2018. The two- County, Washington. Approximately 80 young and attentive, and many came up to me and attended the Color of Justice Program as part you in touch with a mentor judge to guide you The learning objectives of the two programs are phased agenda included both panel discussions women between 11 and 18 attended other presenters to discuss more in depth what of their academic program. The students were through the program step by step. as follows: and a mentoring rotation and was a great success. While Judge Whitener hopes Color of Justice they needed to do to become lawyers and judges enrolled in law academy taught by Raymond SPRING 2019 35 SPRING 2019 36

quoted as saying, “I’m a trial attorney, that is my she arrived, she was directed to the stall in the her request for time off “extreme” and argued that job and to say that I can’t be a trial attorney and women’s restroom. She asked to be transferred there were plenty of other high caliber attorneys represent my client to the best of my ability simply to a location with a private lactation area but was at her firm who could represent the client, which others In Court’s (MIC) purpose is had children. And one obviously does not have to In The Bar because I need to take a 15-minute break every denied. Another woman was allowed to pump the attorney asserted minimized her role as to amplify the voice of mothers in the give birth to be a mother as 18,329 children were few hours. It’s ridiculous.” The case was later in the Judge’s chamber, but still faced the “we’ll lead counsel. The judge in the case said that the courtroom. MIC will identify issues adopted in the United States in 2004 (the last year In 2014 in Atlanta, Georgia an immigration judge continued and assigned to another attorney. work through lunch and get out early” decisions attorney was entitled to the time to deliver and care mothers face in the courtroom, from of available data). denied a solo practitioner attorney’s Motion to or ten-minute breaks, which is not enough time to for her child before resuming her duties and would the bench to counsel table, courtroom staff to Continue a hearing that fell during her six-week In 2017, I had a several week trial in Los pump. Embarrassed to ask, she instead dealt with do the same for a male attorney who asked for jurors. The committee seeks to raise awareness, Why It Matters maternity leave, which motion she made as soon as Angeles right after giving birth to my son. My leaking breasts and engorgement issues. reasonable time to spend with their child. provide education, and offer methods of addressing she was hired on the case. Denying the Motion a family relocated for the trial with me as I was Women are still routinely asked to choose issues that mothers in court face across the nation. week before the hearing, his justification was that breastfeeding exclusively. I brought my pump Even though Federal Law requires employers In 2017 the Florida Bar Board of Governors between their career, their health, and their family; the court date had been set prior to her accepting with me to Trial Call and asked the judge for with 50 or more employees to provide a space to recommended a new Rule of Judicial Procedure an antiquated decision-point that shouldn’t still be Perhaps this article is preaching to the proverbial representation. She appeared at the hearing with permission to use the jury room to pump during pump breast milk, jurors and attorneys are not to allow lead attorneys to obtain a three-month an issue in 2019 as these things are not mutually choir, but the rationale for creating this committee four-week old strapped to her chest. (A whole lunch. He agreed. At lunch break, and near considered employees and courthouses are not continuance for parental leave, provided the exclusive. Yet, we see illustrations of women and its work must stay in the forefront of our separate discussion could be held on many readers bursting, I went to use the jury room only to have required to provide them with accommodations. continuance does not cause “substantial prejudice” facing them all the time. minds as we, as NAWJ members, take stock of our implicit bias if you thought “Why didn’t she get the clerk tell me that I would not be using the jury to opposing parties. It was the third time that the a nanny? Doesn’t she have family members who Florida Bar attempted to get such a rule passed. surroundings, our local policies and procedures, On The Bench room because she couldn’t leave until I was done Not All the News Is Bad and our ability to effectuate change for the better as could help? Where is her spouse/partner?” and she wasn’t going to let me use up her lunch A copy of the proposed Rules, with amendments, we are able. Recently it was shared with me that a woman Bottom line was that she did not have alternatives.) break. I went to the bathroom which was not only In 2018, The United States District Court, were provided to the Florida Bar Association for publication in its March 1, 2019 Bar News and will be open for further comment. The Rules of Judicial Administration Committee is opposed to the adoption of the parental-leave continuance rule.

While this Rule is under review with the Florida Supreme Court, Judge Ravi Sandill of Harris County Florida signed a standing order that any lead counsel who has been actively engaged in The Statistics the litigation of a matter may seek an automatic The committee seeks to raise continuance of a trial setting up to 120 days for the As we know, women are not especially well unsanitary but there was no plug for my electric birth or adoption of a child. He noted that by doing represented in the courtroom as part of the bench Southern District of California ensured outreach pump. My husband ended up bringing my son to so, he is able to remove the uncertainty that such a and bar. Women on the bench comprised 33% of awareness, provide education, and was done to the local women’s bar association, the courthouse so I could breastfeed him. Motion would be granted. judges in State Court across the nation in 2018. Lawyers Club of San Diego, to make sure that There are 428 women judges on the Federal offer methods of addressing issues women lawyers knew that there was a Nursing Administrative Law Judge Cori Barkman of At the end of 2018, a colleague reached out to me Courts out of approximately 1740 positions Mother’s Room at the Schwartz Courthouse and Michigan reached out to share her experience with asking advice on how to schedule her calendar for (25%). Roughly 32% of counsel appearing in civil that mothers in court face across Carter & Keep Courthouse and what amenities MIC. She became an attorney in 2003. She gave maternity leave. She wanted to ask her local judges cases are women, of those only a little more than they contained. The information is displayed birth to her twins in 2009 while working for the to continue matters out a few months, with her half appeared as “lead counsel” (54%). Women the nation. on the courthouse website, as well as hours of Office of the Attorney General. While she was client’s permission, but was concerned that about make up 33% of lead counsel in criminal matters, operation and contact information. pregnant, and after returning to a litigation docket, “push back.” She is not alone. That concern is far with 21% appearing as trial attorney. she notes that her experiences were always positive lawyer went through the rigorous process of When the baby cried during the hearing, the more common that you might imagine. The United States Bankruptcy Court, Central in the Eastern and Western District of Michigan. submitting an application to be appointed to judge told her that her behavior was inappropriate Women are better represented in the courtroom District of California converted a jury room into The courts were accommodating. But, she says, the Bench. During the wait to hear back, she and commented that her pediatrician must be as members of court staff and jurors. 89% of court Let’s Not Forget Our Jurors a Mothers Room for the public and Court staff, “You have to ask. Your family is important, became pregnant. After giving birth, she asked appalled that she was subjecting the baby to so reporters (members of National Court Reporters complete with “comfortable seating, an electrical too, so don’t be fearful of asking for reasonable for maternity leave from her supervising judge. many germs. He then reset the hearing for after she Association) are female. Women make up 51% of Seventeen states and Puerto Rico exempt breast- outlet, a refrigeration unit, a self-locking door accommodations for what you need. It’s about She was told he had no idea how to “deal” with was expected to return to work. The lawyer filed a the U.S. population. feeding mothers from jury duty. But jurors and a washroom” and now offers Mothers Rooms open communication.” She would also encourage the situation, since no other judge in that court complaint against the judge that day. continue to face issues whether exempted or not in other locations (LA, Riverside, and Santa Ana). lawyers to work together to resolve scheduling had ever given birth while on the job. This wasn’t The likelihood of a woman as they navigate the legal system. In 2013 in They, too, feature the information prominently on conflicts or accommodations before raising the twenty year ago. This was recent. And while In 2015 in Florida, a Deputy Public Defender who in the courtroom being Missouri, a woman who brought her baby to court the website. issue to the court. She had a personal experience courthouses might have policies in place, if they’ve has a five-month old daughter informed the a mother is high. The was actually charged with contempt. of opening up to an opposing counsel about never been implemented before, the question judge before her DUI trial that she would need Also last year in Florida, a woman lawyer filed most recent figures show An article from 2014, highlighted women in challenges her child was facing before filing a brief becomes “How ready are you to implement those occasional breaks to pump breast milk during the a motion in May asking for eight week’s leave that by the end of their California who struggled with wanting to serve requesting relief from the court. Despite it being policies?” And maybe, more importantly, “What trial (every three hours). He replied that she would after her October 21 due date and a delay of trial, childbearing years, 86% but also wanting to breastfeed. The first mother difficult, the open sharing led to a more positive do you need to know to effectively implement need someone to cover her. When she said, “No,” asking that it be moved to January 2019. Her of women in the U.S. have was excited for the opportunity to serve and working relationship between them. those policies?” It requires an open dialogue he replied with “No? Well, I’m not going to take was advised when she called that there were doctor had limited her travel ability. Opposing between the judges and the administration. a break just because you need to pump.” She was accommodations for nursing mothers. When counsel filed an opposition to her Motion calling Reflecting back she found that, ultimately, she was SPRING 2019 37 SPRING 2019 38 able to juggle the role of primary caregiver and But when mothers in court are left feeling like experiences (positive or negative) about being a DISTRICT DIRECTORS trial lawyer successfully. Her desire now? To let they are lesser, like they are “needvy,” or “high mother in court; more women lawyers know that they can do it, as maintenance” for caring for their health or their • Share with us what you’ve seen work in your DISTRICT DIRECTOR, 1 (ME, MA, NH, PR, RI) Hon. Mary White well. children, that’s an issue. That’s why we lose courthouses or in your courtrooms; Brookline District Court, Massachusetts good lawyers from the practice area and from the • Let us know if you have a lactation room or Tel: (617) 232-4660 Why Does It Matter? profession. It’s not “special treatment,” it’s basic if you share that information on your court’s Email: [email protected] respect. website; DISTRICT TWO (CT, NY, VT) Judge Sandill really hit the nail on the head. It’s DISTRICT ONE (MA, ME, NH, PR, RI) DISTRICT DIRECTOR, 2 (CT, NY, VT) • Provide sample local rules, orders, jury Connecticut, New York, Vermont the uncertainty that makes being a mother in court Massachusetts, Maine, New Hampshire, Puerto Hon. Cenceria Edwards instructions, policies or procedures; and New York State Civil Court, Brooklyn such an issue. When courts are accommodating, The Ask Rico, Rhode Island DISTRICT DIRECTOR: Hon. Cenceria Edwards • Bounce your ideas for how accommodations Tel: (917) 273-9665 or there are set procedures in place which are DISTRICT DIRECTOR: Hon. Mary Dacey White New York State Civil Court, Brooklyn Email: [email protected] Help us gather information. could be handled better for all involved. implemented properly, the fear factor is removed. Brookline District Court, Massachusetts Email: [email protected] • Reach out to MIC with your personal Email: [email protected] DISTRICT DIRECTOR, 3 (DE, NJ, PA, VIRGIN Positive experiences are fostered. Email: [email protected]. Domestic Survivors Justice Act ISLANDS) Portrait Unveiling of Former First Justices Hon. Vivian Medinilla The New York State Senate and Assembly passed the Superior Court of the State of Delaware On October 16, 2018, the portraits of two former Domestic Survivors Justice Act (S.1077/A 3974) in Tel: (302) 255-0654 First Justices were unveiled at the Woburn District March 2019. The Act allows for judicial discretion Email: [email protected] Court in Massachusetts. Both Justice Marie Jackson when sentencing survivors of domestic violence DISTRICT DIRECTOR, 4 (DC, MD, VA) and Justice Phyllis Broker are retired. The event was who have been convicted of crimes directly related Hon. Judith Kline attended by First Justice Marianne Hinkle (Woburn), to abuse. Women in Prison Co-Chair Justice Betty Newport News Juvenile and Domestic Relations District Williams (Retired) lead advocacy for its passage, and Court, VA Judge Judith Nelson Dilday (Ret.), Judge Barbara Tel: (757) 926-3622 wrote to New York Governor Cuomo encouraging him East Bay Sanctuary Covenant Honors Happiness is Working with a Therapy Dog Dortch-Okara, Judge Michelle Hogan, and Judge Email: [email protected] she began to make small sounds and by the next Stacey Fortes. to sign The Act. Retired Immigration Judge Carol A. King By Barbara Levenson week was able to speak words. DISTRICT DIRECTOR, 5 (FL, GA, NC, SC) NAWJ Host Reception for Recently Appointed Judges Upstate Conference in Aurora, New York Hon. Anne Barnes Court of Appeals of Georgia, Atlanta In October 2018, Retired Immigration Judge When the last of our German Shepherd show Our next therapy adventure was being trained for District Director Judge Mary Dacey White held a On April 7-9, 2019, the New York Chapter of NAWJ Tel: (404) 656-3454 and NAWJ member, Carol A. King, was honored dogs died, life changed. No dog lying next to the R.E.A.D. Program. This stands for Reading reception for recently appointed judges, NAWJ hosted its Upstate Conference in Aurora, New York. Email: [email protected] by the East Bay Sanctuary Covenant (EBSC) at me while I worked at the computer writing my Education Assistance Dogs. These dogs are members and friends on March 7, 2019 at the Union Judges from across New York State attended this DISTRICT DIRECTOR, 6 (AL, LA, MS, TN) its annual dinner for her work with refugees and mystery novels. No one pawing me to go for a certified to go to schools and libraries to work Oyster House, Boston, conference on issues regarding mental illness, Hon. Sheva Sims her dedication to the rule of law over a career of walk. After four weeks of a lonely house and with six to eight year olds who are experiencing MA. substance abuse, and how behavioral needs of Shreveport City Court, Louisiana more than 30 years representing immigrants and yard, I went to the Humane Society and adopted trauma with reading. We sit together on our judges, attorneys and litigants impact the courtroom. Tel: (318) 673-5878 refugees and sitting on the Immigration Court. a small black dog that was supposed to be a blanket, Maggie, me and the child who reads to Judge Stacey Fortes and Additionally, presentations on access to justice, Email: [email protected] black lab mix. the dog. Dogs do not laugh at a child who makes Judge Amy Nechtem are and the history of forensic psychology were given. DISTRICT DIRECTOR, 7 (MI, OH, WV) From a movement in the 1980’s which mistakes reading aloud. I get to help make sense presenting a Color of Presenters included the Hon. Edwina Mendelson, Hon. Maureen Sweeney organically arose to protect refugees from brutal My vet said this was not a lab at all and DNA out of the jumble some kids see when they look Justice Program on May Deputy Administrative Judge for Justice Initiatives; Mahoning County Court of Common Pleas, 17, 2019. Youngstown, Ohio dictatorships and war in Central America, to testing told me Maggie was three parts Great at a page of print. Hon. Sarah Krauss (Retired), member of the NYSBA Tel: (330) 740-2150 an organization helping immigrants from all Dane. She promptly gained thirty pounds and Former District One Wellness Committee; Deborah Gagnon, Ph.D, Email: [email protected] over the world with everything from housing grew several inches. Now Maggie is well known around town. She Director Judge MaryLou Professor of Psychology at Wells College; and Matthew DISTRICT DIRECTOR, 8 (IL, IN, KY) to legal services to finding family members has been invited to high schools and our local Muirhead is visiting Grover, M.D. Debra Hughes, President and CEO of universities to calm students before finals. Last Hon. Casandra Lewis and more, EBSC has continued its mission to At our local training facility, Maggie quickly Africa in May. Safe the Susan B. Anthony House, offered a historical Cook County Circuit Court, Chicago, Illinois protect, support and organize those fleeing passed her basic obedience. The trainer week we got a phone call asking for “Maggie’s travels!!!! perspective of the local area. Conference chairs, Tel: (312) 603-3915 terror. suggested that she take the class for therapy Mommy” from a recreation department. The Hon. Renee Minarik and Hon. Marcia Hirsch, and Hon. Email: [email protected] work due to her gentle nature. Eight weeks caller didn’t know my name. She just knew Marguerite Grays, President of the New York Chapter, DISTRICT DIRECTOR, 9 (IA, MO, WI) Because she has so much respect and gratitude later and daily at home practices Maggie and Maggie’s reputation. organized conference sessions. Hon. Emily Gould Chafa for the work of EBSC, Judge King felt especially I both passed a ten part exam and became a Iowa Workforce Development, honored by its recognition of her work. She certified therapy team through the Alliance of So now when we walk in the door of a facility, UI Appeals Bureau, Johnston NAWJ Past President Betty Weinberg Ellerin’s Tel: (515) 725-1201 was honored alongside the Center for Gender Therapy Dogs. the shouts go out, “Maggie’s here.” We both Birthday Celebration Email: [email protected] and Refugee Studies of the University of love to hear it. After years of law practice and On April 4, 2019, District Two joined The Women’s Bar DISTRICT DIRECTOR, 10 (KS, MN, NE, ND, SD) California Hastings Law School, an organization We began our volunteer work at local nursing being on the bench seeing so much sadness and Association of the State which has heroically led the way in protecting trouble, working with a therapy dog is absolute Hon. Renee Worke homes and later added a hospital. Never had of New York to celebrate Minnesota Court of Appeals, St. Paul gender-based refugees. The event was a I been involved in such rewarding volunteer happiness. the 90th birthday of Tel: (651) 297-1011 lovely community gathering with authentic work. Seeing the joy on the faces of patients retired Justice Betty Email: [email protected] Latino food and some very inspiring speakers, who eagerly await a visit from Maggie is a joy. Barbara Levenson is retired from the 11th Judicial Circuit of Florida Weinberg Ellerin at The DISTRICT DIRECTOR, 11 (AR, OK, TX) particularly those who have been helped by the One of our success stories was a stroke victim Water Club in New York Hon. Brandy Mueller EBSC and who are now stepping up to lead who had not spoken a word for six weeks. City. Justice Ellerin County Court at Law #6, Austin, Texas their communities in significant ways. When Maggie put her head on the woman’s lap Tel: (512) 854-9491 Email: [email protected] SPRING 2019 39 SPRING 2019 40

which was facilitated by Judge Gonzales and Justice While the District started outreach around all parts of the district four. of solitary confinement during pregnancy(HB 745); DISTRICT FIVE (FL, GA, NC, SC) DISTRICT DIRECTOR, 12 (AZ, CO, NM, UT, WY) Betty Williams. Legal Aid Society Housing volunteer the year with Judge Barbara addressing issues related to disability, suicide and Florida, Georgia, North Carolina, South Hon. Emily Anderson District of Columbia Adams County District Court, Colorado attorneys Stephen Myers and Leigh Magnum made McDermott as Director, segregation (HB775); restricting use of solitary Carolina NAWJ Finance Chair and former District Four Director Tel: (303) 669-4940 presentations. Housing issues addressed included Delaware Superior Court Judge confinement and segregation for children (HB 1001); DISTRICT DIRECTOR: Hon. Anne Barnes Email: [email protected] Judge Heidi Pasichow, and NAWJ Government Affairs Federal Exclusion Rules, Section 8, New York City Vivian Medinilla took up the providing for transitional services for inmates Court of Appeals of Georgia, Committee Co-Chair Judge Anita Josey-Herring, DISTRICT DIRECTOR, 13 (AK, HI, ID, MT, OR, WA) Housing Authority and Housing & Preservation mantle as Director in April. within 180 days of release (HB1002); and providing Email: [email protected] Hon. Pamela Washington Department’s application, documentation Thank you, Judge McDermott! spoke on a “How to Become a Judge” panel on Jan. for procedures and services vis-a-vis seclusion Anchorage District Court, Alaska requirements, and appeal process. A question and 29, 2019. The Greater Women’s Division of the (HB1029). Connie sent a letter to Maryland’s Judiciary Presiding Judge Anne Elizabeth Barnes is serving the Tel: (907) 264-0666 answer period followed the presentation and printed DISTRICT FOUR (DC, MD, VA) Washington Bar Association (GWAC) and D.C. judges Committee Chair informing the Committee that NAWJ first year of a two-year term as NAWJ District Director. Email: [email protected] materials were provided to attendees. Taconic is a District of Columbia, Maryland, Virginia hosted the panel. is ready to offer any knowledge and support in review. She won election in 1998 to the Georgia Court of DISTRICT DIRECTOR, 14 (CA, NV) medium security prison for women in Bedford Hills Also participating was Magistrate Monise Brown. Appeals in a three-way race without a runoff, and DISTRICT DIRECTOR: Hon. Judith Kline Judge Pasichow was a panelist at the annual D.C. Hon. Elizabeth White New York, approximately 50 miles from New York City. took office January 1, 1999. She was the first woman Superior Court of California, Los Angeles County Newport News Juvenile and Domestic Relations Bar and Judicial Conference on April 12th. The NAWJ WIP Member Justice Betty J. Williams was also Virginia to be elected in a state-wide judicial race without Tel: (213) 633-0078 District Court, VA panel addressed the judicial selection process in the Email: [email protected] present at the workshop. The Virginia Chapter partnered with the Greater having been first appointed to the bench, and was re- Email: [email protected] District of Columbia, and answered questions about a Peninsula Women’s Bar Association to hold a elected, without opposition, to a second term in 2004. choosing a judicial career. SPECIAL DIRECTORS Justice Joanne Quinones Recognized by Brooklyn District Director MentorJet program at William & Mary Law School on She was elected to serve a two-year term as Chief INTERNATIONAL DIRECTOR Women’s Bar Association with Amy Wren Award Chief Judge Judith March 19, 2019. Judge Kline joined members of this Judge from 2006 through 2008. She was elected to Maryland Hon. Lisette Shirdan-Harris John FK Coffey, Esq., Kline Chairs District local women’s bar group at a screening in our area a third term in 2010, receiving more votes than any Philadelphia Court of Common Pleas, Pennsylvania BWBA Board member Conference at George The Maryland Chapter held its annual Judge Irma S. of “On the Basis of Sex,” the movie about Justice other candidate in the State of Georgia, and was ABA DELEGATE (left) and Carrie Anne Mason Law School Raker Dinner for Judges and Legislators on February Ruth Bader’s Ginsburg’s early years as a new attorney again re-elected in 2016. Hon. Toni Clarke Cavallo, Esq., BWBA District Four Director, 13, 2019. Forty judges and 40 legislators attended. and her pioneering litigation on gender-based Circuit Court for Prince George’s County, Maryland President (center) Chief Judge Judith A. Maryland had 26 new female judges this year, more discrimination. As NAWJ District Director, she has confirmed state present the Amy Wren Kline, presided over than ever before. chairs for all district five states, except South COMMITTEE CHAIR COORDINATOR LIAISON Virginia had 30 new women judges appointed by Hon. Karen Sage Award to Hon. Joanne D. the district’s engaging Carolina. Judges Amanda Heath and Sara Doyle are The Women Moving Forward Conference was held our General Assembly this year. Again, as District Presiding Judge, 299th District Court of Texas Quinones, (far right). regional conference co-chairs for Georgia. Judge Myriam Lehr is state on April 13 at the Maryland Correctional Institution Director, I sent letters to all these new judges, which took place chair for Florida. Justice Robin Hudson is state chair Just three months after receiving a prestigious award for Women. The focus this year was on Mental enclosing a copy of our newly minted NAWJ brochure, October 19-20, 2018 for North Carolina. is a past President of the National Association of from the state bar, NAWJ member and New York Health. Four keynote speakers addressed the and inviting them to join our organization. in Arlington, Virginia. Women Judges and was the first woman appointed State (Kings County) Supreme Court Justice Joanne major issues: Effects of Trauma, Building Healthy The conference began DISTRICT SIX (AL, LA, MS, TN) as Associate Justice of the New York State Supreme Quinones was presented with the Brooklyn Women’s Relationships, Diagnosis and Treatment of Mental Bi-Annual Edna Parker Award Celebration with a Friday evening Alabama, Louisiana, Mississippi, Tennessee Court, Appellate Division, First Department. The Bar Association’s (BWBA) Amy Wren Award during its Health Conditions, and Tools for Dealing with Stress. District Four will award its biennial Edna Parker reception at the Westin DISTRICT DIRECTOR: Hon. Sheva Sims Birthday Program lauded all the roles she has held annual Membership Party held at Brooklyn Borough Over a dozen mental health professionals volunteered Award this fall to Judge Joan Churchill, past NAWJ Shreveport City Court, Louisiana -- Judge, Friend, Parent, Lawyer, Mentor, Mediator, Hall. “We are presenting her with this award for her so that small group discussions could talk about the President. A district leadership committee, chaired Email: [email protected] Arbitrator, Grandparent, Appellate Justice, Past dedication not only to the Women’s Bar, but to the issues raised during the plenary sessions. MCIW’s by Judge Anita Josey-Herring, is working with Judge Marcella Holland and in conjunction with Mary President NYWBA, First Woman Presiding Judge in legal community and the legal profession at large,” recent suicides of incarcerated women made this a Visionary Women: Champions of Perseverance, Becton of IMN Solutions, to identify a classy but 1st Dept., Bronx Jewish Hall of Fame Inductee, and said BWBA President Carrie Anne Cavallo. “The BWBA timely and important topic. Persistence and Progress - District Six Holds affordable resort in northern Virginia as a venue for Past President of NAWJ. Upon her retirement, Justice is honored to have Joanne as one of its distinguished Second Annual District Conference in Shreveport, (left) ALJ Beverly Nash, the event. We expect to present the award during a Ellerin joined Alston & Bird LLP as Senior Counsel. members and I am privileged to call her my friend.” Louisiana (center) Judge Cathy Saturday luncheon with an optional winery tour in the Guests included Justice Ellerin’s family, friends, and Justice Quinones has organized several Color of For the second year in NAWJ members. Justice program in Brooklyn. Hollenberg Serrette, afternoon. and (right) Judge Julia a row, NAWJ District Six On March 11, 2019, Director Sheva Sims DISTRICT THREE (DE, NJ, PA, VI) Weatherly, both of the NAWJ Vice President of Districts Judge Orlinda NAWJ Immediate Prince George’s County Naranjo Retires from the Bench (Shreveport City Court, Delaware, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Virgin LA) welcomed over Past President, Judge Gateway Hotel which hosted traveling attendees. The Circuit Court. On November 15, the Austin Bar Association hosted Islands 75 judges, attorneys, Tanya Kennedy, NAWJ next day’s sessions were held in Hazel Hall at George an event “In Honor of Retiring Judge Orlinda Naranjo, DISTRICT DIRECTOR: Hon. Vivian Medinilla NAWJ Maryland Chapter and the Maryland Women’s government officials, International Director Mason University’s School of Law. Approximately 40 419th District Court.” Over 300 lawyers and judges Superior Court of the State of Delaware judges, attorneys and students convened to learn Bar at Waxter’s Center for female juvenile offenders university personnel, Judge Lisette Shirdan- attended the evening reception to celebrate the career Email: [email protected] the latest on transgender student rights, juvenile participated in a donation drive for personal high school and law Harris, and District of the Honorable Orlinda Naranjo who retired from immigrant visa status in civil cases, and free speech necessities and gifts at Christmas. This program students to “Visionary Director Judge Cenceria Edwards collaborated with New Jersey Receives Support, Again, for Color of the 419th Travis County Civil District Court. The event and campus speech codes. Thank you to session was started several years ago by NAWJ member and Women Champions Fordham Law School to host an International Women’s Justice also raised over $100,000 to be split between the speakers: ACLU Virginia’s Executive Director Claire G. past District Four Director, Judge Cathy Serrette and of Perseverance, Day panel dedicated to women as judges, and our Austin Bar Foundation and Volunteer Legal Services. The New Jersey Women Lawyers Association (NJWLA) Gastañaga; Leslye E. Orloff, Director of the National is ongoing throughout the year. Persistence and respective roles. Volunteer Legal Services will use its proceeds to fund is supporting NAWJ New Jersey’s presentation of Color Immigrant Women’s Advocacy Project and New Castle, Progress,” a district Judge Serrette alerted fellow committee members a “Judge Orlinda Naranjo Fellowship.” On January 25, 2019, NAWJ New York Women in Prison of Justice. It is NJWLA’s fourth grant award to NAWJ Delaware Family Court Commissioner Loretta Young; conference of the and NAWJ Executive Director Connie Pillich that the Chair, and Brooklyn Housing Court Judge Cheryl within the last six years. This year’s program will take and Professor JoAnn Koob, Director of the Liberty and community. Events were Maryland House Judiciary Committee will review Gonzales organized a Housing Re-entry Workshop place October 26, 2019 at Rutgers Law School in Law Center at Antonin Scalia Law School at George held across a variety several bills on issues of increasing plague to at Taconic Correctional facility. There were 55 Newark. Program Chairs include Judge Siobhan Teare Mason University. Congratulations to Justice Kline of venues in including women and staff in attendance at the workshop, and Judge Sue Pai Yang. for her education vision, and for expanding NAWJ incarcerated women in Maryland: restricting the use SPRING 2019 41 SPRING 2019 42

Huntington High School, in Tallulah. Special thanks to Howard Sims Dental 30th Judicial Circuit Court Judge Laura Baird, actively involved in the Mental Health Foundation of to practice before the United States Supreme Court Judicial District. Her Shreveport City Court, Facility, Dr. Sharon Sims, Greater Provision Christian Administrative Law Judge and NAWJ member Cori West Michigan for the last 15 years. during an induction ceremony held in Washington, appointment marks a Southern University, Church, Pastor Helen Godfrey-Smith, Delta Lambda Barkman, Attorney Ernscie Augustin, and Attorney DC. In 2014, she was assigned to the Law Division milestone in gender Morningstar Baptist Omega Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. Alexander Rusek. Special thanks go out to attorneys Face of Justice where cases involving catastrophic injury and equity. Five of the 10 Church, and The and Shreveport Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Alexander Rusek, Jacquelyn Dupler, and Ingham Michigan held a tremendous Face of Justice program wrongful death are heard. Prior to being elected to judges chambered in Petroleum Club. Theta Sorority, Inc. for donating over ten large boxes County Assistant Prosecutor Aylysh Gallagher who held in Detroit over the summer of 2018. Since that the bench in 2002, Judge Lewis practiced law for Stillwater are women of personal hygiene items and dental supplies for the helped to organize the event and obtain sponsorships. time, Michigan NAWJ and the State Bar of Michigan 12 years, specializing in criminal and family law. after Judge Pietan, who Attorney Felicia M. Hamilton, who organized this Louisiana Transitional Center for Women. have begun preliminary discussions with partners in She began her legal career as an Assistant State’s previously served as year’s local scholarship program, awarded Visionary Portrait Unveiling of Judge Denise Langford Morris Flint, Michigan, in hopes of starting a Face of Justice Attorney. deputy city attorney for Women: Champions of Perseverance, Persistence and Color of Justice Program In March 8, 2019 the University of Detroit Mercy Law program there. St. Paul, reported for work. To have a 50-50 split is an Progress Scholarships to the following students: 1) Judge Yvette Alexander hosted a Color of Justice School Law Review co-hosted the Women and the Law DISTRICT NINE (IA, MO, WI) amazing accomplishment for our state. Specifically, Judge Elizabeth Hines Receives National NCSC Award $1000 Scholarships: Allison Payne, Loyola University Program on Tuesday, April 16, 2019 at the Southern Symposium and Portrait Unveiling of Judge Denise with Judge Pietan’s appointment 24 of the 45 judges NAWJ member and Michigan 15th Judicial District IOWA, Missouri, Wisconsin New Orleans College of Law; Zakia Nesbitt, Louisiana University Law Center’s Moot Court. Panelists were Langford Morris. The day-long event was highlighted in the 10th district will be women. Judge Pietan Court Judge Elizabeth Hines was awarded the DISTRICT DIRECTOR: Hon. Emily Gould Chafa State University; Monette Davis, Southern University Judge Toni Higginbotham, Louisiana First Circuit by the unveiling of the portrait of the Honorable indicates she is happy to be helping make history, but National Center for State Courts 2018 William H. Iowa Workforce Development, UI Appeals Bureau, Law Center; and 2) Honorable Mention $300: Shearil Court of Appeal; Judge Yvette Alexander, Baton Rouge Denise Langford Morris, who is an NAWJ member and she acknowledged that more work still needs to be Rehnquist Award for Judicial Excellence. Judge Johnston Matthews, Southern University Law Center; Lauren City Court; Judge Pamela Taylor Johnson, Baton Rouge an alumna from the University of Detroit School of done to achieve racial diversity on the bench. “I want Hines was nominated for the award by Michigan Email: [email protected] Grant, Southern University Law Center; Kaylin Juvenile Court; and Judge Judy Moore Vendetta, Baton Law. to see growth in the area of people of color being Supreme Court Justice Bridget McCormack (now Jolivette, Louisiana State University; and Brittney Rouge City Court. Judge Sheva M. Sims, District 6 represented as well,” she said. Incidently, there has Chief Justice of the Michigan Supreme Court). “As a District Director Judge Emily Gould Chafa was Esie, Louisiana State University. Director, served as the moderator. All law students been a female majority on the Minnesota Supreme state supreme court justice, I work with and watch appointed as District 9 Director in late January 2019, and professors from Southern University Law Center Court since September 1, 2016, when Justice Anne Judge Bernadette D’Souza recognized with ICON many judges,” said Supreme Court Justice Bridget when asked by NAWJ President Tamila Ipema at the and Louisiana State University Paul M. Hebert Law McKeig was appointed. Minnesota has earned the Award by CityBusiness Newspaper McCormack, in her letter nominating Judge Hines. ABA Midyear Meeting. In her position as UI Appeals Center were invited to attend the Color of Justice. distinction of being the first state in the country to To mark New Orleans’ “My deep appreciation for Judge Libby Hines’ ongoing Division Manager she oversees 15 administrative law have a female majority on its Supreme Court when 300th anniversary, contributions and selfless service grows with each judges, who hear and decide administrative appeals DISTRICT SEVEN (MI, OH, WV) Sandra Gardebring was appointed in 1991. CityBusiness newspaper year. She is a quiet treasure.” regarding unemployment insurance benefits, along Michigan, Ohio, West Virginia) Judge Langford Morris at her portrait unveiling at the honored local leaders with their support staff. Moscow-on-the-Hill who are make lasting DISTRICT DIRECTOR: Hon. Maureen Sweeney University of Detroit Mercy, joined by UDM Law Dean DISTRICT EIGHT (IL, IN, KY) Judge Karen Romano, a former District Director, NAWJ membership recently hosted a multi focused influence on the Mahoning County Court of Common Pleas, Phyllis Crocker and UDM law students who created Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky agreed to serve as State Chair for Iowa. event to entice membership within our organization. development of the Youngstown, Ohio the symposium.) Email: [email protected] DISTRICT DIRECTOR: Hon. Casandra Lewis Our event, at a Russian restaurant Moscow-on-the- city. NAWJ’s President- NAWJ Michigan State Chair Judge Michelle Rick and Cook County Circuit Court, Chicago, Illinois The District plans a blitz recruitment effort for Hill, gave our judges provided a tongue-in-cheek Elect, Hon. Bernadette MentorJet NAWJ member Judge Sara Smolenski Honored by Email: [email protected] new members in June during the annual state forum in which to discuss elections while sampling D’Souza, Judge on the judicial conference and state bar annual meeting. Michigan members Michigan Supreme Court for Community Service Russian food. Who says Elections and Russia can’t Orleans Civil District Court, was the only woman The Honorable Patrice Ball-Reed has agreed to serve Another recruitment effort is planned for the June have been very be used in the same sentence? The event also among the chosen few. as state chair for Illinois. As the new State Chair, 15 celebration of the 150th Anniversary of Arabella active, holding four supported an effort to include college age students, she is coordinating our first Mentor Jet event. The Babb Mansfield’s swearing in as the first woman Louisiana Supreme events. Judge Michele law students and law clerks in the mix to create John Marshall Law School will co-host this event and to be admitted to practice law in the U.S., in Mount Court Chief Justice Rick conducted two relationships and potential mentorships. The its main campus will serve as the site. The event is Pleasant, Iowa. The Iowa Organization of Women Bernette Joshua MentorJet events in Women in the Law Committee of the defense lawyers tentatively scheduled for June 14, 2019. Attorneys sponsors this celebration in honor and Johnson was honored November: one at association assisted us in our efforts. Speakers at memory of Arabella Mansfield and Gertrude Rush by the National Bar Western Michigan University Cooley Law School in District Director Judge Lewis is recruiting jurists our election forum included Supreme Court Justice (the first African-American woman lawyer admitted Association (NBA) with Lansing and the second at Michigan State University to serve as State Chairs for Indiana and Kentucky. and NAWJ member Margaret Chutich, along with in practice in Iowa in 1918 and a co-founder of the its prestigious Gertrude Law School in East Lansing. Additionally, she plans to host a mixer at the end of Court of Appeals Judge Lucinda Jesson. National Bar Association in 1925). E. Rush Award. The the summer in collaboration with the Women’s Bar An annual Women in the Law tea was held on April 18 The Judge Judge Michelle Rick (Front row, 4th from the left) and award is presented Association of Illinois and the Black Women Lawyers’ of this year. This provides judges with an opportunity NAWJ Michigan NAWJ members Zenell Brown and Judge Langford DISTRICT TEN (KS, MN, NE, ND, SD) annually at the NBA’s Association. to contribute to the costs of legal education for sponsored a showing Morris, together with MentorJet volunteer Judges and Kansas, Minnesota, Nebraska, North Dakota, Gertrude E. Rush Awards Gala in celebration of aspiring female law students, as well as an of the documentary attorneys at WMU Cooley Law School, Auburn Hills, Judge Lewis is in her South Dakota Gertrude Rush, the first African-American woman opportunity to interact with students. lawyer in Iowa who was admitted to the Iowa bar in “The Judge” followed June 2018. second year as District DISTRICT DIRECTOR: Hon. Renee Worke, Minnesota 1918. Attorney Rush helped found the NBA in 1925. by a panel discussion Eight Director. She is Court of Appeals, St. Paul A conference for Women in the Law is set for April Judge Rick was highlighted for her efforts in on March 8, 2019 in a native Chicagoan, Email: [email protected] 26 in Minneapolis. The mix of attendees will include promoting NAWJ programming MentorJet and Face Women in Prison Initiative Lansing, Michigan. and has served as a students, lawyers, and judges. of Justice, which is based on NAWJ’s Color of Justice Cook County Circuit Minnesota Makes Strides The Women in Prison Initiative is moving forward. The event was co-sponsored by the Women Lawyers of Mid-Michigan, and the Ingham County Bar flagship program. Court Judge since District Director Judge Renee Worke reports Minnesota On May 6, 2019 a panel discussion will be held with The Cosmetology Board approved Judge Sims’ 2002. In the spring of Washington County judges to discuss best practices Association Young Lawyers division. Event sponsors Judge Sara Smolenski was recognized for her quality has made great strides in the appointment of women proposal to move forward with planning and details 2009, Judge Lewis was and tips for advancement in the legal profession. included the Sinas, Dramis law firm, Clark Hill, MVC of care and for her caring. Judge Smolenski is to the bench in all areas of our state. They spotlight to implement a cosmetology program in LA prisons. recognized for dramatically reducing the caseload The judges will share their own personal experiences Law, Mark J. DeLuca attorney at law, and Alexander involved with numerous charitable organizations one of their incoming jurists: Laura Pietan. Judge The Cosmetology Program will be started at the in her courtroom. In May of 2011, she was admitted and what they have learned in their practice so far. Rusek attorney at law. The panelists included in her community in West Michigan, and has been Pietan was recently appointed to Minnesota’s 10th Louisiana Transitional Center for Women (LTCW) Six women judges will be speaking SPRING 2019 43 SPRING 2019 44

DISTRICT ELEVEN (AR, OK, TX) from County Court to DISTRICT THIRTEEN (AK, HI, ID, MT, OR, WA) Hiland Mountain Correctional Center leadership team. The Color of Justice program was held at Mt. DISTRICT FOURTEEN (CA, NV) Arkansas, Oklahoma, Texas the Supreme Court) Alaska, Hawaii, Idaho, Montana Oregon, The conference was held on October 27, 2018, and Edgecumbe High School in Sitka, Alaska on California, Nevada DISTRICT DIRECTOR: Hon. Brandy Mueller, County sought donations of Washington honored retired Alaska Supreme Court Chief Justice November 7-8, 2018. The Alaska Court System DISTRICT DIRECTOR: Hon. Hon. Elizabeth White Court at Law #6, Austin, Texas hundreds of new and DISTRICT DIRECTOR: Hon. Pamela Washington Dana Fabe. Justice Fabe’s particular program design sponsored the program along with the National Superior Court of California, Los Angeles County Email: [email protected] gently used books to be Anchorage District Court, Alaska is used in many jurisdictions across the country Association of Women Judges, Alaska Bar Email: [email protected] used in the Storybook Email: [email protected] and abroad. For the first time in Anchorage, over Association, Alaska Federation of Natives, Alaska Membership Outreach Drives Banner Year Project for the Women’s 100 purses and handbags were collected from the Native Justice Center, Council on Legal Education #WETOO in the Legal Workplace: An Exploration of District 11 has had a high number of women judges Correctional Facility. The district has identified states chairs for Alaska community and conference volunteers and each of Opportunity, Gonzaga University School of Law, Sexual Harassment in the California Workplace elected and appointed this last year. There were This NAWJ book drive and Washington. Reach out and find out what’s the 75 participants received a handbag with other Northwest Indian Bar Association, Seattle University On March 21, 2019 an NAWJ program presented in 47 women judges elected in November of 2018. In to benefit incarcerated happening, and how you can contribute: Judge Josie gift items and conference materials. School of Law, University of Alaska Anchorage, and collaboration with the California Women Lawyers particular, female judges of color were voted in, in women received an overwhelming response from the Garton State Chair for Alaska (jgarton@akcourts. University of Washington School of Law. Over 80 and the California Legislative Women’s Caucus, Judicial Officer and Law Student Reception in unprecedented numbers. For example, one Texas bench in Colorado. us); and Judge Lisa Paglisatti Co-State Chair and students participated in the two-day program. convened 50 attorneys, judges, legislators and staff Washington county, Harris County in the Houston area, now has Program Chair for Washington (lisaa.paglisotti@ to discuss sexual harassment in the workplace. In Colorado Presents “Female Firsts” Alaska Color of Justice receives High Honors!! more African American women judges than any other kingcounty.gov) along with Judge Lisa O’Toole, also The 7th Annual Judicial Officer and Law Student the Stanley Mosk Library and Courts Building off county in the country. We have sought to reach out In September 2018, Colorado hosted the annual Co-State Chair and Program Chair for Washington Reception was held at the Seattle University On November 15, the Capitol Mall in Sacramento, California #WETOO to these new members about NAWJ. Each newly NAWJ breakfast at the Colorado Judicial Conference (Lisa.O’[email protected]) School of Law on October 29, 2018. The event was 2018, the Alaska program chairs Judge Paula S. Rosenstein and Joan elected female judge received a personal letter (see in Vail, Colorado. Approximately 400 judges, hosted by the Washington State Chapter of NAWJ, Court System’s Color P. Weber, both of the Superior Court of California, MLK Day and Black History Month Celebrations attached) telling them about NAWJ and inviting magistrates, and water referees attend this the Seattle University School of Law and Women’s of Justice program County of San Diego, drew NAWJ, California Women their membership. Thank you, Connie and Kira, for conference every year and all are welcome to attend. District Director Judge Law Caucus, the Washington State Association for received national Lawyers, and California Legislative Caucus leaders sending these out. Judge Naranjo and I also attended We presented a PowerPoint presentation of “Female Pamela Washington’s Justice (WSAJ) and the Washington State Supreme recognition as a CLEO Judge Tamila E. Ipema, Attorney Amee A. Mikacich, a “New Judge’s School” wherein we set up an NAWJ Firsts” illustrating the first types of women judges historical appointment Court Gender and Justice Commission. Edge Honoree in the and Senator Connie M. Leyva, respectively, to share throughout the state of Colorado. We honored Court as the first African- field of diversity at booth. We were both on hand to tout NAWJ, give out Color of Justice in Alaska and Washington and update participants on ‘landmark’ legislation chocolates and registration information. of Appeals Judge Terry American woman the Ritz Carlton Hotel as well as the status of any recent efforts to curb The Color of Justice program held on November 2, Fox by awarding her the appointed to the bench in Washington DC. sexual harassment in the legislature and in the 2018 in Yakima, Washington was a huge success! Disproportionate Texas Membership Second Annual Lady in state of Alaska was Anchorage District Court Judge Pamela Washington, courts, and glean from employment attorneys Over 55 middle and high school girls attended District 11 membership is composed almost entirely Justice Award. featured on the Alaska NAWJ District 13 Director and Chair of the Color of important elements of current employment laws the event. Students heard from Washington State of judges from Texas. We are working on a trip to Public Media Radio broadcast in celebration of Black Justice Program in Anchorage, attended the CLEO protecting women and others at the workplace Home Invasion Supreme Court Justice Mary Yu, King County Arkansas and Oklahoma this summer and/or early History Month. Alaska NAWJ Members Judge JoAnn Edge Gala on behalf of the Alaska Court System to against sexual harassment. Judge Weber moderated In August 2018, District Superior Court Judge Veronica Alicea-Galvan, fall in the hopes that we can recruit more members. Chung and Judge Pamela Washington participated in receive the award. NAWJ members Palmer Superior a discussion between Chief Justice Tani G. Cantil- Director Anderson Judge Cheri Root from the Yakama Tribal Court, I have emailed member judges in these States about MLK Law Day, local Black History Month program, and Court Judge Beverly Cutler (Ret.) and Anchorage Sakauye and Senate Pro Tempore Toni G. Atkins. hosted the first ever Judge Rebecca Pennell from the Court of Appeals, helping gather women judges together in the future Supreme Court Live. Supreme Court Live is an annual Superior Court Judge Stephanie Joannides (Ret.) Judge Wendy McGuire Coats (Superior Court of all Colorado women and met in small groups with women judges from for an informational NAWJ reception we hope to host. program where students are instructed on a pending started presenting the Color of Justice program in California, County of Contra Costa) moderated a judicial officer dinner at her home. She invited 195 the Yakima County Superior Court bench. The We are open and interested in ideas to better recruit Alaska Supreme Court case in their classrooms by Alaska over 15 years ago. discus between Kelly M. Dermody, Managing Partner, female judicial officers and 65 came, including state event was co-sponsored by NAWJ, the Washington in these states. judges and other members of the Bar and then hear Lieff, Cabraser, Heimann & Bernstein, LLP, and and federal judges. We plan on hosting a second one State Superior Court Women’s History Month Program oral arguments on the case before the Supreme Court. Jerrilyn T. Malana, Chief Deputy District Attorney, Women Law Day at the Texas Legislature in the summer of 2019. Judges’ Association The oral arguments are held at a local high school. Washington Supreme Court Justices Sheryl Gordon Human Resources, San Diego County District and the Washington McCloud and Debra Stephens were guest speakers NAWJ sent invitations to all Texas members inviting District Director Judge Emily Anderson Gets Attorney’s Office. them to come to our State’s capitol in Austin during Success Inside & Out Women in Prison Programs in State Supreme Court at the Washington State Bar Association’s 2nd Promoted Alaska and Washington Gender and Justice legislative session, wherein two senators (one a Annual Women’s History Month Program, Women Los Angeles Conference 2019 former judge) acknowledged women of the judiciary In April, 2019 the Chief The 10th Annual Women’s Success Inside and Out Commission. and the Law: Past, Present, and Future, March 13, NAWJ Los Angeles is spreading the word about from the Senate Floor. 153 women judges attended Justice of the Colorado Conference was held at Mission Creek Correctional 2019. Other esteemed NAWJ Members Judge Marilyn this year NAWJ Annual Conference taking place in the event. We wore our robes in the Senate gallery Supreme Court on Facility on October 11 and 12, 2018. The event was Paja and Judge Karen Donohue were on the Planning the ‘City of Angels.’ Excitement is building for the during acknowledgement, took a photo together, and chose NAWJ’s own 17th hosted by the Washington State Chapter of NAWJ, Committee. The program was a huge success!! Conference which is scheduled for October 15-19, assembled afterward for a reception sponsored by Judicial District Court Seattle University School of Law and Women’s Law Appointments 2019. The Omni Hotel in downtown Los Angeles is NAWJ. This is the 3rd year this has been done and it Judge Emily Anderson to Caucus, Washington State Association for Justice the conference venue. It is strategically positioned has nearly doubled in attendance. serve as the Chief Judge (WSAJ) and the Washington State Supreme Court NAWJ member Judge Bethany Harbison was of the 17th District. Gender and Justice Commission. Speakers included appointed to the Alaska Court of Appeals by so that we can take advantage of surrounding cultural activities, Disney Hall, Colburn School of DISTRICT TWELVE (AZ, CO, NM, UT, WY) Congratulations! NAWJ members Justice Sheryl Gordon McCloud and Governor Bill Walker on November 21, 2018. The Judge Karen Donohue as well as WSAJ Past President appointment of Harbison established the first Music, The Broad, and the Museum of Contemporary Arizona, Colorado, New Mexico, Utah, Wyoming From Judge Anderson: “I look forward to the Victoria Vreeland. Over 100 lawyers, judges, and law all-women appellate court in the state. Judge Art. The theme for the DISTRICT DIRECTOR: Hon. Emily Anderson opportunity to serve all members in my district. I look students attended. Harbison served as a Magistrate Judge before her Conference is “City of Adams County District Court, Colorado forward to reaching out to all District 12 members appointment to the Fairbanks Superior Court bench Angels, City of Dreams, Email: [email protected] for further brainstorming on these issues and other The Alaska Supreme Court Success Inside & Out a Century of Women’s in 2012. issues impacting us as women in the judiciary. I Progress.” District 14 Storybook Project Ad Hoc Committee of Anchorage and Kenai judges would love to hear from you anytime and can be organized the 12th Annual Success Inside & Out NAWJ Member Marjorie Allard was appointed first members, decked out In December 2018 in Colorado, the NAWJ members reached at [email protected].” Conference in Anchorage in partnership with the woman Chief Judge of the Alaska Court of Appeals. in angel wings, hosted (and numerous other judges and magistrates ranging SPRING 2019 45 SPRING 2019 46 a reception in San Antonio at the 2018 National and “Justice 101 for Parents” and has vigorously reception to give the judges an opportunity to meet IAWJ Member, Chief Justice Irene Chirwa Mambilima Some of IAWJ’s ongoing projects since May 2018 America in this 2-year project. IAWJ formed a regional Conference to announce plans for the Los Angeles pursued the goal of enlightening youth and parents NAWJ leadership and each other and an Ethics of Zambia. Judge Ruiz also hosted an evening include member projects in Dominican Republic, working group on the issue of human trafficking Conference. about the juvenile justice system. Roundtable. Both sessions are open to all attendees. discussion at her home on attacks to judicial Haiti, Malawi, Morocco, and Pakistan. The projects with judges from the DR, Haiti, Argentina, Chile, We will be looking for members to serve as mentors to independence featuring a conversation with IAWJ address violence against women and girls, judicial Barbados, Trinidad and Tobago, Jamaica, Guyana, District Chief Judge Jennifer Gee (Retired) New Judges Reception the judges during the conference, so be sure to look member, Judge Klaudia Lozyk from Poland training and improving access to justice, human Saint Lucia, Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico. IAWJ Honored by National Judicial College with its V. On March 27, out for more information. trafficking, sextortion, and support to new national surveyed members to assess court experience in Robert Payant Award for Teaching Excellence 2019, District 14 During the two-week United Nations Commission associations. handling human trafficking cases. Survey responses hosted a reception The President of the Speaking of our international judges, please make on the Status of Women, IAWJ hosted a CS63 Side provided specific ideas for conference topics, issues honoring newly National Judicial plans to attend the next IAWJ Biennial Conference Event on Courts and Access to Public Services: Global Some of the Project highlights: for the regional working group, names of experts, appointed Judges and College (NJC), Judge which will take place in Auckland, New Zealand May Perspectives from Women Judges. IAWJ President ABA Section of and areas of needed research and information. IAWJ Commissioners at the Benes Z. Aldana 7-10, 2020. Don’t forget that one of the many perks Judge Vanessa Ruiz made opening remarks and International Law and the DR Chapter, in collaboration with the US home of NAWJ member (Ret.), attended of your NAWJ membership is automatic membership he panel was moderated by Judge Esther Agelan, Honors Judge Linda Embassy in the DR will host a regional conference Judge Dean Hansell. NAWJ’s 2018 Annual in IAWJ, which includes over six thousand members Murnane with Mayre in July, entitled “Access to Justice for Victims of The evening was a Conference in San and close to ninety member associations around the Rasmussen Award for Human Trafficking: Effective Collaboration and great success. Antonio to present world. Information can be found at http://www. the Advancement of Victim-Centered Best Practices.” Our members are longtime NAWJ iawj2020auckland.com/ Women in International prominently included within the working group and as Mentor Jet – UCLA member, the Honorable Jennifer Gee with the NJC’s V. NAWJ members have been busy representing NAWJ at Law. This year, invitees to the conference. On April 2, 2019, NAWJ Robert Payant Award for Faculty Excellence (photo). international events locally. In November 2018, NAWJ the ABA Section of sponsored a Mentor Jet President Aldana selected Judge Gee to receive Anti-Human Trafficking Programs in Haiti began its NAWJ/Fordham Law Judicial Observation International Law event at UCLA. Forty the NJC’s highest faculty recognition based upon a IAWJ and the Haitian Chapter (CHAIFEJ) hosted the Program. New York area Judges Mimi Tsankov; Debra presented its Mayre judges, lawyers, and nomination by NJC’s Faculty Council. Dominican Republic. Closing Ceremony of a 3-year project of judicial James; Immediate Past-President, Tanya R. Kennedy; Rasmussen Award to law students attended Panelists were Judge training, supporting the work of an inter-agency Justice Kathryn Werdegar Awarded Witkin Medal Abena Darkeh; Marcy Kahn; Ellen Gesmer; and held NAWJ member Judge for the rapid-fire Agustina Diaz Cordero, TIP committee, and a nation-wide public education by California Lawyers Association Kathy King hosted international students enrolled Linda S. Murnane, mentoring. UCLA Argentina; Lore Mirwaldt campaign on the new anti-trafficking law. IAWJ The California Lawyers Association awarded the at Fordham University School of Law’s LLM program Colonel, United States provided refreshments and a wonderful networking and Gwen B. Hatch, President Vanessa Ruiz (our own NAWJ member and Honorable Kathryn M. Werdegar with the Bernard E. to observe the judges in their courtrooms and to Air Force (Retired). opportunity for students. Canada; Margarita Luna Past-President) and Board member Esther Agelan Witkin Medal for her pioneering legal career. Former participate in informal lunch discussions. This was The award recognizes Ramos, Mexico; Marisa Buenagua, Philippines; and (D.R.) were guest speakers. The project trained over California Supreme Court Justice Werdegar received the pilot program and has been approved by the distinguished lawyers NAWJ Stalwart Judge Judith Chirlin Retires from Mary Margaret Rowlands, U.S. 500 multi-sector stakeholders, including judges, the Medal from the California Lawyers Association board and President Ipema to continue. who have demonstrated the Western Justice Center prosecutors, social workers and lawyers and led the (CLA) last month for her pioneering legal career. CLA The IAWJ board held its a career-long The Honorable Judith campaign in each of the country’s ten departments, President Heather L. Rosing and California Chief On March 11th, NAWJ members participated in meeting in New York commitment to advancing opportunities for women C. Chirlin retired as including along the Haitian-Dominican border. The Justice Tani G. Cantil-Sakauye were on hand for the Fordham University School of Law’s International on March 16th and in international law. Executive Director of Chapter appealed to the National Judicial Committee presentation. Women’s Day Celebration program, chaired by NAWJ 17th during the United the Western Justice The award was presented on April 11, 2019 in to prioritize trafficking on the national justice member Judge Mimi Tsankov and moderated by Nations Commission on Center. She was the Presidential Ballroom of the Capital Hilton in agenda, and the National Judicial Training Institute is Fordham students. I provided remarks on “Women in the Status of Women honored by the Center ON THE INTERNATIONAL FRONT Washington, D.C. working with IAWJ to adapt the training curriculum for the Judiciary: An International Perspective” and NAWJ which took place from at its Annual Justice By Judge Lisette Shirdan-Harris, International a permanent course at the school. members Immediate Past-President Tanya R. Kennedy March 11th- March Anticorruption Program (Sextortion) Morocco Awards Gala on Nov Director and District 2 Director, Judge Cenceria Edwards, 22nd. IAWJ officially Women’s Judicial Leadership in Addressing Sexual 17, 2018 as a recipient provided remarks on “Women in the Judiciary: A U.S. Morocco passed a new broad law to combat violence As we continue to bask welcomed its new Violence in Malawi of its 2018 Champion of Justice Award. The Gala Perspective.” against women, including forms of harassment. was co-chaired by former NAWJ Resource Co-Chair in the memories of Executive Director, Within this backdrop and a 3-year project on IAWJ staff joined the member association in Malawi, Cathy Winter, who is also a member of the Board of our incredible Annual NAWJ members also Shawna Wilson, who Sextortion, IAWJ and the Union of Moroccan Women Women Judges of Malawi (WOJAM), in a series Directors of the Western Justice Center. Judge Chirlin Conference in San hosted approximately brings a wealth of Judges (UMWJ) organized a training workshop for of activities to assess the program’s results in served on the Board of Directors for the Center for Antonio, Texas, we are twenty-eight experience from the judges, prosecutors, and anti-corruption officials improving response to sexual violence. IAWJ hosted many years, and upon retiring from the bench (Los now gearing up for our international Judges nonprofit and private on sextortion, its place in the anti-corruption field, focus groups to measure the impact of training Angeles Superior Court), she became the Western next Annual Conference at the Queens County sectors, having and the legal framework in June. The Union held its judges and prosecutors and of holding public Justice Center’s Executive Director. in Los Angeles, where Human Trafficking worked at the Eurasia next meeting with judges and university students outreach meetings. IAWJ and WOJAM staff traveled we, again, expect to Intervention Court Foundation and as a in Tangiers, where a university student exposed a throughout the North, Central and Southern regions Judge Carolyn Caietti Honored by University of San welcome our international judges from around the where Justice Toko transactional attorney professor for sextortion. The UMWJ will hold 3 other of Malawi to observe outreach activities and to speak Diego with its Distinguished Alumni Award world. In San Antonio, we hosted twenty-seven judges Serita presides. Special at Frost Brown Todd events with local justice officials over the next with traditional authorities, local magistrates, and Judge Carolyn Marie Caietti, San Diego Superior from sixteen countries who were either sponsored thanks to Justice LLC in Cincinnati, Ohio. Shawna holds a B.A. in year, as a part of IAWJ’s larger partnership with survivors to better grasp the challenges of these Court, was recognized by the University of San by the U.S. Department of State or their respective Carmen Velasquez for arranging the visit. The visit International Affairs and Russian Studies from Transparency Maroc and a women’s organization’s communities in accessing justice for GBV. A final Diego School of Law with its Distinguished Alumni U.S. Embassy’s INL offices. Special thanks to Shibani was highlighted in several local news outlets. George Washington University and a J.D. from the listening{advice} centers for women. report will be prepared which will compile results. Award, the school’s highest honor bestowed upon Malhotra at the U.S. State Department’s INL office Washington College of Law at American University. alumni. Judge Caietti was appointed in 2006 to for her continued support of NAWJ in securing Twenty IAWJ members gathered in Washington, DC for She is a member of the Ohio and U.S. Supreme Court Countering Trafficking in Persons in the Dominican Morocco the San Diego Superior Court, and has served scholarships for these judges. The International the 2018 World Bank’s Law, Justice and Development Bars. The board approved two new Associations, the Republic IAWJ has worked closely with members in Morocco the Court since 2008. Judge Caietti developed Outreach Committee will again, host two sessions Week. IAWJ President, Hon. Vanessa Ruiz, moderated Dominican Republic and Yemen. IAWJ partnered with our Dominican Chapter and on three projects over the last five years, on prevention curriculum for “Justice 101 for Students” geared toward the international judges, a welcome a panel on access to justice with the participation of IAWJ Member Associations have been busy as well. several our associations in the Caribbean and South women’s leadership in the judiciary, addressing SPRING 2019 47 SPRING 2019 48 child marriage, and highlighting sextortion in the ABA NEWS not only have reached LANDMARK SPONSORS anti-corruption response and legal framework. IAWJ NAWJ ABA DELEGATE: Hon. Toni Clarke the “pinnacle of their President Vanessa Ruiz joined IAWJ Board member Circuit Court for Prince George’s County, Maryland profession, but who have GOLD Mina Sougrati of Morocco and staff to host a judicial Email: [email protected] also paved the way for leadership workshop for members in Marrakech in others to do the same.” Regina and Charles Cheever Orrick, Herrington & Sutcliffe LLP October, attracting ten new members in that city and NAWJ ABA Delegate Judge Toni Clarke Represents CourtCall LLC Proskauer Rose LLP plans for a follow program on sextortion there. NAWJ on the ABA Diversity and Inclusion Advisory JAMS Thomson Reuters Council Promoting Gender Equality in Pakistan’s Justice LexisNexis UAIG NAWJ President System Lieff, Cabraser, Heimann & Bernstein, LLP White & Case LLP Judge Tamila Ipema While the project ended in June 2018, the IAWJ appointed Judge Toni NAWJ RESOURCE BOARD collaboration with our members in Pakistan continues Clarke to serve as BRONZE as they face new challenges. The Punjab Province lost NAWJ’s representative The Resource Board of the National Akerman Senterfitt Hunton Andrews Kurth LLP a key male ally in the previous Chief Justice, only to on the ABA Diversity Association of Women Judges is committed Duane Morris LLP Linda Leali, P.A. be replaced by two subsequent Chief Justices. The and Inclusion Advisory to supporting NAWJ both financially and GEICO Sullivan & Cromwell LLP first replacement slowed the momentum of registering Council. This entity, programmatically, for the purposes of (a) a women judges association and transferred female which includes assuring that NAWJ has sufficient economic judicial trailblazers out of several key positions. The representatives from and human resources to execute its strategic current Chief Justice of the Punjab recently called various ABA entities, national affinity bars, and other plan; (b) developing bonds of mutual support all women judges together to tell them they were groups, focuses on diversity and inclusion initiatives. and respect between and among Resource not working as hard as male judges and processing Board members and NAWJ members; and (c) far fewer cases than their male counterparts who Judge Clarke is currently Chair of the ABA’s Judicial predominate the judiciary. One positive development Division Council. promoting the professional advancement and is that the Lahore High Court Chief Justice constituted elevating the standing of women from both a Committee for the Protection of Women Judges “to Judge Ann Breen-Greco Appointed to ABA’s the bench and bar. CONTRIBUTORS BENCH take action against hooliganism by lawyers in district Commission on Domestic and Sexual Violence courts” toward female judges. Two IAWJ member were NAWJ member Judge Ann Breen-Greco was appointed CHAIRS Commissioner to the ABA’s Commission on Domestic appointed. Pakistan recently started its first Gender Nicole E. Erb, Esq., White & Case LLP Based Violence Court. and Sexual Violence. She formerly served as NAWJ’s liaison to the Commission and the ABA’s Task Force Karen Johnson-McKewan, Esq., Orrick Marilyn Aboussie Kristen Caverly Adelaide Edelson Laura Halgren The Asia Pacific Regional Conference was held on Human Trafficking. She was NAWJ Vice President Eleanor Acheson Emily Chafa Cenceria Edwards Sophia Hall recently in Panglao Island, Bohol, Philippines from of Districts, and also former NAWJ District Eight MEMBERS Olga Alvarez Linda Chew Encore Catering Pamela Harwood February 27th – March 1st. Director. She is the immediate past chair of the Elizabeth Cabraser, Esq., Lieff Cabraser Beth Andrus Judith Chirlin Dana Fabe Donna Nelson Heller American Bar Association’s Judicial Division, the Heimann & Bernstein, LLP Judy Bae Joan Churchill Carol Feinman Mary E. Henry We are still looking at ways IAWJ North American first state Administrative Law Judge to serve in that Teresa N. Cavenagh, Esq., Duane Morris LLP Division (Canadian Chapter and U.S Association) can Nancy A. Baker Toni Clarke Bibianne Fell Emily Clark Hewitt position. Judge Breen-Greco is an Administrative Charles Cheever have a Regional meeting. Elizabeth Banham Jodi Cleesattle Susan Finlay Erika Hiramatsu Law Judge with the City of Chicago Department of Kelly M. Dermody, Esq., Lieff Cabraser Heimann Administrative Hearings. Previously she was an & Bernstein, LLP Rosemary Barkett Carol Codrington Bob Flanagan Marcia Hirsch The Canadian Chapter held its Annual Meeting in Mary Becnel Joan Cuccio Emily Forshey Marcella Holland Halifax, Nova Scotia from April 30th- May 2nd. Administrative Law Judge /Hearing Officer with the Andrea Bear Field, Esq., Hunton Andrews Kurth Illinois State Board of Education, presiding over Elizabeth M. Hernandez, Esq., Akerman LLP Anna Blackburne-Rigsby Sandy Danielski Graciela L. Freixes Laura Inveen The IAWJ Board of Directors and some of its members, special education hearings. Prior to that position Patricia P. Hollenbeck, Esq., Duane Morris LLP Kim Bond Martha Daughtrey Rebecca Rankin Freyre Tamila Ipema including the Mexican Chapter of the IAWJ, were she served as an Administrative Law Judge with the Jamie Zysk Isani, Esq., Hunton Andrews Kurth Phyllis Bossin Cindy Davis Frink-Hamlett Legal Solutions Vicki Jackson invited to participate in the Fourth International Illinois Department of Children and Family Services, Robert M. Kaufman, Esq., Proskauer Rose LLP Ann Walsh Bradley Linda Davis Eleonora Fusco Debra James Conference on Judging with a Gender Perspective, handling child abuse and neglect cases. She is also a Delores Scott Brathwaite Judith G. Dein Janet Garrow Karen Johnson-McKewan sponsored by the Supreme Court of Mexico, under the mediator and arbitrator. Linda Leali, Esq., Linda Leali, P.A. leadership of IAWJ Vice-President, Justice Margarita Thomas C. Leighton, Esq., Thomson Reuters Bobbe J. Bridge Kelly Dermody Elizabeth Garry Barbara Jones Luna Ramos. I had the honor of representing NAWJ Justice Judith McConnell and Attorney Kelly Afsoon McClellan, LexisNexis David Bright Charles Dick Deborah Garza Marcy Kahn and facilitating for the second time. Justice Ramos Dermody Honored by ABA Commission on Women Heather K. McDevitt, Esq., White & Case LLP Kathleen Brinkman Bruce Dimmerling Marian Gaston Kammer & Huckabay, LTD. has done an amazing job bringing together both male with Margaret Brent Award Diane McGimsey, Esq., Sullivan & Cromwell LLP Paula Brown Deborah Dixon Jennifer Gee Robert Kaufman and female judges for this conference. Congratulations to NAWJ Elaine Metlin, Esq. Timothy Burke Herbert Dixon Victoria L. Ghartey Tanya Kennedy Past President (1987- Christopher K. Poole, JAMS Ann Butchart Karen Donohue Rosemary Grdina Gold Leila Kern IAWJ Biennial 2022 will be held in Marrakesh, 88) and California William C.E. Robinson, Esq., GEICO Morocco with dates to be confirmed later. Elizabeth Cabraser Gabrielle Downey Greater Cincinnati Foundation Gladys Kessler Court of Appeal Christina Guerola Sarchio, Esq., Dechert LLP M. Claudia Caputi Mary Driscoll -George Gabe Fund Kathy King Presiding Justice Judith To stay informed on IAWJ events and activities, please Cathy Winter, CWP & Associates Marjorie Laird Carter Bernadette D’Souza Marilyn C. Goss Conrad Klein visit http://www.iawj.org/news/events McConnell, and attorney Kelly Dermody on their Cecilia Castellanos Fernande Duffly Mary Ann Grilli Joan Dempsey Klein honor as lawyers who Laura Castillo Angela Eaves Alreen Haeggquist Judith Kline SPRING 2019 49 SPRING 2019 50

Rosalie Kramm Misty Moore Willard Jill Pryor Elizabeth Starrs CONFERENCES Sherrie Krauser Anne Morgan Rex Rexilius State Justice Institute Cathy LaCour Cindy Morris Rosalyn Richter Leslie Stein NAWJ annually holds midyear and annual conferences to conduct association business, present education programs, recognize Barbara Lane Kim Morris Heather Riley Nancy Stock accomplishments, and strengthen our social bonds. The following list includes donations made to the National Association of Pammela S. Lattier Janice Mulligan Diane Ritchie Stan Stoklosa Women Judges by individual, companies and organizations for midyear activities and annual conferences held since May 1, 2018. Law Office of Gia Kosmitis Linda Murnane Ronique Robinson Andrea Strong Linda Leali Mike Nalu Karen. A. Romano Brian Strong Elizabeth Lee Orlinda Naranjo Sandra Roper Deborah Sundquist 2019 ANNUAL CONFERENCE Barbara Levenson National Judicial College Paula Rosenstein Theresa Timlin Joy Lobrano Amy L. Nechtem Anita Santos Patricia Tirey PREMIER SPONSORS PALLADIUM SPONSORS BRONZE SPONSORS SUPPORTERS Jennifer Long Virginia Nelson Bronwyn Savary Wavny Toussaint Steptoe & Johnson Signature Resolution Greines Martin GMSR Rick Kraemer Patricia Lynch New Jersey Women Lawyers Ray Sawyer Randa Trapp Glaser Weil Phillips Jessner LLP Barbara Madsen Association Johanna Schiavoni Aleta Trauger GOLD SPONSORS SILVER SPONSORS Greene, Broillet & Wheeler Yoka & Smith, LLP Andrea Marceca Strong Theresa Nolan Kitty Schild Travers Family Foundation Paul Hastings Munger, Tolles & Olson LLP JAMS Melvin Marmer Priscilla O’Donnell Mary Schroeder Richard Travers Mayer Brown Judicate West Susan Marrinan Lori A. Oesterreich Shan Jackson LLC Karen Tucker Shegerian & Associates Marriott Business Services Joyce Oswald Miriam Shearing Jaya Vasandani Bobbie McCartney Eliza Ovrom Shahram Shekib Lisa Walsh LEADERSHIP LUNCHEON Laura McCollum Wallace Col Owens Kitty Shild Barbara Wecker MAJOR SPONSOR HOST COMMITTEE Law Office of Patrick Dudley Judith McConnell Arline Pacht Lisette Shirdan-Harris Bonnie Wheaton Kathleen Raya Tracy McCormack Marilyn Paja Nan Shuker Elizabeth White Klinedinst PC Olga Alvarez Heather Riley Barbara McDermott Heidi Pasichow Rupa Singh K. Martin White Judy Bae Renee Stackhouse Diane McGimsey Charmaine Pemberton Bea Ann Smith Wendy Whitemore TABLE SPONSORS Nadia Bermudez Karen Johnson-McKewan Ian Petko-Bunney Queue Smith-Benedikt Cathy Winter-Palmer Gomez Trial Attorneys Jose and Laura Castillo Pennie McLaughlin Connie Pillich Southern University System Heather Xitco Latinas in the Law, San Diego Joseph Leventhal Elaine Metlin Sheila Pokras Foundation Arlene Yang Pettit Kohn Ingrassia Lutz & Dolin Ronald J. Miciotto Christopher Poole Geraldine Sparrow Sue Yang Susan Moiseev Sheila Prell Stacie Spector Valerie Yarashus Marla S. Moore Robin Pruitt Margret Spencer 2018 ANNUAL CONFERENCE

DIAMOND SPONSORS Cokinos | Young Kastl Law, P.C. American Constitution Society The Herrera Law Firm Law Office of Carmen S. Mitchell, LLP PROGRAMS Ketterman, Rowland & Westlund Lexitas Legal PLATINUM SPONSORS State Justice Institute Orlinda Naranjo COLOR OF JUSTICE INFORMED VOTERS - STORYBOOK Thomson Reuters National Judicial College FAIR JUDGES Alexander Dubose Jefferson & Encore Catering Barnes & Noble Townsend LLP Noelke Maples St. Leger Bryant, LLP Ginny Gems Baird Marielsa Bernard Regina and Charles Cheever BRONZE SPONSORS Schoenbaum, Curphy & Scalan, PC Mamie Lau Robin Hudson Susan Burton H-E-B Becky Beaver Law Texas Women Lawyers Marriott Business Services Annette B. Pitts Dave Durocher Siebert Foundation Bracewell LLP US Legal Support New Jersey Women Lawyers Association Raining Popcorn Media Tamila E. Ipema The Supreme Court of Texas Permanent GEICO San Antonio Bar Association/ San Erin Watson Ebony Jones Antonio Bar Foundation Judicial Commission for Children, Youth Hartline Dacus Barger Dreyer LLP WOMEN IN PRISON Quanita Kirkland and Families Jefferson Cano Susan Burton WOMEN MOVING FORWARD Pennie McLaughlin Langley & Banack, Incorporated SUPPORTERS RE-ENTRY CONFERENCE Dave Durocher Judge Brenda Murray GOLD Bexar County Women’s Bar Association Tamila E. Ipema Biddle Street Catering Jazmin Steele Quicken Loans FRIENDS Blend Document Technologies Ebony Jones Jean Gover Silver Eagle Distributors Calibre CPA Group Richardson & Burgess LLP Quanita Kirkland Maryland Correctional Enterprises Nicola DeMarco Kim Tindall & Associates Pennie McLaughlin Casey McKeel SILVER SPONSORS Bobby and Robin Farris Brenda Murray Cathy Hollenberg Serrette Branscomb PC Jazmin Steele Julia Weatherly Center for Women in Law