FALL 2019, Vol.18, Issue 2 FALL 2019 1 FALL 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 struggle of legal professionals facing sexual equal access to justice. 28 Second Annual Texas Law Day ear Members, ON THE COVER harassment in the workplace and provide NAtWJ Visits Vatican for 29 NAWJ’s Mimi Tsankov Leads I am honored to serve as your education and activism through #WeToo In BOARD OF DIRECTORS Pan-American Judges’ Summit on Celebration of International President and stay the course of the the Legal Workplace. Our ongoing EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE Social Rights Women’s Day at Fordham impeccable leadership provided by Judge Tamila collaborations with Federal and State Courts PRESIDENT See article and photos on page 20 Ipema and all of our esteemed Past Presidents of fight to end human trafficking – modern day Hon. Bernadette D'Souza 2 President's Message 30 Project Access NAWJ. Stepping into this role, I am humbled by enslavement of women and vulnerable Parish of Orleans Civil District Court, Louisiana both the opportunity and responsibility of this communities. I look forward to bolstering PRESIDENT-ELECT 3 Immediate Past President's Message 32 A Look at NAWJ and the State of office and inspired by the passion, grace and these efforts through support and leadership Hon. Karen Donohue Women in the Legal Profession dedication of our leaders and membership. and will dedicate my term to seeking out King County Superior Court, Seattle, Washington 4 Interim Executive Director's through Our Past Presidents NAWJ provides a vital and unique source of further opportunities to expand our work to a VICE PRESIDENT, DISTRICTS Message community, support, diplomacy and integrity to global scale.

Hon. Elizabeth A. White 37 It’s Time We Consider the our members and the individuals we serve. I look Superior Court of California, Los Angeles County 5 Introducing Priya Purandare, Best Interest of the Child When forward to working with all of you as we tend our In October, our 41st Annual Conference Executive Director Sentencing Parents & Caretakers ongoing efforts and am determined to further provided a rich representation of issues on a VICE PRESIDENT, PUBLICATIONS VP of Publications Message Hon. Heidi Pasichow 39 #WeToo in the Judicial Workplace: our mission of protecting the rights of national and global scale. We learned more Superior Court of the District of Columbia individuals, promoting fairness and equality in about U.S. immigration policy, a subject that Current Immigration Issues Impacting the Future of the 6 the courts, and expanding equal access to justice dominates the news cycle and our global SECRETARY Affecting Children Movement Hon. Orlinda Naranjo (ret.) for marginalized populations. psyche. Panels on poverty law and transgender 419th District Court of Texas, Austin 9 Looking Back at the 41st Annual 41 Women in Prison: District 6 and gender non-conforming individuals My theme for this year is Innovative Efforts to challenged us to create bias-free courtrooms TREASURER Conference Delivers My theme for this year Hon. Elizabeth K. Lee Improve Access to Justice through Global to better serve underrepresented individuals. Superior Court of California, San Mateo County 12 Connecting the Dots Partners with 42 Women in Prison: NAWJ Works to is Innovative Efforts Judicial Leadership. Now more than ever we are All of this is to say NAWJ is unafraid to face the Equal Justice Initiative on the Promote the Parent-Child Bond to Improve Access to equipped with the ability to lead by example on a new and unique threats to access to justice and IMMEDIATE PAST PRESIDENT Maryland Lynching Memorial global scale. In June, I was honored to attend the address them as a collective. My sincere hope Hon. Tamila E. Ipema 43 Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Justice through Global Superior Court of California, San Diego County Project First Pan American Judges’ Summit on Social is that through our efforts we can benefit both Summit Judicial Leadership. Now Justice and the Franciscan Doctrine in the our own jurisdictions and the larger global FINANCE COMMITTEE CHAIR 13 District 4 Wellness Conference 44 Life After the Bench Vatican City and found inspiration in the words judiciary as a whole. I believe we are ready for Hon. Marcella Holland (ret.) more than ever we are of His Holiness Pope Francis: “Esteemed this challenge, and I am eager to begin. Circuit Court for Baltimore City, Baltimore 15 Global Judicial Leadership NAWJ 2019 Cruise, Budapest – Linda Alinda-Ikanza, Justice and Nuremberg equipped with the ability magistrates, you have an essential role; allow me PROJECTS COMMITTEE CHAIR to tell you that . . . you are social poets . . . Your Cordially, Innovation in Sub Saharan Africa to lead by example on a Hon. Pennie McLaughlin noble and onerous mission requires devoting Superior Court of California, San Diego County 46 Life After the Bench 19 Global Judicial Leadership Yes, Virginia, there is life after the global scale. yourselves to the service of justice and the Honorable Bernadette G. D’Souza Judge, Orleans Civil District Court STAFF Conference On Human Rights of All bench… common good with the constant calling to ensure that the rights of the people, especially President of NAWJ Executive Director Women Priya Purandare 48 Committee Updates those of the most vulnerable, be respected and Global Judicial Leadership guaranteed.” These words speak to the very Senior Programs and Publications Manager Conference at the United Nations 51 District News Lavinia Cousin heart of the mission and values of NAWJ and will 20 NAWJ Visits Vatican for 64 Resource Board and Contributors inform the work we will do together in the Pan-American Judges’ Summit on coming year and beyond. Social Rights NAWJ has set a standard of excellence through 25 Women In the Military: Recognizing our programs and we often lead the charge to Those that Serve COUNTERBALANCE is published by: face timely issues head-on. We serve as a conduit National Association of Women Judges between young women and minorities in all 1001 Connecticut Avenue, NW, Suite 1138 states of life and the legal field through our Washington, D.C. 20036 Color of Justice Program. We acknowledge the Phone: 202 393 0222 Fax: 202 393 0125 E-mail: [email protected] Web: www.nawj.org FALL 2019 3 FALL 2019 4

have been invited to participate. year alongside the Chief Judge of DC Court of to our amazing incoming President, Judge Appeal, Anna Blackburne-Rigsby, and the Chief Bernadette D’Souza, for a great year ahead. Immediate Past President’s Message NAWJ celebrated its 40th anniversary in style at Judge of Massachusetts Juvenile Courts, Amy the Walt Disney Concert Hall under the Nechtem, the co-chairs of our Strategic and In closing, I would also like to take a moment leadership of the NAWJ’s incredible 41st Sustainability Committee, and the two experts and give special thanks to Lavinia Cousin, Kira t has been such an honor to lead this collaborated with expert professors on issues Annual Conference Chair, Judge Elizabeth we hired to assist us with NAWJ’s 5-year Tucker and our amazing Interim Executive incredible organization for the past year. involving human trafficking, international Allen White, and her great planning team. And Strategic Plan of action to accomplish that goal. Director, Laurie Denham, for all their hard And it is with special warmth and surrogacy, and elder abuse issues confronting the I am sure you will all agree that our Los Angeles I am pleased that our strategic plan is now work, commitment and dedication to our gratitude that I thank you for your world; on sexual assault on school campuses; as Conference with its cutting-edge educational complete and we have already started beloved organization. Thank you all. enduring commitment to NAWJ’s overarching well as on immigration and refugee issues, and programs was one of the best annual implementing it. mission, and for the overwhelming support and looked for solutions and best practices to provide conferences ever! With warm regards and gratitude, encouragement that has inspired me and the meaningful and equal access to justice for all. Furthermore, NAWJ has hired an outstanding leaders of our organization every day of this Importantly, NAWJ leaders, board members Executive Director with a great vision, Priya wonderful year. Furthermore, in fulfilling this year’s theme of and former presidents got together and held an Purandare who will commence work on Global Judicial Leadership, ten NAWJ members, historic leadership summit in San Diego in December 2, 2019; we are confident she will NAWJ and its amazing board of directors have who were invited by His Holiness Pope Francis, April 2019 to come up with a 5-year strategic take NAWJ to new heights in 2020 and beyond. Hon. Tamila Ebrahimi Ipema made great strides this year. I am thankful for presented in their areas of expertise at a two-day plan that would sustain our beloved NAWJ into NAWJ is in great hands. I leave this office Judge of California Superior Court, San Diego County the support of the NAWJ board and the former Pan- American Summit on social rights at the the future. knowing that all of you share my certainty that Immediate Past President of NAWJ presidents who guided and advised me in the Vatican in June 2019. We spoke on important the best yet lies ahead, for NAWJ and for our past year in our attempt to lead NAWJ in the topics such as judicial ethics and discipline, equal NAWJ’s Board has worked tirelessly in the past system of justice. And I extend my best wishes next steps to an even brighter future. I express access to justice for all, implicit bias, judicial my heart-felt gratitude to all of you amazing independence, collaborative courts (homeless women. courts, Veterans courts, mental health courts, drug courts and re-entry courts, as well as human Our members actively fulfilled my Global trafficking collaborative courts for juveniles and Interim Executive Director Report Judicial Leadership theme this year by reaching adults.) The US NAWJ delegation at the Vatican This year, I had the out and participating in international training spoke about how judges could become “agents of t is an honor to serve as your interim recommendations. You have allowed me to do honor of being for foreign judges, attorneys and police change” in justice systems all around the world executive director. NAWJ members and the latter through your transparency and departments in various countries including and, as such, make a difference in reforming justice leaders are more passionate and engaged collaboration. I am grateful for your trust in the appointed by Pope systems everywhere to provide equal access to Armenia, Bangladesh, and Ukraine, on than any other association I have served. work I do and the advice I provide. Your desire important topics such as human trafficking and justice for all and train and treat instead of Francis as one of 6 I believe this is key to your ability to have to move NAWJ ahead does require some domestic violence. I believe judges have to lead punishing people who are accused of committing reached your 40th Anniversary. You are change, which you are embracing. This is judges to his newly by example and it is our duty to be global crimes stemming from drug addition, childhood spearheading many important issues of the day, clearly seen in your selection of Priya leaders in promoting and protecting trauma and abuse or mental health. created Pan-American including diversity and equal justice. Your Purandare to be your new executive director. meaningful and equal access to justice for all in Commission on social programs dealing with immigration, human Her skill set, energy, and competence will lift conformity with the rule of law and NAWJ’s This year, I had the honor of being appointed by the organization and allow NAWJ members and mission. Pope Francis as one of 6 judges to his newly created trafficking, the opioid crisis, domestic violence, justice, fairness and and sexual harassment provide a national leaders to focus and hone your passion, while Pan-American Commission on social justice, allowing due time for your day jobs! access for a period of This year, NAWJ also collaborated with the UN fairness and access for a period of two years. The platform for education and reform in these areas. Programs you have developed to two years. The other and Columbia University Law School and other members of commission are judges from My short-term goals in preparing for Priya’s School of International Public Affairs to Peru, Argentina, Brazil, Chile and Columbia. As encourage young women and help families, members of commission such as the Color of Justice, Women in Prison, arrival are: provide our members with a 2-day educational part of the “commission,” I have also been invited • To organize operational, financial, and are judges from Peru, summit on Global Judicial Leadership on to present in Porto Alegre, Brazil (November and The Storybook Project, hold promise that your good works will be sustained over many programmatic data Argentina, Brazil, Chile human rights for all women. The focus of 2019), Peru (December 2019), and in Columbia • To provide support as she quickly prioritizes NAWJ’s conference, which was held inside the and the Vatican academy in 2020. We hope to generations. Finally, programs you offer law and Columbia. students, young lawyers and promising judicial and begins reaching out to current, past and UN through the collaboration and leadership of become agents of change in reforming our justice future members and sponsors Salwa “Sally” Kader, the president and founder systems in Pan-America countries and make a When I interviewed candidates - Mentor Jet, and From the Bar to the Bench - teach the core values of NAWJ. • To work with her to begin implementing the of International Federation for Peace and difference in promoting equal access to justice new strategic plan Sustainable Development, was sexual for all. for interim director, These and other programs you provide are so harassment and assault within the UN and also I asked if you simply impactful to people outside NAWJ. Laurie Denham, CA within its peacekeeping forces around the In September 2019, Pope Francis also invited the wanted a caretaker Interim Executive Director world; and what the UN is doing to address this members of the “commission” to present at this When I interviewed for interim director, I troubling issue. year’s two-day Human Trafficking Summit in or someone to offer an asked if you simply wanted a caretaker or December 2019 at the Vatican, where more than overall strategic view of someone to offer an overall strategic view of the At the Columbia University Law School, we 60 other women judges from African Countries organization, and to make commensurate the organization... FALL 2019 5 FALL 2019 6 Introducing Priya Purandare, Executive Director

n July, a hiring committee was formed by look towards the next 40 years, we will carry President Ipema to search for a new this pledge forward and harness the power of Executive Director after our previous our vibrant membership to advance the In 2002 Congress amended the INA to director resigned. The committee set out administration of justice.” provide that unaccompanied alien children be to find a leader with the right vision and transferred from the Immigration & experience to lead NAWJ through the next phase Most recently, Priya served as the Deputy Children are mankind’s most precious Naturalization Service [INS], an enforcement of our organization. In order to implement the Executive Director of the National Asian resource. Of late, children have become agency which later became part of the five-year strategic plan and raise NAWJ to new Pacific American Bar Association (NAPABA) a focal point in our nation’s debate about Department of Homeland Security, and heights, it was essential for the committee to where she applied innovative and creative immigration. From discussion of legalizing placed in the custody of the Office of Refugee identify a dynamic, engaged individual. We are strategies to grow the organization’s revenue. the “dreamers,” to forced separation of Resettlement [ORR] in the Department of delighted to announce that we were successful in As the architect of the NAPABA Convention, migrant children from family at the border, Health and Human Services [HHS]. The our mission. Priya reimagined the attendee experience, to shifting funds appropriated for schools objective was to provide a more child expanded the sponsorship base, and and day care centers for military families appropriate setting for children in U.S. Priya Purandare brings over a decade of inclusive strategically placed future year conventions to government immigration custody. leadership experience at member-focused align with NAPABA’s business needs. Prior to to border wall construction, issues relating organizations to her new role as Executive NAPABA, Priya was the Meetings Manager at to children and immigration are top and An “unaccompanied alien child” is defined in Director of NAWJ. Although Priya will not begin the American Public Health Association center in our news. Politicians on the right the INA as a child who— her daily work with NAWJ until December 2nd, (APHA)—an organization whose Annual galvanize their base by arguing children are (A) Has no lawful immigration status in the she is already learning about the organization. Meeting attracts over 13,000 attendees and being used as props or “free passes” to United States; She has met with interim director, Laurie 600 exhibitors. enable family members to take advantage (B) Has not attained 18 years of age; and Priya Purandare brings Denham, and staff members Lavinia Cousin and of “loopholes” in our immigration laws. Historical Background (C) With respect to whom— Kira Tucker. Priya also attended the 41st Annual Priya holds an undergraduate degree in Politicians on the left argue that our (i) there is no parent or legal guardian in Conference in Los Angeles, where she was Political Science from the University of Florida At the time of the Holocaust and World War II, the United States; or over a decade of Government is mistreating migrant children inclusive leadership introduced to the members and participated in and a Masters in Women’s Studies from the United States law contained no provision for (ii) no parent or legal guardian in the board meetings and receptions. George Washington University—a program that taken into custody. admission of refugees. After the war the United United States is available to provide experience at member- expanded her worldview and the lens through States adhered to the 1967 Protocol on the care and physical custody. [Homeland focused organizations to “I am excited to lead NAWJ at this pivotal which she views inequity. The hottest topics about children and Status of Refugees. In 1980, the United States Security Act of 2002, 6 U.S.C. 279(g) juncture in its organizational lifecycle”,” said immigration currently in the news stem enacted the Refugee Act of 1980, which created (2) (2002).] her new role as Executive Priya. “Throughout its history, NAWJ and its Priya, her husband Yash, and toddler son live in from (1) the family separation policy which an immigrant visa category for refugees. Our Director of NAWJ. members have shown a deep commitment to Washington, D.C. and spend an inordinate was a by product of the application of the Refugee Act incorporated the United Nations In 2008 as part of the William Wilberforce diverse judicial leadership, fairness and equality amount of time admiring the primates and “zero tolerance” policy [criminal prosecution Convention’s definition of refugee. Trafficking Victims Protection in the courts, and equal access to justice. As we pachyderms at the local zoo! across the board for illegal entry] to Reauthorization Act of 2008 [TVPA] In 1990, Congress amended the Immigration & Congress expanded the definition of juveniles adults traveling with children, a category Nationality Act [INA] to create a new category eligible for Special Immigrant Juvenile status previously exempted from the policy, (2) of Special Immigrant Juvenile, which accords to include not just those dependent on a Message from VP of Publications the detention of children with and apart visa numbers to certain children for lawful Court, or in state custody, but also juveniles from their families, (3) the administration’s permanent resident status: INA §101(a)(27)(J). who are court ordered into the custody of an hank you to all who submitted articles Please send any submissions to Lavinia Originally the provision covered only children individual when reunification with one or for this issue of Counterbalance. Cousin. Thank you for the opportunity attempts to change the requirements of dependent on a juvenile court who were placed both parents is not viable due to abuse, It is my hope that the publication to serve in the role of Vice President of the U.S. District Court order known as in State custody, who had neglect, or abandonment. continues to grow and focus on Publications during 2018-19. the Flores Settlement Agreement which been declared eligible for continuing education, cutting-edge topics and limits detention of children to 20 days, long-term foster care. As As part of the TVPA, a distinction was made news of our members accomplishments and It has been a great pleasure. and (4) whether there should be a path described below, the for unaccompanied children arriving from activities. I encourage each of our members to to citizenship for long time residents who definition was expanded countries other than Mexico and Canada. share activities, scholarly articles, ideas and Judge Karen Donohue entered without authorization. We shall in 2008. Unaccompanied alien children arriving from talents with us for future additions. We cannot discuss each in turn. Canada and Mexico are not automatically do this without you, our wonderful “sisters in By Joan Churchill, Immigration Judge (ret), entitled to hearings before the immigration the law.” Past President, NAWJ courts, whereas children from all other FALL 2019 7 FALL 2019 8 countries are. deterrent to others. The Obama administration parentage and criminal prosecution. Litigation The migrants are being housed in shelters in attendance rate being over 90% for represented for family residential centers, the final rule took additional steps of providing more financial is continuing, with the ACLU back in court Mexico along the U.S. border. This policy is applicants. The government cites low grant rates creates an alternative to the existing licensed Meanwhile, protracted litigation about the aid to the Northern Triangle countries and arguing at a hearing before Judge Sabraw on being criticized in the press as exposing the for asylum applications, which it argues program requirement for ICE family residential detention of alien minors by the INS which later setting up a system for in-country processing for Friday September 20, 2019, that the asylum seekers to unsafe conditions in the establishes that most cases are without merit. centers, so that ICE may use appropriate became the Department of Homeland Security asylum claims at our embassies in the home Government is abusing its discretion by communities where they are housed, and making However, the government’s statistics include facilities to detain family units together during [DHS] led to a Court order, known as the Flores country. Neither step has achieved the desired separating families in which the parent poses no it difficult for them to assemble evidence in cases that were denied in absentia. their immigration proceedings, consistent with Settlement Agreement. The case, which began goals. In-country processing has not resulted in danger to the children.4 support of their cases., or even receive notice of applicable law. in 1985, and was the subject of a decision in the a significant number of applicants. The Trump when their hearings are scheduled. Family detention centers for asylum seekers are U.S. Supreme Court, 507 U.S. 292 (1993), was administration has cut back on the financial Litigation is continuing, being opened throughout the country. Touted Observers have reported on lack of soap, ultimately concluded by an agreement between assistance program. 3. Another new rule was issued providing that by the administration as being much like toothbrushes, showers, and beds. A recent the parties (the plaintiffs and government with the ACLU back in migrants are ineligible to apply for asylum in the summer camps, critics decry the conditions as ruling in the 9th Cir, upheld the ruling below agencies) in the Central District of California on (a) Family separations court arguing at a hearing U.S. if they passed through countries where they featuring cages and lacking basic health and that the Flores agreement requires provision of January 28, 1997.1 have not applied for and been denied asylum. sanitary needs, while being excessively cold, and these items.11 In May 2018, the Trump administration before Judge Sabraw on Friday Lower courts in the 9th Circuit issued a kept lighted all night. New regulations issued The Flores Settlement Agreement provides a announced that the zero-tolerance program September 20, 2019, that preliminary injunction against implementation August 23, 2019 authorize administration of the II. Paths to Citizenship guideline for the treatment of migrant children [criminal prosecution for illegal entry to the the Government is abusing of this rule, but the Supreme Court stayed the family centers by DHS, rather than require that being detained by immigration authorities on USA]2, would no longer exempt families injunction on September 11, 2019, allowing its they be operated by HHS in state licensed (a) Special Immigrant Juveniles charges of having come to the United States traveling with children. Under the Bush and its discretion by separating implementation to proceed.6 facilities.7 without authorization, while their removal cases Obama administrations, persons traveling with families in which the parent As explained above, Special Immigrant Juvenile are pending. Litigation has continued regarding children were exempted from the zero- tolerance 4. President Trump has been negotiating with ORR holds unaccompanied children until an [SIJ] is a visa category by which certain juveniles specifics of treatment, as to whether it complies arrests and prosecutions. When numbers of poses no danger to Latin American countries to reach accords appropriate family member or other custodian can be accorded a classification, which entitles with the guidelines. A key provision of the migrants entering illegally surged upward again the children. whereby the Latin American countries will can be located. The children are placed in State them to apply for lawful permanent resident settlement agreement is a requirement that in 2018, this administration started arresting undertake to consider a much larger volume of licensed facilities. The HHS Inspector General status. Lawful permanent resident status is a children be released to licensed care programs parents for criminal prosecution, sending them According to an article in the San Diego asylum applications for migrants passing issued a report on September 5, 2019 setting prerequisite for most applications for within 20 days. to Federal jails, while their children were turned Union- Tribune dated September 20, 2019, through their countries. In the case of out challenges faced by the office in addressing naturalization to become U.S. citizens.12 The over to ORR and flown to shelters located there have been at least 1,050 family separations Guatemala, the two presidents have signed a the mental health needs of children in their care TVPA’s change in the definition of an SIJ Ongoing Developments throughout the country, sometimes thousands of since Sabrow’s June 2018 injunction. “Safe Third party agreement” which the who have faced significant trauma, either before significantly expanded the number of children miles away from where the parent or parents with Additionally, the Government continues to legislature of Guatemala has balked at ratifying. or subsequent to their arrival in the U.S.8 The eligible for SIJ status. As a result the role of state I. Measures to discourage unauthorized whom they had arrived were being held. separate children who are brought by non-parent On September 20, 2019, the U.S. and El report indicated that forced family separation courts in the immigration process has increased migration family members, such as older siblings or Salvador signed an “asylum cooperation amplifies the trauma experienced by the greatly, as more and more state judges are being On June 20, 2018, President Trump issued an grandparents. agreement.” One was signed with Honduras on children. The report contains recommendations asked to make findings in court orders that Against the above backdrop of legislative Executive Order directing DHS to detain September 25, 2019. for improvements, which HHS states are being foreign children in cases before them fit the enactments and case law, an increasing number parents and children together.3 The practice of A number of other measures have been taken to implemented category described in the TVPA of being a of family units from the “Northern Triangle” blanket family separation was ended by a discourage migration to the US by persons (b) Detention juvenile “whose reunification with 1 or both of countries [El Salvador, Guatemala and nationwide preliminary injunction entered on without documents. These impact children as (c) Attempts to modify the Flores the immigrant’s parents is not viable due to Honduras] have been arriving with minor June 25, 2018 by U.S. District Judge Dana well as the adults with whom they are traveling. Detention is costly to the taxpayer. Practical Settlement Agreement abuse, neglect, abandonment, or a similar basis children at the U.S. Southern border, the last few Sabraw, of the U.S. District court for Southern difficulties include the facts that the found under State law,“ and “that it would not be years, seeking asylum, some presenting California, which directed that the separated 1. An interim rule was announced last fall that Immigration Courts currently have lengthy Judge Dolly Gee of the USDC CD for California, in the alien’s best interest to be returned to the themselves at the ports of entry, others crossing children be promptly returned to their parents. banned asylum for persons who entered the U.S. backlogs, (about 1 million at this writing, and who is overseeing the Flores case, has ruled that alien’s or parent’s previous country of nationality without authorization and presenting themselves It was then revealed that DHS had not kept a between ports of entry; This policy was rising) with many cases scheduled 3- 4 years out. children can be held in detention no longer than or country of last habitual residence.” Being the to the border patrol. In the past, family units record identifying which children came with criticized as being in violation of the INA which Another problem is that migrant flows are 20 days, whether they are unaccompanied or subject of a court order containing these seeking asylum who were arriving or which adult, so they had difficulty locating the specifies that anyone in the U.S. may apply for unpredictable, which makes it difficult to place being held with family members.9 The findings is a prerequisite to eligibility for SIJ apprehended without documents and who were parents, especially in the cases of very young asylum. The U.S. District Court for DC struck adequate suitable facilities in the locations where administration made a request to her for status. found to have a credible fear of persecution were children who were not yet vocal. According to down this rule. they are apprehended. modification of the terms of the Flores processed for removal proceedings and generally press reports, parents were told that they would agreement, to permit longer periods of detention There is a numerical limit on the number of visa released pending adjudication of their cases in be reunited with their children if they agreed to 2. In January 2019, the administration instituted President Trump has a stated goal to end the in DHS ICE custody, but Judge Gee denied the numbers that can be accorded annually for SIJ Immigration Court. Unaccompanied children be deported. Instead many were deported the Migrant Protection Protocols program, practice of “catch and release” whereby request, and the 9th Circuit upheld her ruling. status. Since a large number of visa petitions for from countries other than Mexico and Canada without their children. Currently, there are still better known as the Remain in Mexico program, apprehended aliens who enter without SIJ status have been filed and granted in recent were turned over to the ORR, which is charged a number of children whose parents cannot be which requires that applicants for asylum at the authorization are released into the general On September 7, 2018, the Government years, a backlog for the numbers has arisen. with finding family members or other suitable identified or located. Southern border must wait in Mexico for their population. Some claim that apprehended published proposed regulations to supersede the According to the Visa Bulletin for September 10 custodians. When the number arriving from the hearings in immigration courts. The aliens who are released typically disappear and Flores agreement. The final rule, published 2019 the category is currently oversubscribed Northern Triangle increased to a level that it was Meanwhile, separation of children from parents government of Mexico has agreed to cooperate fail to attend their hearings. Of course, notice August 23, 2019, is slated to take effect Oct. 22, and completely unavailable. The September labeled a “surge,” both the Obama at the border continues in some individual cases, with this. An injunction against this practice problems may be a significant factor 2019. The preamble to the regulation states: 2019 Visa Bulletin states: administration and the current administration at the discretion of the government, for reasons was initially granted by a U.S. District Court, contributing to the no show rate. Advocacy started detaining family units in immigration such as a criminal history, communicable but the stay was lifted shortly thereafter by a groups cite statistics that show that a high Most prominently, in response to great difficulty custody, hoping detention would serve as a disease, fitness, dangerousness, doubts of panel of the 9th Circuit U.S. Court of Appeals.5 percentage do attend their hearings, with the working under the state licensing requirement Continued on page 46 FALL 2019 9 FALL 2019 10

Once again, attendees were treated to excellent Annual Awards were presented to Hon. Holly J. Fujie educational programming. This year topics included (Justice Joan Dempsey Klein Honoree of the Year), Hon. sessions on DNA Science for Judges, Border and Tani Cantil-Sakauye (Justice Vaino Spencer Leadership Immigration issues, Tackling Homelessness, Judicial Award), Jerrilyn Malana (Florence K. Murray Award), Security, Judicial Independence, Perspectives on the Shibani Malhotra (Mattie Belle Davis Award) and Future of Work in the World of Me Too and Repairing Annette Boyd Pitts (Norma Wikler Excellence in Service Justice, among others. Speakers included Jonathan Award). Kathy Ireland received a Lady Justice Award at Shapiro, Linda Greenhouse, Piper Kerman, Dean Erwin the Gala dinner on Friday evening. Chemerinsky and California Chief Justice Tani Cantil- Sakauye. Judge Bernadette D’Souza was sworn in as President of orty years ago, Justice Joan Dempsey NAWJ by the Honorable Anna Blackburne-Rigsby while Klein, Justice Judith McConnell, Justice Judge Barbie, the 2019 Career Doll, also made her three beautiful children looked on. Her heartfelt and Christine Durham and Judge Martha her NAWJ debut. NAWJ worked with Mattel after inspiring message will be placed on the NAWJ website. Craig Daughtrey made history when they, Judge Bobbi Tillman and Judge Marguerite Downing along with approximately 100 other women suggested the toymaker highlight women judges. Along Many thanks go to the judges,attended the first ever gathering of with Mattel, we are hopeful that the introduction of approximately 40 members what would become the National Association Judge Barbie will inspire more young people to explore of the Conference of Women Judges. This past October, all four judicial careers. Planning Committee. women were back in Los Angeles for the 41st The contributions of Annual Conference at the Omni Hotel. This time, On Wednesday, October 16th,a reception was held each member are deeply they were joined by approximately 300 other at the Walt Disney Concert Hall to celebrate NAWJ’s appreciated. Special thanks members and friends, including 42 international 40thanniversary and the Women Lawyers Association Continued on page 11 judges from 22countries, as we celebrated the of Los Angeles’ 100th anniversary. Guests were treated 40th anniversary of NAWJ October 15 –19, 2019. to the music of the Los Angeles Big Band of Barristers.

Conference Chair, Judge Elizabeth Allen White, assembled an amazing team of judges and attorneys to put on an extremely successful conference. NAWJ President for 2018-18, Hon. Tamila E. Ipema, presided over the five-day conference. From the beginning, NAWJ has been proud to provide cutting edge education at each gathering. This year was no exception. FALL 2019 11 FALL 2019 12 Connecting the Dots Partners with the Equal Justice Initiative on to Judge Elizabeth White, Chair, Presiding Justice Lee Edmon and Judge Samantha Jessner, co-chairs of the Education committee, and to Donna Melby, The Maryland Lynching the Chair of the Angels (Friends) Committee.

A conference of this size and quality is not possible without generous support from the community. Nearly 60 groups and individuals stepped up to Memorial Project provide financial or in-kind donations. While we are grateful to each and every one, space does not allow us to acknowledge them all. Special thanks to By NAWJ member Hon. Claudia Barber t least five racial terror Premier Sponsors, Steptoe and Johnson LLP; Gold lynchings took place Sponsors, Paul Hastings LLP, Mayer Brown and in Anne Arundel Shegerian & Associates, Inc.; Palladium Sponsors, A historical marker memorializing four County, traumatizing Shernoff Bidart Echeverria LLP and Signature lynchings in Anne Arundel County, the black community. These Resolution; Silver Sponsors, Arnold & Porter LLP, lawless acts of violence targeted Maryland was unveiled on Saturday, African Americans accused of Munger, Tolles & Olson LLP and Polsinelli; Bronze September 7, 2019. More than 300 Sponsors, ABOTA, Los Angeles, ADR Services, Inc., misconduct or crimes, all of whom Browne George Ross LLP, CourtCall LLC, Girardi people were on hand for the unveiling were killed without trial, many | Keese, Glaser Weil Greene, Broillet & Wheeler, ceremony at Annapolis' Whitmore Park. under false accusation. In 1875, a white mob lynched John Simms at LLP, Greines, Martin, Stein & Richland LLP, JAMS, Former District 4 Director Claudia Judicate West Kjar, McKenna & Stockalper, Loyola Simms Crossing after seizing him University Law School, Panish Shea & Boyle LLP, Barber was present for the event. from the county jail, which stood Skechers Foundation and University of San Diego Connecting the Dots, Anne Arundel on Calvert Street at the location School of Law. County, coordinated this effort with where the marker was placed. On November 26, 1884, George the Equal Justice Initiative (EJI). The Briscoe was being transported to Maryland Lynching Memorial Project the jail when a white mob abducted helped sponsor the event. It is the and lynched him by the Magothy River Bridge. On October 6, first EJI historical marker installed 1898, Wright Smith was taken in Maryland. Similar efforts are in from the county jail by a white progress in other counties in Maryland. mob intent on lynching him. He attempted to escape, but the mob The marker reads: shot him in the back of the head as Lynchings in Anne Arundel County he fled. Henry Davis was seized from the jail on December 21, 1906, dragged by a mob through the nearby who received a standing ovation. He said, “The Clay Street black community, and hanged truth is that people who look like me, and by College Creek. He was shot over 100 may have been related to me, deliberately and times. Five years later, a white mob abducted knowingly used torture and murder to terrorize King Johnson from the Brooklyn Station the African American community of this county. House on Christmas Day, 1911. The mob We know it happened five times in the form beat Mr. Johnson, dragged him through the of lynching, but we also know that those five streets, and shot him to death. Although the lynchings were not isolated incidents.” perpetrators of this violence were often known to law enforcement, no one was ever convicted Madison Medley, a 17-year-old senior at Meade of crimes for these acts of racial terror. High School, detailed those injustices in an essay that earned her first place in the EJI One of the most moving moments during the Racial Justice Scholarship contest. She and four Former District 4 Director Claudia Barber is a unveiling ceremony was the speech of Anne of her peers were recognized at the unveiling member of Connecting the Dots, Anne Arundel County. Arundel County Executive Steuart Pittman, ceremony. FALL 2019 13 FALL 2019 14

Alexis Johnson, a law student at the Liberty 2012-2013, and previously held many NAWJ University School of Law. Ms. Johnson, who leadership positions, including Director of earned by the $1,000 scholarship award by District 4, Projects Director, Secretary, submitting the winning essay to the awards Vice-President for Districts and President Elect. committee, was present and read her essay. Judge Churchill graciously accepted the award Articulate and focused on the history of women with many members of her family and friends District 4 Wellness Conference in the legal profession, Ms. Johnson is a beacon present. During her comments, she reminded of light for young lawyers and leaders. She us why it is still important to have an By Julia B. Weatherly, District 4 Secretary received hearty congratulations, and more organization for women judges, and the rewards women in prison. Judge Heidi Pasichow, a past unsolicited advice from the judges than she for its members. n a beautiful fall weekend, D-4 Director, discussed the need for a bylaw could have ever expected. (But who doesn’t love members of NAWJ District 4 and amendment in the coming year to formally a law student who takes the time to tell us what While the conference was officially adjourned at the Virginia Women’s Bar establish a District of Columbia Chapter, and role models mean to her!) the conclusion of the awards ceremony, many Association gathered at the her involvement in NAWJ which has landed her conference participants stayed on to enjoy an Lansdowne Resort and Spa in Leesburg, as Vice President, Publications for the national This year the Edna Parker Award was presented excursion to the Stone Tower Winery, arranged Virginia to present District 4’s Biannual organization. We also noted that Judge Holland to The Hon. Joan V. Churchill to recognize her by Judge Deborah C. Welsh (Louden Co, VA Edna Parker Award and to participate in a will also continue to serve on the national board contributions to the legal profession, the General District Court). Although she did not Wellness Conference. District Director Hon. as Director of Finance. In Virginia, Judge advancement of justice and service to the take credit for the beautiful afternoon, Judge Judith Kline and the planning committee Karen Henenberg, (Ret. Arlington, Virginia community. Judge Churchill (US Immigration Welsh did use her local knowledge of over 30 selected a perfect venue for a fall weekend General District Court) held a brunch for Court Ret.) served as the NAWJ President for local Virginia wineries, to select a perfect one conference. women judges and the local women bar that would accommodate our group, offer Judge Kline began the business meeting with association. Also attending the conference was delicious wines and tasty treats. The afternoon The conference opened at the Lansdowne introductions for the attendees and an overview Laurie Durham, our interim executive director, was spent enjoying the scenery, the wine, and Resort and Spa in Leesburg, Virginia on of District 4 projects and programs in the who had provided invaluable service to District well as the present conference in Leesburg. the company of our fellow judges. Friday evening with a reception on the patio District of Columbia, Maryland and Virginia. 4 in putting together this conference, as well as Following the business meeting, we enjoyed a overlooking the Potomac River. Judge Kline Judge Anita Josey-Herring, who co-chaired the to the national officers and association after the very relevant and rewarding program on Many thanks to the judges that gave their time gave a warm welcome to the attendees, who July NAWJ meeting with the Congressional resignation of our former executive director. Networking and Stress Management for to arranging this wonderful weekend: took the opportunity to introduce ourselves Caucus for Women’s Issues along with Judge She was sincerely thanked by President Ipema Lawyers and Judges. Judge Anita Josey- Hon. Anita Josey- Herring, Retreat Planning and make new friends. Nothing like a wine Marcella Holland, reported on their successful and the attending NAWJ members. Herring, who chaired the retreat planning Chair Hon. Judith Kline, Hon. Gwen D’Souza, bar to encourage conversation. event. The program speakers offered committee, introduced Dr. Dacia P. Hastings Hon. Heidi Pasichow, Hon. Mary Henry, Hon. information for judges, courts and communities Judge Kline next announced with an Proctor, DM, LICSE, LCSW-C, CPM, our Marcella Holland, Hon. Tanya M. Jones Bosier, Saturday morning started for some with the dealing with the avalanche of deaths, medical unexpected amount of glee the nomination of Wellness facilitator. Dr. Hastings Proctor, a Hon. Ann Wagner-Stewart, Hon. Monise yoga classes offered by the resort. Others emergencies, expanded need for treatment, the slate of new officers for District 4, to serve a licensed psychotherapist and motivational Brown, Hon. Jennifer Long, Hon. Tara considered the walk from their rooms to the criminal cases, and impact on children and two year term: speaker, presented the well-received program Fentress, and Hon. Kenia Seoane-Lopez. conference center sufficient exercise, and families created by the recent explosion of • Director: Anita Josey-Herring, Associate which identified signs and symptoms of stress headed for the coffee and breakfast buffet. addictions from the opioid crisis. In February Judge, DC Superior Court fatigue and secondary trauma, also known as Accolades and our undying gratitude for their Once assembled, Judge Judy Kline (Juvenile the Maryland Chapter held its annual Irma • Vice-President: Gwen D’Souza, compassion fatigue. The importance of sleep, assistance to Lavinia Cousins, Laurie Denham, & Domestic Relations District Court, Raker Dinner with members of the Maryland Administrative Law Judge, DC Dept of exercise, good nutrition, and stress the NAWJ staff. Newport News, VA) opened the meeting, Women’s Legislative Caucus, a major focus was Employment Services management were expanded upon, including proudly introducing our NAWJ President, on issues of mental health of women in prison • Secretary: Julia B. Weatherly, Circuit Court how to fit them into our busy, Hon. Tamila Ipema, (Superior Court, San and the impact of solitary confinement. Judge for Prince George’s Co, MD (Ret) overworked and stressful lives. Dr. Diego CA) who had flown in on the red eye Julia Weatherly gave a report on the continued • Treasure: Sharon Goodie, Administrative Hastings Proctor presented us with to participate in the conference. She programs at the Maryland Correctional Law Judge, DC Office of Administrative important tasks to improve our presented upcoming attractions for the Institution for Women. The Storybook Project Hearings wellness, and ended her program October Annual Meeting in Los Angeles, provides the opportunity for women inmates to with the judges on their feet and discussed various enterprises undertaken by read and record a children’s book, which is then Hearing no objections (or additional offers to dancing. the organization during her year as president gifted to their child. The reentry conference, serve), the slate was unanimously voted in, to be (including meeting Pope Francis at the Women Moving Forward, held its 14th sworn in at the annual meeting in Los Angeles, The Edna Parker Award Vatican), and reported that the selection conference last spring focused on mental health. California, and Judge Kline is happily looking Luncheon committee had hired a new executive Judge Brenda Murray (Chief Administrative forward to becoming the immediate past director, Priya Purandare, who had been Law Judge, Ret., US Securities and Exchange director. Judge Kline deserves our gratitude for After a delicious lunch, the awards serving as the current interim executive Commission) has for decades conducted a book her excellent service as District 4 Director, ceremony commenced with Judge director for the National Asian Pacific club at the women’s prison, providing the books, during which time District 4 held a weekend Kline presenting the Gender American Bar Association. an English professor, and her commitment to conference at George Mason Law School, as Equality Scholarship Award to FALL 2019 15 FALL 2019 16

range of these female entrepreneurs against A: My adopted family gave me the gift of frustration. Compared to the 100 advocates banks, “investors”, employers, and those who education which has sheltered me from the who went through the Justice Advocacy Africa would seek to disenfranchise them. gender barriers typical for women in my training, the 1,000 plus students who left law country. However, the practice of law is male- school with little or no trial advocacy training Linda paused her life for a few minutes to answer dominated in my country. Despite the number created a gap in our system that our training at a few questions about Uganda, her life, and her of students that leave law school being equal the time would never fill. accomplishments. She responded with her usual in gender, what it takes to be successful as a understatement! lawyer in practice, particularly as a litigation So, in 2013, I followed my heart and applied to lawyer, does not favor the work-family balance join the teaching staff at the Law Development Q: What are the most significant and forces many women out. That makes our Centre (LDC), the only institution that trains challenges that the Rule of Law face courtrooms typically a men's world. lawyers to practice law in Uganda with the NAWJ, under the leadership of Immediate Past President Tamila Ipema and President Bernadette D’Souza, has made extraordinary in Central Africa? sole conviction and goal of changing how trial efforts to demonstrate global judicial leadership over the past year. This work is reflected in the ongoing work begun last summer at So, despite all my skills, clients may still think advocacy was taught there. It has been 6 years I am a secretary at my firm, or clients may of sowing seeds of change at many levels of the A: A significant challenge to the Rule of Law the Pan American Judges’ Summit on Social Justice and at the two-day summit on “Human Rights for All Women” at the United Nations. give their litigation business to male lawyers Centre. is a legal education system that is not equipped or offer a lot less pay for similar work. There to produce legal practitioners that are practice- Many individual NAWJ members recognize the importance of this work and strive to carry out the principles embodied in the NAWJ are also those experiences where the lower ready and efficient in delivering justice. For Q: Tell us about your current work staff at the institutions I teach may treat me mission in countries around the world. Judge Matthew Williams, a Superior Court Judge for the State of Washington and NAWJ member, justice systems to work, the lawyers our law within the Ugandan Legal Education as a student. But those perceptions based devotes almost all of his free time to teaching and rule of law projects in pre/post conflict nations and emergency democracies schools or legal training produce should make System. on gender stereotypes can work in my favor up a vibrant and effective bar that supports as around the globe. Through his important work with Justice Advocacy Africa, a trial advocacy program, Judge Williams met Ugandan because then I am under-estimated by many, to well as holds the judiciary and other stakeholders A: Let me first explain a little about the attorney, Linda Alinda-Ikanza, who learned from his teachings and, in turn, has had a large impact on justice in Uganda. my advantage. accountable to deliver justice. That is not the Ugandan Law School system. We spend 4 case yet. years at a university to attain a law degree and In the summer of 2010, I was lucky to take then to practice, we go through 10 months at the basic trial advocacy week-long training For example, many cannot present the factual the LDC which is the Bar Course. Although organized by Justice Advocacy Africa. and legal aspects of their cases persuasively over 10 universities offer the law degrees to Linda Alinda-Ikanza I had been struggling 3 years into my trial to enable the Court to reach an enlightened hundreds of law students, all the thousand plus practice career and it was either this training and just result. Instead, they resort to using students must go through LDC successfully to or I would give up litigation practice. The Justice and Innovation in Sub Saharan Africa corruption to get decisions in their favor or join be called to the Ugandan Bar. training was life-changing. By Judge Matthew Williams the bench as judicial officers who are either incompetent or corrupt or both. I joined the LDC as a part-time faculty member Particularly how it was taught; using the ganda, like many nations in had the good fortune to meet and work with a the creation of Justice Advocacy Uganda (JAU), in 2013, and in 2016 I was appointed to teach learning by doing method where most of Central Africa has worked hard to remarkable Ugandan attorney. a non-profit, Non-Governmental Organization Nothing is usually more crippling than finding Trial Advocacy. the time was spent practicing and receiving strengthen its response to issues of (NGO) dedicated to improving the trial skills corrupt or incompetent advocates on either side feedback. To date, I cannot sufficiently corruption and improving justice. For more than 20 years, Linda Alinda-Ikanza of Ugandan Advocates and the trial skills of of the bar or bench. Their intentions may differ Although, “advocacy” was a key subject at the describe how “found” I felt at the end of that While working with Justice Advocacy Africa has fought for social justice in Uganda. As a Ugandan Judges. Her work with the Ugandan but their effect on the Rule of Law is the same. LDC, it was only taught through lectures. A training. The next year I undertook teacher on a series of advocacy and anti-corruption practicing attorney, she advocates for the rights Bar, and the Law Development Center has lecture curriculum doesn’t really lend itself to training and got involved in organizing a initiatives sponsored by the EU and UK, I of women in a male-dominated society. She is impacted the skills and the focus of an entire producing advocates who can actually present Q: What led you to a career in the law? sustainable program here in in Uganda. a calm beacon of hope generation of Uganda advocates. She is truly a case in court. Working with Justice Advocacy for those seeking social shaping the direction of Ugandan justice. Africa (JAA) founder Steve Fury and Judge A: I am the last born of six children. My mum Currently our program takes about 40-50 and economic justice in Matt Williams, I designed a new program that died in labor having me. Her cousin who was people two times each year. Yet, our law Uganda’s tumultuous Her work has been instrumental in bringing turned the “preparation” classes into practical herself six months pregnant with her firstborn schools produce hundreds of lawyers every legal, economic, and technology and effective social justice advocacy training sessions where students get a chance adopted me informally. She gave me a chance year with little or political climate. Linda to Uganda. She even developed an “App” at life none of my other siblings got. So, I was has been a leader in (NkolaApp), to help Ugandan workers learn no training in trial raised by her (my maternal aunt’s) family. Both advocacy. developing programs about their rights under Ugandan law. her husband and father-in-law were lawyers and for governmental and very successful ones at that. I grew up seeing Like those lawyers, non-governmental Uganda is not unique in how it relies on a them buried in law books and arguments and I organizations to fight street economy of small businesses and sole- I left law school knew from as early as Grade 5 that I, too wanted thinking I had and prevent corruption proprietors to provide basic goods and services to be a lawyer. and to promote social to its population. The economy of Uganda is been prepared for court practice, justice. driven in large part by the entrepreneurial spirit Q: What gender barriers have you had to of its female business owners. Of course, in a only to find myself Linda is also the male dominated society, these business owners overcome? stuck in a cycle of driving force behind face special challenges. Linda represents a wide embarrassment and FALL 2019 17 FALL 2019 18

the Arab League Headquarters in Egypt, and of how she resolved the issue while leaving President-elect) and President Tamila Ipema at the annual UN International Day of Peace the staff member with a clear path for success chaired panels and forums focusing on the plight celebrations throughout the world, Kader is a in her future. Lynne Goldberg, UN Special of women domestically and internationally. to learn and practice specific trial skills. We are starting a program with our Judicial career has changed because of this work is my tireless advocate for advancing the human rights Coordinator on Improving the UN Response Working with very limited resources, this Training Institute (JTI), that includes judicial greatest achievement and I have the Award to of women and children around the world. Her to Sexual Exploitation and Abuse, described After the chairs’ opening remarks, and a simple change in approach has revolutionized questioning (Ugandan Judges may question remind me of this work. Over the years the joy work also includes helping refugee Palestinian efforts being made by the UN to address sexual welcome message from SIPA Dean Merit Janow, the trial advocacy learning experience for witnesses), judicial opinion writing, as well as of seeing lawyers find themselves, like I did, in women and hosting international conferences, exploitation and abuse within the UN and participants learned more about various topics Ugandan law students. case management, and transparency issues. the training has become the gift that keeps on including one on the Role of Immigrant Women its peacekeeping forces. Ms. Jane Connors, including US policies affecting immigrant giving. towards International Peace in Stockholm, a victim’s rights advocate, also shared her women, surrogacy and human trafficking, In 2018 I was appointed Head of Trial Q: What do you consider your greatest Sweden. Kader is an active and long-time experiences in this area. gender discrimination in nationality laws, Advocacy and Moots at the LDC. I enlisted the achievement? I use IT to innovate the law. One of my member of the NAWJ. lessons learned from combating sexual assault help of other practicing attorneys, judges, and innovations is an app that creates awareness on During the afternoon session, members were on college campuses, and strategies and advocates to create Justice Advocacy Uganda A: This year I was recognized as the Best labour law called Nkola App – www.nkola-app. Participants then heard from select members entertained with chamber music by a talented resources to support maturing and aging (www.jau.ug) where I serve as Chief Executive Female Lawyer in Private Practice by the Uganda com. The App was selected as one of the best of Secretary-General Antonio Guterres’ ensemble of four members of the IFPSD’s demographics. Officer. At JAU, we use these same techniques Law Society. The Award was in recognition justice innovations from Africa at The Hague newly appointed team on sexual harassment Music for Peace Program. Kader explained and processes to help Legal Aid Service of this work and its impact on lawyers and law Institute for Innovation of Law (www.hiil.org) and violence against women in the workplace that the music program is a key part of IFPSD’s The “Immigration and U.S. Policies Affecting Providers, prosecutors, and private attorneys. students. Every student or lawyer I meet whose 2019 competition. globally. The panelists discussed the challenges educational initiative to empower youth Immigrant Women” panel featured panelists they face in addressing sexual harassment and leadership through education, art, and sports. Hon. Mimi Tsankov, a New York Immigration sextortion within the UN and the need for Court judge, Columbia Law School Professor effective whistleblower protection both at home Conference Day One was hosted by IFPSD and Katherine Franke, and moderator Hon. Global Judicial Leadership Conference and globally. organized by Founder and President, Sally Kader. On Human Rights of All Women Panelists included Lieutenant Commander By Elizabeth Lee Marcia Andrade Braga, Naval Officer, who Conference Day Two was graciously agreed to speak and flew in from hosted by Columbia Law ore than fifty NAWJ participants among and fostering cooperation between at the UN in order to shed light on the work Brazil for the conference and Ambassador School and the School of braved intrepid weather, nations, and providing a forum for bringing that the UN is doing to address global sexual Fatima K. Mohammed, who represents the 55 International and Public including a torrential downpour countries together to meet the UN’s purposes harassment and violence against women. For member states of the African Union and is an Affairs with support from of rain, to attend the all-day and goals. During the tour, members were the past four decades, Kader has been a part of accomplished female ambassador and activist the Law School’s Center conference held at the United Nations (UN) escorted through the corridors of international the UN, along with her husband Ralph, serving dedicated to the empowerment of women in for Gender and Sexuality in the heart of New York City. This was an diplomacy and passed by the General Assembly as staff and diplomats in several countries. The Africa. Retired U.S. Air Force Colonel Linda Law. Co-Chairs Judge educational journey not to be missed. The first Hall and Security Council chamber. A stop at UN has been an important platform for Kader’s Strite Murnane discussed her experiences Myriam Lehr (NAWJ part of the conference featured a guided private the gift shop at the end of the tour saw many advocacy on behalf of women. Kader explained both while serving in the U.S. Armed Forces as Florida State Chair), tour where members learned about the history members leaving with an assorted array of UN that the IFPSD’s continued collaboration with well as during her eight years employed by the Judge Lisa Walsh (NAWJ and the important peacekeeping functions of memorabilia. NAWJ is important for developing concrete UN. She provided practical guidance which, Past President, 2015- the UN comprised of 93 members countries solutions to improve the roles of women as she explained, she learned as a “graduate of 16), Judge Bernadette and 2 observer states. This international Following the tour at the UN, participants in emerging societies within the U.S. and the sexual harassment leadership lab, the U.S. D’Souza (NAWJ body is responsible for maintaining worldwide enjoyed a delicious lunch at Zaika Restaurant globally. military.” A retired Air Force Chief Circuit peace and security, developing relations which featured authentic Indian cuisine in a Military Judge, Colonel Murnane described serene oasis setting. Following lunch, members returned to the UN an instance where she addressed the sexual There, attendees learned where welcome remarks were given by Miguel harassment of a staff member by a member more about the IFPSD de Serpa Soares, Under-Secretary-General of the judiciary, and gave a practical example and its mission from for Legal Affairs and UN Legal Counsel, longtime President and Ralph Kader, UN diplomat (retired), and His Founder Salwa “Sally” Excellency Antonio Gumende, Ambassador Kader. In her remarks and Permanent Representative of the Republic at the luncheon, Kader of Mozambique. expressed her gratitude at being a part of this President Hon. Tamila Ipema also awarded group of “amazing Kader NAWJ’s Lady Justice Award thanking intelligent women” who her for her decades-long contribution to are committed to the global peace. Known for her work hosting betterment of women in events, panel discussions, peace conferences, the U.S. and in the world. vigils, prayer services and peace marches She hosted this conference including International Peace Conferences at FALL 2019 19 FALL 2019 20

I was particularly moved problems, such as the lack of independence be ordered to strip down and only keep the by being housed within the Department of garment closest to their skin. These volunteers by the Immigration Session. Homeland Security, by having no control also use permanent markers to write important Bernadette D’Souza. The speakers addressed whatever reason, decide to abandon the child Americans are preyed upon or abused and the It was learned that the over its own funding, and by the imposition of information on small children such as who their the significant increase in asylum cases and before or once the child is born. Risks for human various ways in which court proceedings may arbitrary and unrealistic quotas. At this time, parents are as they may not be able to provide the backlog and recent time standards metrics trafficking increase when donors are from better address these issues. Immigration Court suffers the Immigration Judges, 440 nationwide, the information in the event they are separated imposed on immigration judges. Professor extremely poor countries and are exploited chronically from systemic must complete 700 cases per year, which from their parents. It was heart-breaking to Franke spoke about conditions for migrants financially in the process. Reaction to the conference by attendees was problems, such as the lack of would amount to 2 trials per day — without hear about these scenarios and to imagine the seeking asylum at the border. overwhelmingly positive. “I found it to be one considering prep time. Inability to meet crestfallen look on the faces of these foreign The “Sexual Assault on College Campuses; of the most informative and thought-provoking independence by being housed these quotas subjects the judge to potential nationals when they are given this advice. They The “Human Trafficking and Related Issues Lessons Learned for the Judicial System” panel conferences I have ever attended” said Bobbie J. within the Department of termination. Next, Professor Katherine Franke come from far and wide, not just Mexico, to Including Surrogacy” panel featured panelists featured Columbia Dean Suzanne Goldberg, McCartney, Judicial Officer, U.S. Department related her volunteer time with “Al otro lado,” escape violence and persecution but it soon Hon. Elizabeth Lee, NAWJ Secretary and Hon. Carolyn Temin (Ret.), First Assistant of Agriculture. She added, “I found myself Homeland Security, by having no an organization in Tijuana Mexico, which is becomes clear their journey for relief, security San Mateo County Superior Court Judge, District Attorney for Philadelphia, and Past- energized and motivated by these wonderful control over its own funding, and assisting foreign nationals who are applying and protection is not over. and Columbia Law School Professor Yasmine President of NAWJ (2003-04) and Jordan speakers and newly introduced colleagues and for asylum in the US, but waiting to be called Ergas, Director on Gender and Public Policy Rosendorf, a recent graduate of University of as a result I have decided to make it a priority by the imposition of arbitrary in Tijuana. One of many tips imparted to these Thank you NAWJ, International Federation and Lecturer. The session was moderated by California Berkeley, and was moderated by Hon. to become more actively involved in NAWJ and unrealistic quotas. foreign nationals is to reverse the order of the for Peace and Sustainable Development, Chief Judge Anna Blackburne-Rigsby, Past- Lisa Walsh. This panel explored the changes in activities.” clothes they are wearing so that they are wearing Columbia School of Law, Columbia School of President of NAWJ (2013-14). The panelists the ways universities respond to charges of sexual public at large. their warmest garment next to their skin, and International and Public Affairs on Human held a lively discussion concerning the issues harassment and assault, the interplay between NAWJ’s Global Judicial Leadership Conference the lightest furthest from their skin. This advice Rights of All Women, and the Center for Gender raised by advances made in reproductive the criminal and university systems, and ways is the brainchild of NAWJ President Hon. Tamila I was particularly moved by the Immigration is given because, when they get called to enter and Sexuality for bringing attention to these technology and transnational surrogacy. A the judicial system can learn from the experience E. Ipema for whom navigating and strengthening Session. It was learned that the Immigration the US, they will be placed in the “ice box,” a important issues and educating our judicial child may now be conceived using an ovum within academia. international frameworks that improve human Court suffers chronically from systemic room kept at about 40 degrees, and they will leaders. donor from one country, a sperm donor rights of all women is a passion. NAWJ is from another country, a surrogate who is Finally, the “Elder Abuse” Panel featured Rawle hopeful that relationships created in this year’s not a citizen of the host country where the Andrews, AARP Regional Vice President, partnerships with the International Federation child is born, and for intended parents who Catherine A. Christian, Special Assistant of Peace and Sustainable Development, NAWJ Visits Vatican for may be from none of these other countries. District Attorney for External Affairs, Beth R. Columbia Law School, and Columbia School Complications such as citizenship arise Finkel, State Director, New York State Office, of International and Public Affairs, will lead when a surrogate decides she wants to keep AARP, and was moderated by Hon. Myriam Lehr. to making NAWJ’s Global Judicial Leadership Pan-American Judges’ Summit on Social Rights the child or when the intended parents, for This panel explored the many ways in which older Conference in New York an annual tradition. By Jodi Cleesattle

en National Association of Women and Franciscan Doctrine, which was organized address specific topics at the summit, including Judges members led a delegation at a by the Pontifical Academy of Social Sciences and judicial ethics and discipline, implicit bias, Global Judicial Leadership Conference special summit on social justice at the held June 3-4. judicial independence, and collaborative courts. Vatican in early June, joining judges At the United Nations from across the Americas to discuss the need to “The Vatican Summit By Honorable Patricia Garcia defend and protect human rights throughout the on social rights fit Judge, California Superior Court, County of San Diego, South Bay Division world. beautifully into our theme of Global n June 10, 2019, I had the We visited grand meeting rooms, including the organization that is charged with promoting The judges gave presentations on access to Judicial Leadership,” opportunity of a lifetime to visit the Economic and Social Council and the General human rights, peace and security around the justice, shared ideas with judges from Central said Ipema, a judge on secure and mysterious complex of Assembly where "leaders of nations speak to the world — the UN — is committing these violations and South America, heard remarks from Pope the San Diego County offices, halls, and meeting rooms in world.” within the UN system. Thankfully, the UN, Francis, and enjoyed individual meetings with Superior Court. “I NYC known as the United Nations. under the leadership of the Secretary-General the Pope. Following the conference, the NAWJ believe judges have At our subsequent meeting at the UN, organized Antonio Guterres of Portugal, has created delegation also attended a special reception to lead by example, After successful entry through several security and hosted by the International Federation for initiatives to prevent and respond to sexual hosted by the U.S. Ambassador to the Holy See, and it is our duty to checkpoints, we toured the many lobbies, Peace and Sustainable Development and its exploitation and abuse, focusing on putting the Callista Gingrich, and her husband, former be global leaders in exhibition halls and meeting rooms. The president, Sally Kader, the point was driven UN’s "own house in order." Speaker of the House, Newt Gingrich, at their providing equal access exhibition halls contained unique gifts from home that sexual harassment and violence home in Rome. to justice for all.” various nations, consisting of artifacts and against women happens everywhere, at all The programs at Columbia School of Law were works of art, including the iconic mosaic by levels and to all women. No one is immune. no less impressive. All four sessions included NAWJ president Tamila Ipema, who chose Ipema said she was Norman Rockwell, known as the "Golden Rule" Lynne Goldberg, the UN Special Coordinator excellent presenters and experts in their field, “Global Judicial Leadership” as the theme for asked to bring a presented to the UN in 1985 by then First Lady on Improving the UN Response to Sexual and all revealed information that is not well her term, said she was thrilled to be invited to the delegation of 10 U.S. Nancy Reagan on behalf of the United States. Exploitation and Abuse confirmed that the very known in the legal community, let alone to the Pan-American Judges Summit on Social Rights judges who could FALL 2019 21 FALL 2019 22

and Support Services for the International October as president of the California Judges Forum here,” Kahn said. “I felt compelled to Criminal Tribunal for the Former Yugoslavia in Association (CJA), addressed judicial ethics. include the 15th century papal bulls, which The Hague, discussed issues affecting military The topic was a natural fit – Nomoto Schumann authorized the European explorers to steal She began the delegation’s presentation with an and how those funds allowed me to do the work I violations, and crime. veterans. has chaired the ethics committee for NAWJ for property and enslave the indigenous people they introduction explaining the roles of NAWJ and was doing.” several years and has been a member of the CJA found who were not Christian. I explained that the International Association of Women Judges “Juvenile court judges can greatly assist in the “I spoke on tackling homelessness, poverty and ethics committee since the 1980s and has chaired the Vatican’s launch of the ‘doctrine of discovery’ (IAWJ) in advancing justice, especially for D’Souza said she also described her work on prevention of human suffering,” Lobrano said. drug addiction for military veterans struggling that committee as well. underlay the next 500 years of world history, vulnerable populations. a committee that coordinates with local law “My focus is the prevention through the use of an from military sexual trauma, Post Traumatic including U.S. federal Indian jurisprudence in firms to provide pro bono attorneys to represent informal Families in Need of Services program Stress Disorder (PTSD), and Traumatic Brain “Ethics has always been very important to this century. Part of my purpose, of course, was to “I spoke about the effectiveness of our NAWJ domestic violence victims and a joint effort with and its intake officers, who act as neutral third Injury (TBI) through Veterans Treatment me,” she said. “I basically wanted to learn point out the opportunity the Vatican has at this and IAWJ organizations, in that we are making the New Orleans Bar Association to develop a parties, providing for the assessment of a family’s Courts,” Murnane said. “I chose this topic from my international colleagues because I’m momentous time to separate itself from the views a great difference in the world,” Ipema said. self-help desk at the courthouse. need, the resolution of a family dispute, the because the issue of sexual trauma and its also an educator. I really wanted to hear their of half a millennium ago.” “I also spoke about judicial independence and enhancement of a child’s coping skills, and the relationship to subsequent engagement in the perspectives on ethics and how they handle things the importance of keeping the politics out of “Helping them to navigate how to fill out the coordination of services to meet the family’s criminal justice system, as well as addressing in their cultures.” Retired Los Angeles County Superior Court judicial selection systems. I believe in fair and forms is really the first step in access to justice,” need without formal court involvement, but the mental health issues represented by PTSD Judge Judith Chirlin wrapped up the NAWJ free courts, and we cannot have a fair and just D’Souza said. through the leadership of a juvenile court judge.” and TBI through innovative court solutions, are Recently retired Associate delegation’s presentations. system if we do not have judicial independence.” solutions to global concerns – not just in the U.S. San Diego County Superior Court Judge Marian Philadelphia Court of Common Pleas Judge I am hopeful other court systems will consider Justice Marcy Kahn, who “Our overall point was that judges can best fulfill Each judge talked about programs in their Gaston discussed the development and use of Lisette Shirdan-Harris said she discussed collaborative courts as a solution on a global served on the Appellate their responsibilities in societies governed by the jurisdictions that seek to improve access to collaborative courts and how judges can act as several programs her court has initiated to basis.” Rule of Law,” Chirlin said. “To make that point justice. agents of change. provide greater access for litigants. Division, First Judicial we agreed that Tamila would introduce the group NAWJ president-elect Judge Lisa Walsh, who serves on the Eleventh Department, of the New York and explain what NAWJ does, each of the others “I addressed the creation of collaborative courts “I spoke about our mortgage foreclosure Judicial Circuit Court of Florida serving Miami- Supreme Court, described her would speak about a program or programs in Bernadette D’Souza, a in the U.S. and throughout the world, and the program and its success as a model throughout Dade County, used her remarks to address which they were involved in their jurisdictions, judge on the Orleans Parish efficacy of a style of communicating called the country in helping people save their homes; implicit bias and achieving fairness in the legal work with tribal courts and ‘motivational interviewing,’” Gaston said. our elder justice program creating greater access workplace and the courtroom. the history and treatment of Civil District Court in “There is excellent research showing that the for seniors with unique access issues; and our Louisiana, said she drew way judges talk to the people who come to court mental health courts,” Shirdan-Harris said. “At the heart of ensuring access to the courtroom indigenous people. can encourage positive change – lower rates “Also, as the International Director for NAWJ is the promise that all litigants will be received on her more than 18 years of drug use, better participation in therapies, and the U.S. North American Delegate to the and treated equally,” Walsh said. “In the U.S., Recently retired Associate Justice Marcy Kahn, of experience as a Legal lower incidence of criminal recidivism. And IAWJ for the past four years, I spoke about women and minorities have received disparate who served on the Appellate Division, First motivational interviewing is free. It’s therefore an the work NAWJ is doing through its members treatment in the legal profession, which has Judicial Department, of the New York Supreme Aid lawyer representing excellent tool, readily available to anyone willing around the country.” resulted in skewed attrition rates from law firms. Court, described her work with tribal courts and domestic violence victims in to try it.” I chose to address these issues to shed light on the the history and treatment of indigenous people. Retired Judge Linda Strite Murnane, who challenges faced by women and minorities in the New Orleans, to shape her Judge Joy Cossich Lobrano, who serves on the previously served as Chief of the Court courtroom and the profession.” “I spoke about my 18-year engagement with the remarks at the summit. Louisiana Court of Appeal’s Fourth Circuit Management Services Section at the Special Indian tribal nations’ justice officials in New and chairs NAWJ’s Juvenile Justice and Child Tribunal for Lebanon in Leidschendam, The Retired Orange County Superior Court Judge York, and our successful creation of a Federal- NAWJ president-elect Bernadette D’Souza, a Welfare Committee, gave a presentation on an Netherlands, and as Chief of Court Management B. Tam Nomoto Schumann, who takes office in State-Tribal Courts and Indian Nations Justice judge on the Orleans Parish Civil District Court early intervention in Louisiana, said she drew on her more than program and 18 years of experience as a Legal Aid lawyer community model representing domestic violence victims in New that brings together Orleans, to shape her remarks at the summit. juvenile court, the schools, and “My topic was on equal access to justice and community care the delivery of justice to eradicate poverty,” centers to identify said D’Souza, who noted that, while criminal families in need defendants are guaranteed representation, too of services, assess many civil litigants cannot afford access to the their needs, and courts. “As a former Legal Aid lawyer, I thought provide services I could bring what I was able to gain in working aimed at preventing with low income families in our community. problems such as I talked about how I went about applying for truancy, violations of funding from the U.S. Department of Justice school rules, curfew FALL 2019 23 FALL 2019 24

provide justice, equal access, and fair treatment,” you are social poets. Be protagonists in the the world. It was important work, but paying close she said. “It was a humbling experience. We transformation of the justice system based on attention for two days was exhausting. Then in Americans are famous for having a ‘we do it best’ values, justice and the primacy of the dignity of walked Pope Francis, who delivered remarks that and I would summarize them and put them have an active role in the development of social, including in her own jurisdiction in Florida. attitude. But it was humbling to listen to the every human being ... above any other type of were warm, insightful, inspirational and even in the context of how they support judicial economic, and cultural justice in order to share “My jurisdiction is the fourth largest in the problems other countries have and how they’ve interest or justification. ... Your noble and onerous funny. He stressed his devotion to the poor and independence, a fundamental concept in the their experiences, successes, best practices, and United States, yet its criminal courts are centrally been able to address it, even though they don’t mission requires devoting yourselves to the forgotten and encouraged all of us to work for Rule of Law.” projects. located,” Walsh said. “Our most remote rural have the resources we have. I really came away service of justice and the common good with the justice on their behalf.” areas are also our poorest. Both distance and with a great deal of respect for my international constant calling to ensure that the rights of the Chirlin said she enjoyed the opportunity to learn “It was quite a humbling and thought-provoking poverty create real barriers to parties, victims and colleagues.” people, especially those of the most vulnerable, For D’Souza, the most meaningful moment was from other judges, as well as to reconnect with experience,” Lobrano said. “Judges from witnesses attending court. I would like to promote be respected and guaranteed. In this way, you her personal meeting with Pope Francis. judges she has met at prior NAWJ and IAWJ diverse backgrounds shared information and programs which make justice better available to Nomoto Schumann added that the U.S. delegation help guarantee that States do not relinquish their conferences. best practices, and we gained new insights the outer reaches of our jurisdictions.” initially faced some skepticism from Central and most sublime and primary function: to assume “The highlight of the summit was meeting Pope into initiatives that serve justice, the common South American judges who did not believe that responsibility for the common good of their Francis and receiving his blessing. It was very “The most meaningful part of the experience good, and, especially, our most vulnerable Ipema said she also was impressed by the traveling U.S. judges face the same kinds of challenges as people.” special for me,” D’Souza said. “As a Catholic, I was meeting and learning from all of the other populations.” judge programs in Peru and Brazil, and she noted judges in the rest of the Americas. grew up in a convent boarding school in India. I judges,” Chirlin said. “It was very interesting to that programs that provide court services outside Esteemed magistrates, you was raised by the nuns and my parents to always hear of the differences among the judges from The NAWJ delegates said they appreciated the the courthouse help ensure access to justice. “We Americans took a lot of heat from our Latin give back to your community. I knew attending various countries. I also encountered some opportunity to learn about innovative programs colleagues,” Nomoto Schumann said. “It got to the have an essential role,” the conference would be a great conversation on friends who have attended our NAWJ or the being used by judges in Central and South “It is not enough for us to sit in our courtrooms point that we were being so criticized that I asked Pope Francis said. “Allow me the subject of access to justice. I was interested IAWJ conferences.” America to increase access to justice – such as a and render justice,” Ipema said. “We need to to be recognized. I responded that it was incorrect to learn what other countries were doing about traveling judge program in Peru, where judges take justice to remote areas where people have for them to think that judicial independence in the to tell you that...you are social access to justice in their courts.” Lobrano said the summit successfully brought go to the remote indigenous regions of the jungle no meaningful access to our courts or justice. United States was not similarly being threatened. poets. Be protagonists in the together judges from all over the Americas who to visit residents with no access to the country’s Without access there can be no justice. San Diego I gave them examples of judges who are qualified Shirdan-Harris said the Pan-American Summit justice system. Superior Court homeless court is a good example who have been voted out of office, subject to recall, transformation of the justice was inspirational. of this, where the judges pack their robes and go or whose lives and families have been threatened. system based on values, justice “Judges, prosecutors and attorneys travel to a community center or a homeless shelter to My Latin colleagues were amazed by this. They and the primacy of the dignity “My goal continues to be to look at ways to together to convene trials to resolve disputes and conduct legal proceedings and handle cases of didn’t realize that we were similarly facing improve access to justice for all in my court in address criminal behavior,” Walsh said. “This homeless persons accused of breaking the laws or dangerous reactions to our decisions and that of every human being ... general and in my courtroom, specifically,” was the conference’s best program presented committing crimes.” our judicial independence was just as seriously Shirdan-Harris said. “As a black female and addressing fundamental access to justice issues.” jeopardized in the United States as anywhere Ipema said meeting and listening to Pope Francis leader in my court, I am also mindful that I bring Nomoto Schumann said the summit provided a else.” was the most meaningful part of the summit for a unique perspective to the bench and that I have She added that she would like to see similar needed reminder that judges around the world her. a responsibility to share that perspective with traveling judge programs reach U.S. residents face similar problems and are working toward She said one of the critics came up to her after the my colleagues as we consider the ways in which who don’t have easy access to the courts, similar goals. presentations and offered her a gourd of mate, a “The highlight of the program was when Pope access is denied and find ways to implement new traditional South American tea, which they shared. Francis walked into our session, shook my hand programs and refine old ones. Ultimately, the “When you are in one country, your perspective and sat right next to me, delivering one of the Summit was an affirmation that despite room for is narrow, and you forget that you belong to an “It was really a beautiful moment,” she said. most passionate and compassionate speeches on improvement, we have an incredible judiciary international club and that everybody is trying to social rights and social justice that I have ever doing amazing work every day in maintaining the Following the presentations and discussions heard,” Ipema said. “He spoke about how poor Rule of Law.” among the judges, Pope Francis joined the and disadvantaged people around the world are conference delegates and gave remarks, then deprived of access to justice and how the judges At the conclusion of the conference, the Pontifical spoke to the judges individually. have a responsibility to provide equal access to Academy of Social Sciences announced the justice for all.” formation of a standing committee, the Pan- “Pope Francis urged us to develop new routes to American Board of Judges in Defense of Social achieving social justice, beyond those traditionally Gaston also cited Pope Francis’s remarks as the Rights. Pope Francis appointed Ipema as one of ascribed to the courts,” Kahn said. “I have to highlight of the summit. six judges to serve a two-year term on the board. say, it was very moving. And when each of us had the opportunity to speak with His Holiness “As a person of faith and admirer of Pope Francis, “I was totally blown away,” Ipema said. “I feel individually, it was amazing.” the most meaningful part of this experience was extremely honored by this appointment, and I witnessing his deep commitment to justice,” hope to make a difference.” Pope Francis, who delivered his remarks in Gaston said. “His Holiness addressed us at the Spanish, urged the judges to work to protect end of Day Two of the summit on a warm June Jodi Cleesattle is a Supervising Deputy Attorney General for the rights of the most vulnerable. “Esteemed afternoon, after we had been sitting in the same the California Department of magistrates, you have an essential role,” Pope seats for hours, in close quarters, listening to Justice in its San Diego office Francis said. “Allow me to tell you that ... multiple presentations by judges from throughout and a member of NAtWJ. FALL 2019 25 FALL 2019 26

to become a lawyer, she applied for the Air Force’s adversity, Col. Murnane graduated a semester year of college majoring in Criminology when funded legal education program. With only seven early, and with honors. She applied, and was she saw a commercial that caught her attention; a slots open annually, it was highly competitive. accepted to, the Judge Advocate General Corps man jumping out of an airplane, parachuting into She was not selected. Her Commander arranged in 1981. a field, all before having his morning coffee. The for her to speak with one of the panelists on the tag line: “We do more before 9 a.m. than most selection committee. She was told that her At the time, she hadn’t received bar results. people to all day.” Despite not being a morning application “didn’t show the level of commitment When she reported, her supervisor started off person, the commercial resonated. So, when she that other applicants’ did.” She asked what she their working relationship by remarking that he saw the Reserve Officer Training Corps (ROTC) could have done to demonstrate the commitment didn’t know why they’d sent her to him since she at her student organization fair she signed up. that they were looking for. His reply was, “If you couldn’t do anything. He ended with the had gone to the Air Force Academy, we would insinuation, “I don’t know who you know that With the ROTC she did things she never thought have known you were committed.” got your assignment changed…” The second she could like 40 push-ups, rappelling off a cliff, time she met with him, he gave her the running 2 miles, and learning first aid. She got The problem? Women were not eligible to go to ultimatum, “I need to know whether you are a commissioned out of the ROTC and got an the Academy. mother or a lawyer and I need to know by educational delay in order to get her law degree. 4:30p.m. You need to go Temporary Assigned From there she went into the military police and She knew, then, that the problem wasn’t her Duty by Monday if you’re a lawyer.” At the time, applied to the Judge Advocate General Corps. Women in the Military commitment, grades, or credentials. She had to her husband and her youngest daughter were in make up for what she calls “an anatomical the hospital, her older daughter at home. With During her time in JAG, she served as defense Recognizing those that serve deficiency.” But Col. Murnane is unstoppable. no real choice, she went on the temporary duty counsel, trial counsel (prosecutor), worked in the She enrolled in a night law program at Loyola, assignment. When she came back, she and two defense appellate division, and was deputy chief Our Military Judges 100 miles away from where she was stationed. other women made formal complaints. of a division for two years. She received her She drove there and back four nights a week LL.M. in Military Justice, a post-graduate Celebrating Veteran’s Day The position of a military judge was created in during her first year of law school, all while Col. McShane was the then-Chief Defense degree not available to civilians at this time. As serving as a Public Affairs Officer during the day. Counsel for the Western Circuit and brought her an African-American woman, serving as defense Each November 11, the United States In 1914 Loretta Walsh became the first 1969. Military judges preside over Special and After a year, she applied again to the funded on his team. Years later, when he became Chief counsel early on in her career was an affirmative celebrates the bravery and sacrifice of all non-nurse and woman to enlist in the military General Courts-martial. A Special Court- education program confident that she had Trial Judge of the Air Force, he hired her again. choice she made so that soldiers could see U.S. veterans. Originally “Armistice Day” during World War I. From Loretta Walsh to martial is the intermediate court-martial level demonstrated commitment. Col. Murnane credits Col. McShane with taking someone who looked like them or close to it, was created to honor the end of World War I the 50,000 women serving in the military somewhat similar to a Misdemeanor Court. A her from the bottom of her career to the top. citing the stress of facing charges exacerbated by and those who had fought in the “War to End during the Korean War, to the 11,000 women General Court-martial is the most serious, The same day she learned that she had been All Wars.” Unfortunately, that moniker was who were deployed to Vietnam, women have similar to a Felony Court, where punishment can being the only person of color in the room. A In the Air Force, Col. Murnane served as a chief given too soon, and World War II and Korea served in every clime and place. In 1974, include a death sentence for certain offenses. selected for the program, Col. Murnane found out proponent of diversity, Col. Brunson actively followed. In 1954 the name was changed to Brigadier General Coral Pietsch became she was pregnant. Just a few years earlier, that circuit military judge for ten years. She presided reached out to law school students throughout Veterans Day and became a day to honor the first female general officer in the Judge Colonel (Col.) Linda Murnane would have meant she would have been at the first criminal trials for the U.S. Air Force her career trying to reach those who might not discharged. She was sent to a physical, where she during Operations Iraqi Freedom and Operation otherwise choose the JAG. American veterans of all wars. Unlike Advocate General Corps. She was also the Colonel (Col.) Linda Memorial Day, celebrated in May, Veterans first Asian American female general officer was diagnosed with an “enlarged uterus” and was Enduring Freedom in a war zone, deploying five Murnane (U.S. Air Day is a day to thank and honor veterans both in the Army. In the 1990s, 41,000 women going to be removed from the program. times between 2001 and 2003. She was the At a DC women lawyers’ luncheon, Col. Brunson Force, Retired), knew living and deceased who served honorably in deployed to the Middle east during Desert Fortunately, she had a mentor and advocate, Gen. Chief, International, Operations and Civil Law, was seated at a table with an Air Force Judge. early on that she the military during times of war or peace. Storm. In 2008, Army Gen. Ann Dunwoody was Jon Pustay, who went to bat for her saying, “I while assigned to U.S. Forces Japan/Fifth Air After introductions, she asked the Air Force wanted to be a lawyer. the first woman to achieve four-star officer don’t care if you’ve never sent a pregnant woman Force. She was the Deputy Staff Judge Advocate Judge how one became a judge and expressed When her father told It was only six years before the name change rank. In 2014, Michelle Howard became the to a graduate program before, you don’t know at Ramstein Air Base (Germany) and the Staff interest in the becoming one. Later, back in the her and her sister that to Veterans Day that President Truman signed first woman four-star admiral. this woman.” Provided that she was able to pass as Judge Advocate at Bitburg Air Base (Germany), office, the Chief Trial Judge, Denise Vowell, only their brothers the Women’s Armed Services Integration physical six months after childbirth, Col. advising commanders making decisions called Col. Brunson and asked why she was would go to college, she refused to give up on Act, allowing women to serve as permanent Today, women make up around 20 percent of Murnane was allowed to stay in the program. employing the Rules of Engagement. Her hearing from someone else that she wanted to be her dream. Working full time and going to members of the military, instead of being new recruits and 15 percent of active duty military decorations include the Legion of Merit, a judge. It turns out the Air Force Judge – none allowed to only serve during times of war. military. Of the 19 million veterans in the school full time, she got what financial aid she While in law school, Col. Murnane faced – and and the Meritorious Service Medal with bronze other than Col. Murnane- took the initiative to United States, 8.4 percent are women. It is could while working on her undergraduate overcame- multiple struggles from her military and silver oak leaf clusters. reach out to the Chief Judge and let her know of The history of women in the military goes with pride that the National Association of degree. When financial aid funding was cut, she husband becoming paralyzed and his subsequent Col. Brunson’s aspirations. The two spoke at back much further than 71 years. At least Women Judges recognizes and celebrates enlisted in the Air Force and used her GI Bill to surgeries and hospitalizations to the birth of her Colonel (Col.) Kirsten Brunson length about Col. Brunson’s goals and, as a three women are known to have fought in our own service members this month: pay the last year’s tuition. After receiving her child. She was back in school 10 days after her result, the Chief Judge made sure that Col. the American Army during the American veterans, JAGs, and military judges. Women degree, she was cesarean. Colonel (Col.) Kirsten Brunson was sent to The Judges’ Course so that Revolutionary War, all disguised as men. who take service to a higher level. We thank competitively selected for Brunson (U.S. Army, when an opening became available, she would Between 400 and 750 women are estimated you all and commend you. Additionally, this commission (becoming Col. Murnane eventually requested a transfer to Retired) similarly knew qualify. And that’s exactly what happened in to have fought in the American Civil War, is an appropriate time to recognize military an officer) and went to University of Cincinnati to finish her law degree, that she wanted to be a 2008, when she became the first women of color again, all disguised as men. Patriotism and spouses who are lawyers and judges as they Officer Training School. which she did right after the birth of her second lawyer, and a judge, judge in the Army. service know no gender boundaries. support in other ways. Still pursuing her dream child. Her daughter who was born legally blind when she grew up. She and with hearing impairment. Despite the was finishing her first Continued next page FALL 2019 27 FALL 2019 28

When asked if she faced adversity as a “first”, experience, and there was no grabbing for a a natural fit for her to enlist. Judge Trapp woman veteran judge in San Diego County. She As a military spouse, she found that she was if she had stayed in the same place. In return, she found that while individuals might have their brass ring, I think probably Vietnam helped me remembers the slogan at the time was “The Navy credits the Navy with teaching her military hesitant to bring up her husband’s service. she has learned flexibility and became open to a own hang-ups, the general rule is that the to just grab for that brass ring.” From college at is a good place to start” and it was just that for bearing, discipline, and the reminder to be Professionally, she says, it felt like she would be different career path focusing on service. military is a disciplined organization. Everyone UC Irvine, she went on to law school at her. It was the 1970s, during the height of the conscious always of who you are and what you undermined by it. “If opposing counsel didn’t realizes that a judge is in charge of the Pepperdine School of Law and eventually on to civil rights era, and while the military was represent. In the military, that was the United like a settlement offer, they just had to wait until An Ongoing Commitment of Support courtroom. She wears a robe, and so they call her University of Virginia for a master’s degree. She progressive in terms of race relations, as an States and as a judge, it is the institution of my husband was transferred,” she joked, “I was “Your Honor.” The Army is a meritocracy. You was appointed to the Superior Court of African-American woman, she still experienced justice. To this day, she does a flag opening when also worried that judges or opposing counsel The NAWJ has a Committee for Military/ perform, you get the rating. California, County of Orange in 1989 and to the adversity because of gender and race. The good in trial to remind herself, the lawyers and the wouldn’t take me seriously or that employers Veteran Judges which is co-chaired by Hon. Fourth District Court of Appeal, Division Three she experienced from her service in the Navy was jurors of the seriousness of the journey on which wouldn’t hire me in the first place.” It turns out Kirsten Brunson and Hon. Linda Murnane. Her military awards and decorations include a in 2000. the regimented life and the ability to focus on they are about to embark. that she was often hired by people who had Military Spouse JD Network, or MSJDN, has Legion of Merit, Meritorious Service Medal with her future. She served 5 years, 5 months, and 5 served in the military themselves and over 1,000 members and supporters. It bronze and silver oak leaf clusters, Army Her service experience has informed her work in days as a pharmacy technician. She enjoyed appreciated her unusual resume as indicative of continues to advocate for licensing Commendation Medal with bronze oak leaf the California courts. In 2008, she launched a helping people and her service inspired her to go Military Spouses Serve Too, But In service, dedication, perseverance and flexibility. accommodations for military spouses, including clusters, and the Parachutists Badge. statewide military and veterans committee back to school and finish her education. She A Different Way bar memberships without additional And while there have been challenges as a examination. In April 2012 Idaho became the Hon. Erin Wirth lawyer, ALJ, and military spouse, there are firs state to approve a military spouse licensing benefits, she says. She and her family value accommodation, following in December 2012 Things to Know About Military Courtrooms Hon. Erin Wirth is the service. She values her husband’s military by Arizona. For a full list of states that have first female Federal service enough to give up financial and adopted military spouse rules, visit www.msjdn. Administrative Law professional advantages that she could have had org/rule-change/ • Military judges are “real” judges, certified under Article 26 of the Uniform Code of Military Justice (10 U.S.C. 826) Judge appointed to the • The military legal system includes real lawyers, real judges, trying real cases in a real courtroom. Richmond, Virginia Social Security • Military judges are trained at the Judicial College and attend initial training at the Judge Advocate General’s Legal Hearing office and a Center and School Coast Guard wife. She Second Annual Texas Law Day • Being a military judge is an assignment. There is no guarantee you will continue in the position and, more often met her husband in her last year of law school. than not, a military judge leaves the bench in 3 years. After serving as a military judge, there is a high likelihood Since graduating, and due to his military career, Over one hundred celebrated the event with a reception hosted in she has worked in seven jurisdictions and had 11 fifty women judges the Old Supreme Court building. that you will return to the bench in a later assignment. jobs. Until her most recent position, she had not came from all over been able to keep a position for more than three Texas to the 2nd This event coincided nicely with the fact that years. She took 3 full bar examinations before annual Texas Law Day. last year brought 47 new women judges to within the courts. She has served as a mentor for finished her undergraduate degree in two years, realizing that the constant testing was not The event took place at the Texas State the bench in the Lone star State. This last Veteran Judges Bring Their the Orange County Veterans Treatment Court, then determined law would be a good way to go. sustainable. Because military families typically Capitol on April 8th of 2019. Women judges November was a banner year for women judges Experience to the Courtroom one of 33 in the state, for the last nine years and She felt she had benefited from the sacrifices of move every two to three years, attorney spouses donned their robes and were acknowledged in Texas. It brought the swearing-in of many speaks often on the need for lawyers and judges the people who marched and died for equal often can’t meet requirements for admission by during this legislative session from the female elected judges. In fact, you may have Justice Eileen Moore to recognize the special needs of veterans facing rights and that she owed a debt to her community motion. When her husband was transferred to Texas Senate floor. Many thanks to Senators seen that Texas’ very own Harris County made the justice system. and wanted to help. Minnesota and she had to leave a great job in Royce West and Joan Huffman and Meredith national news with the recent election of 19 Justice Eileen Moore joined the U.S. Army at 20, D.C., she was faced with the choice between two Higgins of Texas Court Administration. NAWJ African American women judges. (Harris shortly after graduating from nursing school and During her service, Justice Moore was awarded Judge Trapp embodied her goals through her jobs; the first was in private practice and the County is the third largest county in the US.) received a direct commission as a Second the Vietnam Service Medal, the National work. She served as a Deputy Attorney General second was with legal aid. She opted for the Lieutenant before being deployed to Vietnam. Defense Service Medal and the Cross of and then went into private practice focusing on legal aid position where she would not have to She remembers to this day the smell of decay and Gallantry with Palm. construction defect and business litigation take a fourth bar exam. The experience tar and the omniscient sound of mortar attacks. before going in-house with SDG&E/Sempra. prompted her to write a letter to the ABA Judge Randa Trapp She always kept the community in the forefront proposing waived bar examinations for military She has recounted the tenuous position of being through her work as a President of the Earl B. spouses, which was published in 2007. In 2011, less than one percent of the military force, as a Judge Randa Trapp was Gilliam Bar Association, a Regional Director of she co-founded Military Spouse JD Network woman, and charged with caring for and healing in college and not California Women Lawyers, an Advisory Board that supports military spouses in the legal the men fighting but also being in a position to really enjoying the member of Lawyers Club of San Diego, an profession by advocating for licensing have to protect herself from those same men at experience when she Adjunct Professor at University of San Diego, accommodation for military spouse attorneys, times. fell ill. She took a break and a President of the local branch of the education the public about the challenges faced from college and NAACP, among many other volunteer leadership by career-minded military spouses and their She credits Vietnam with giving her the returned home to San positions. families and encouraging the hiring of military backbone to go to college, saying, “Once you’ve Diego, the Nation’s spouses, along with providing a network been to Vietnam you can probably do anything, largest concentration of military personnel. She She was appointed to the Superior Court of connecting military spouse attorneys with each so even though I came from a family where there had always been patriotic and had neighbors in California, County of San Diego in 2003. Judge other and their supporters. is no education and there was no college the military to whom she looked up, so it seemed Trapp is one of five veteran judges and the only FALL 2019 29 FALL 2019 30

explained how in the past, these qualities had not been viewed favorably, and yet these are the qualities that strengthen a judge. By embracing NAWJ’s Mimi Tsankov Leads Celebration of them, we exercise the full power being a woman. She said that the characteristics of a good judge include International Women’s Day at Fordham open-mindedness, patience, courage, firmness, understanding, compassion, and basic common fight stereotypes and encourage young girls to sense. She compared these characteristics with Bringing civil justice relief to eight counties in rural Michigan On March 11, the FBA Southern District of New York (SDNY) Chapter, the FBA pursue careers in these fields. She identified how those of being a female and highlighted how many International Law Section, and the FBA Judicial Division co-sponsored Fordham this impacts attorneys who practice patent law. qualities the two had in common. In addition, she NAWJ members, Chief Justice Bridget McCormack benefits, student loans & grants, and it restores and Judge Michelle Rick, partnered with Detroit dignity. Expungements are restorative. University’s Second Annual International Women’s Day Event—A Student-Moderated Since the patent bar requires the completion of pointed out how, in the pursuit of justice, women an undergraduate degree in a science field, this can provide a unique perspective and enhance the Mercy Law School & others to host a traveling Evening of Discussion, hosted by the Fordham School of Law in New York City. This disproportionately affects women who make up only expungement clinic this summer. “Project Access” More information can be found through this link two-hour program involved presentations by eight distinguished speakers and FBA judicial experience by educating males to see things 25 percent of STEM university graduates. Vathis from another perspective. She closed by referencing brought civil justice relief to eight counties in rural to the media coverage & YouTube video: https:// leaders. The National Association of Women Judges (NAWJ) and the Women’s Bar highlighted the work that FBA Circuit Vice President the movement “#WeToo in the Legal Workplace,” Michigan. courts.michigan.gov/News-Events/Pages/ Association of the State of New York (WBASNY) co-sponsored the program. FBA SDNY Olivera Medenica has been doing to change the rules highlighting the need for women in the law to have ProjectAccess.aspx Chapter President-Elect and adjunct professor Mimi Tsankov kicked off the event with a related to participation in the patent bar to be more greater equality to ensure equal access to justice “Clearing your record can make a difference in welcome in her capacity as both Fordham School of Law adjunct professor and chair of inclusive of women. She concluded her remarks for all. getting a job, in restoring a professional license, the National Association of Immigration Judges, Gender and Equality Committee. by quoting U.S. Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader getting a student loan, getting into college, Ginsburg, who, when asked how many women should Judge Lisette Shirdan-Harris appeared in her graduating from college, it makes a difference in be on the Supreme Court, responded, “There will be capacity as NAWJ international director and North securing housing and getting a loan for a home,” By Fordham School of Law International Law and Vathis. Vathis provided a detailed presentation about enough women on the Supreme Court when there are American U.S. delegate to the International said Chief Justice McCormack. Justice Practicum LL.M. Students how gender balance is better for business, as it nine.” Association of Women Judges (IAWJ). She was offers diversification of talent. She pointed out how introduced by LL.M. students Nandar Win Kerr and Project Access is funded by a grant from She announced the evening’s theme as “Balance for highly regarded studies suggest that the inclusion Next, Fordham LL.M. student Vincenzo Debolini Mimoza Konjusha, both of whom wish to work in the the Michigan State Bar Foundation and is Better”—in accordance with the United Nations’ of women increases the global gross domestic introduced Hon. Tanya R. Kennedy, immediate past areas of international human rights, gender- spearheaded by Judge Rick. “Project Access is 2019 International Women’s Day guidance. Framing product. As to the role of women in the law in the president of the NAWJ. Justice Kennedy presented motivated violence, and international criminal law. By a daring innovation designed to restore dignity, Left to Right: Michigan Assigned Appellate Counsel Director the evening’s anticipated discourse, she posited three United States, she pointed out a number of firsts, on “Women in the Judiciary—A U.S. Perspective.” way of background, Judge Shirdan-Harris presides pride and in some instances life necessities to Brad Hall, 46th Circuit Court Judge George Mertz, 46th Circuit Court Judge Colin Hunter and Chief Justice Michelle Rick questions: “To what extent do the laws that we have including (1) the first gender discrimination case She began her remarks by noting that in order to over matters of gender and discrimination. In her persons among us who have paid their debt to in place support gender balance?” “Where do we dating back to 1872, (2) the first female admission truly achieve equality, we must invite men to the leadership role at the IAWJ, she has led judges society and who have otherwise atoned for their Left to Right: Governor Gilchrist II, Detroit Mercy Law School need to improve?” and “What have we succeeded in to a state bar in 1876, (3) the right of women to table and find ways to join forces. She remarked around the world in breaking down gender past wrongdoings,” said Rick. Clinical Program Director Rebecca Simkins Nowak Garlin, Chief doing so far?” Challenging the presenters to consider practice law in all 50 states in the 1950s, and (4) the at the presence of so many males in the program’s stereotypes, changing attitudes, and raising Justice Bridget McCormack and Chief Justice Michelle Rick how they see gender equality in terms of the stated confirmation of the first woman to the U.S. Supreme audience. Justice Kennedy said that 2018 statistics awareness through programs, partnerships, and Another clinic will be held at our Hall of Justice on theme, she invited their personal remarks in light of Court in 1981. Despite these successes, she pointed reflect that women make up 33 percent of the state training. She has presented at panels and programs October 22, 2019. We are partnering with three their positions of leadership within the various state, out that, although women represent the majority of court judiciaries nationwide, and that New York around the world, including the Netherlands and counties, the Supreme Court, and the Lansing federal, and international governmental bodies in law school graduates, they still represent a minority State courts are doing even better—at 37 percent. Morocco. She is very interested in women’s issues, Mayor. The event will include service providers which they work. within the FBA. She indicated that some industries She explained that New York State Court’s chief and her presentation focused on women in judiciary who will host a community fair. are particularly affected by underrepresentation, justice is female, and in the four appellate divisions, from an international perspective and, in particular, Fordham LL.M. student Lucila Casado Ardizzi especially in the science, technology, engineering, female judges outnumber male judges. She said that the work of IAWJ. Judge Shirdan-Harris explained that Expungement relief is vital for those who have introduced the next speaker, FBA President Maria and math (STEM) fields, where only 1 in 4 women this should come as no surprise since women are IAWJ’s key programs are: gender-based violence, committed errors but have demonstrated hold positions. She effective judges due to their skills in compassion, property rights, human trafficking, HIV/AIDS, child they have their life back on track. It opens called on women to thoughtfulness, listening, and multitasking. She marriage, and abuse of power (also called so many doors: better jobs, access to public “sextortion”). She explained that sextortion is a terrible issue to deal with in the equation of lack of freedom and equal rights for women. Also, women and girls are facing deeply entrenched attitudes and customs worldwide that pose potential for discrimination. These programs are designed to bring a new perspective in examining law and procedure and reinforcing the application of international law. She added that, as a result of these programs, we are seeing an increase in the number of women on the bench. This is important because women judges around the world are helping to create “balance for the better.” She added that IAWJ hosts a biennial Continued on next next page FALL 2019 31 FALL 2019 32 worldwide conference, which will next be held in bring about change. In her remarks, she discussed presentation focused on UN Women’s interactive Auckland, New Zealand, in May 2020. The anticipated two cases: In re S-A and In re R-A. The first case, In website. She explained that sexual and gender-based topic will be a celebration of diversity. She challenged re S-A, involved a Moroccan-Muslim woman who had violence is a pervasive human rights violation. This is the group to join IAWJ’s efforts at achieving equality been subject to strict dress code restrictions, limited important to know because sexual and gender-based of justice and combating violence around the world educational opportunities, and a dearth of career crimes are considered especially grave violations of vis-à-vis women and children, and to support opportunities. After suffering brutal abuse, she was international law. She challenged the group to think appropriate judicial responses to these crises. able to seek asylum based not on a notion of about the survivors of these crimes and how their A Look at NAWJ and the gender-based persecution, but rather based on lives can be improved measurably when justice is Fordham LL.M. students Melissa Mateo and Miaoqing religious persecution on account of the fact that her served. Lu, who plan to work in the field of international religious beliefs were different—in this case more State of Women in the Legal Profession human rights, introduced the next speaker, Hon. liberal—than those of her father. Since asylum law Closing out the evening was Clare Huntington, who Cenceria P. Edwards. Judge Edwards presides in does not include gender as a basis for asylum, this serves as Fordham School of Law associate dean for Through Our Past Presidents NAWJ Presidents not mentioned in Kings County Civil Court and serves as the NAWJ’s case offered a different legal theory to address what research and Joseph M. Mc-Laughlin professor of this article: District Two director supporting New York, clearly involved a gender component. The second law. She was introduced by LL.M. student Tomoko Compiled by Karen Donohue Connecticut, and Vermont. Judge Edwards provided case, In re R-A, involved a Guatemalan woman who Yamazaki, who hopes to work in the area of criminal 1981-82 Hon. Vaino Spencer specifics about women in the judiciary from a US fled to the United States to escape domestic abuse. procedure. Professor Huntington is an expert in the sther Hobart Harris became the as federal judges more than doubled. NAWJ 1982-83 Hon. Gladys Kessler perspective. She started her speech by sharing her She explained that the case is relevant because it fields of family law and poverty law. She has first female justice of the peace members were at the forefront of this sea of 1983-84 Hon. Clarice Williams experience within the courts and how she was considered a gender-based claim in the context of published widely on a range of topics in these two in the United States when the change. 1984-85 Hon. Martha Craig Daughtrey surprised at the continued imbalanced ratio of membership in a particular social group. Although areas, with a recent focus on nonmarital families. Sweetwater County Board of County 1985-86 Hon. Sybil Hart Kooper women to men. Judge Edwards mentioned that of the the law didn’t identify gender as a specific ground, Professor Huntington discussed women’s access to Commissioners (Wyoming) appointed her to We are, of course, familiar with the origins 1986-87 Hon. Christine M. Durham four circuits in the Kings County Civil Court and in the court crafted a specific particular social group justice in the family law context related to three the position after the previous judge resigned of NAWJ. Justice Vaino Spencer, after 1988-89 Hon. Marilyn Loftus the remainder of the circuits, the majority of the that was cognizable and granted her asylum. topics: (1) the problems of children and divorced or in protest over Wyoming’s passage of the having founded the Black Women Lawyers 1990-91 Hon. Bernice Bouie Donald attorneys that appear are men. She stated that, separated parents; (2) domestic violence; and (3) the women’s suffrage law in December 1869. Association, joined with Justice Klein, who 1993-94 Hon. Judith M. Billings although the representation of women in law school LL.M. students Stephanie Ro and Arwa Sharif child welfare system. She pointed out that 60 percent Sworn in on February 14, 1870, she served a co-founded the California Women Lawyers, 1996-97 Hon. Shirley A. Tolentino is quite balanced, most trial attorneys are still men. introduced the next speaker, Emily Kenny, policy of victims of domestic violence are not represented term of less than nine months. to coordinate their efforts in support of 1999-00 Hon. Gina L. Hale Judge Edwards summarized that “we [women] do specialist on transitional justice at UN Women. Ro by counsel. She said that many women try to handle women nominated to federal and state 2000-01 Hon. Noel Anketell Kramer have a way to go in terms of our representation and Sharif hope to work in the area of human rights divorce matters alone, such as divorce procedures, The number of women holding judicial office supreme courts. Through their extraordinary 2001-02 Hon. Karla Moskowitz within the bar and the bench.” and were very excited to present UN Women’s custody problems, and locating a safe place to live. increased slowly over the years, as did the vision and collaboration, an organization to 2004-05 Hon. Sandra Thompson approach to “investigating gender-based violence” She remarked that, although there are some prestige of some judicial officers. Georgia promote increasing the number of women in Fordham LL.M. student John Yeboah Mensah, a and its award-winning interactive website, available nonprofit organizations and law school clinics Bullock of Los Angeles served, beginning the judiciary and to address the gender bias Please send any information regarding the Ghanaian student planning to work in the area of at http://interactive.unwomen.org/multimedia/ providing support to women as they access in 1914, over a women’s court where she problems experienced by the few women who theme or accomplishments during their term public interest and international human rights, infostory/justicenow/en/index.html. Kenny explained assistance in the court systems, access to justice would act as “a model of Victorian ideals of were on the bench was formed. to Judge Karen Donohue (karen.donohue@ introduced the next speaker, Margaret Kuehne-Taylor, how UN Women advocates for the notion that women continues to be a fundamental challenge. kingcounty.gov) or to Judge Anna Blackburne- womanhood for female misdemeanants.” Judge Rigsby, the chair of the History Committee. co-chair, American Bar Association, International and girls have a right to “nondiscrimination” and Bullock felt that women would be better served More than 100 women judges gathered at the ([email protected]) Law Section, Immigration and Naturalization focuses on developing mechanisms for addressing Following the series of presentations, the students by a woman judge who could tell the “good Westwood Marquis in Los Angeles, California Committee. Kuehne-Taylor, appearing in her personal large-scale crimes against women. Focusing on the led a discussion session during which many of the girls” from the bad and help them reform their from October 25-28, 1979 to convene NAWJ's capacity, focused on Women’s Issues in Immigration Rome statute and the International Criminal Court, distinguished guests were able to participate ways. first national conference. In the words of 1980-81 Hon. Joan Dempsey Klein Asylum Proceedings. She noted the existence of UN Women has helped female victims access justice substantively. Audience participation included the Justice Klein “[t]he founding of the National gender bias in the rule of law and protection of in countries such as the Democratic Republic of the following distinguished guests: (1) Hon. Delissa A. With the passage of the 19th amendment Association of Women Judges in 1979 was one Justice Klein continued her gender-related asylum cases and acknowledged that Congo where there are alleged widespread instances Ridgway, U.S. Court of International Trade; (2) Greta in 1920, women were presented with more of those ideas whose time had come.” lifelong pursuit of full legal leaders in the field are making a conscious effort to of war crimes, including rape. She explained that the Kolcon, WBASNY president;(3) Fay Parris and Maria opportunities. The number of women equity for all citizens during Justice Rapid Response Cortese, WBASNY committee co-chairs; (4) Linda obtaining law degrees and seeking judicial As we celebrate the 40th anniversary of NAWJ, her presidency. Several states team has supported Truth Chiaverini, WBASNY executive director; (5) Christina appointments increased. Although there were it is important for us to reflect on the many formed Women Lawyers Commissions in Cambodia Blacklaws, president, The Law Society of England many firsts, the focus of this introduction is not accomplishments NAWJ has celebrated and to Associations during this year. and the Solomon Islands, and Wales (The Law Society); (6) Lizzette Robleto de on the history of women in the judiciary, but recall, especially, the leaders who have shaped Justice Klein participated in a and in bringing about Howarth, international programs manager, The Law rather a brief snapshot of where things stood NAWJ into the organization that we treasure. roundtable event on this meaningful reparations and Society; and (7) Stephanie Brown, international policy prior to NAWJ being formed 40 years ago. Looking back, we see that many of the issues issue with women attorneys at an event at Vanderbilt access to justice for women assistant for the Americas et al., The Law Society. At NAWJ has faced in our 40 years are issues that University School of Law and spoke to the Arizona in Columbia and Kosovo. In the conclusion of the question and answer session, When Jimmy Carter became President we are still facing. Women Lawyers at their first statewide convention. The her leadership role at UN all participants enjoyed a catered reception. in 1977, only eight women had ever been first-ever compilation of a directory of all legally trained Women, she has led works appointed to a federal judgeship. During his The following is a very brief compilation of women judges in the United States was completed. The on women’s access to Reprinted with permission from the September/ tenure, he appointed 41 women to the bench. information about the terms of many of our directory, which included the names and addresses of justice in conflict-affected October 2019 issue of The Federal Lawyer. To reuse By the late 1970s only 18 states had women NAWJ Presidents, either in their own words all 727 federal or state court women judges, was countries. She is very this article, please contact [email protected]. who were serving or had served on their (edited in some cases for space issues) or from reportedly passed on to the President of the United interested in women’s Supreme Courts. In 1979, the year NAWJ the NAWJ History Book, Keeping the Promise States with recommendations on how to increase that issues, and her was formed, the number of women serving of Justice. number. In September 1981, Justice Klein spoke on FALL 2019 33 FALL 2019 34 behalf of NAWJ at the confirmation hearing of Justice At my mid-year meeting in San Antonio there was a educational arm, the Women 1997-98 Hon. Barbara A. Zúñiga which an immigrant had hurriedly engraved, “We Shall committees. Judge Ruiz also planned for the first Sandra Day O’Connor, summarizing for the Senate movement to pass a resolution supporting the Violence Judges Fund for Justice, Overcame.” That perfectly described this country’s meeting of women judges across the country with During my term, which Committee of the Judiciary the legal status of women in Against Women’s Act. There was not only push back response to 9/11 and the intrepid women judges of women in Congress. Judge Ruiz is the only NAWJ which was a tax -exempt ended at the annual the U.S. from Congress at the time but also by many of the NAWJ who showed up that year. President to also serve as IAWJ President. entity under Sect.501(c)(3) conference in St. Louis, an Federal Judges who were amongst other things, fearful which NAWJ was not. When amendment to the bylaws 1987-88 Hon. Judith McConnell that all domestic violence cases would end up in What a different scene two years later at the end of my 2006-07 Hon. Brenda Stith Loftin my term began, the Fund creating a Racial, Cultural & Federal court. I called a late-night meeting in my hotel term as president. We hosted our 25th NAWJ annual I took office at the meeting was being managed by the Sexual Orientation Prior to my presidency, I room for just a few members to see how it could be conference at the beautiful Mayflower Hotel in in Seattle in 1987 and my then NAWJ Executive Director who was retiring. After Discrimination Committee created and presented the rewritten to accommodate the concerns of our members Washington, D.C. First Lady Laura Bush addressed our presidency focused on discussions with the officers and board it was decided was passed. I focused on Color of Justice Program in and those of the federal courts, as well as to strategize judges, who were also joined by three women judges expanding the work of the that it was an appropriate time to merge the Fund into increasing diversity and membership. I also created a 2000. how to get it passed in congress. Judges Mary from Iraq, and a host of foreign judges from around the Gender Bias Task Forces in NAWJ, which we would move to make a tax-exempt mentor hotline in the executive office for judges to call Schroeder, Norma Shapiro and Cornelia Kennedy helped world. The Joan Dempsey Klein award (not yet carrying the various states. I was group. if they were having a problem and did not want to talk The theme of my presidency define the problems, pitfalls and draft the resolution. I her name) was awarded to Justice Ruth Bader Ginsberg pleased that California finally to a judge on their bench. With the assistance of the was Judicial Diversity and asked Mary Schroeder to take the lead and we spent at the newly remodeled National Building Museum. We instituted a task force during Having served as Chair of our National Task Force on Director and a volunteer techie NAWJ’s first official Judicial Independence. To many hours working by phone the rest of the year. Mary were treated to a video honoring Justice Ginsberg’s my term in office. My year as president ended at our website was created. In conjunction with the Judicial help me celebrate this theme, Justice Sandra Day did great work and we can thank her for its ultimate Gender Bias in the Courts for several years, the progress 70th birthday, where we learned the surprising news annual meeting in New Orleans in 1988. At the time, Council of California, NAWJ put on the first Woman of O’Conner attended my midyear conference in San Diego, passage. of that movement was among my top priorities. While by that she had once been a twirler! Marty Ginsberg also we had a separate foundation called the Women Judges Color Conference in California. The conference focused California and delivered the keynote address on Judicial then 40 jurisdictions had issued reports acknowledging attended, glowing with pride. Coincidentally that Fund for Justice and it was customary for the outgoing on women of color working in the court system. The Independence. I planned the first Long-Range Strategic I remember the battle over the necessity for an the existence of such bias within their court systems, birthday video was narrated by Tom Brokaw, who had president of NAWJ to become the president of the conference was unique in that this was the first Plan for NAWJ. With the aid of a committee of NAWJ executive director in addition to, or instead of, using the comparatively few of them followed the addressed NAWJ in 2001. In a short two years, our foundation, which I did. conference of its kind. members and a hired facilitator, NAWJ implemented its National Center for State Courts as Secretariat. I, and recommendations to establish permanent slogan “We Shall Overcame” was becoming a reality. first strategic plan in 2007. This plan remains today as many others, were thoroughly convinced we couldn’t implementation Standing Committees to carry out the 1989-90 Hon. Sophia H. Hall 1998-99 Hon. Mary M. Schroeder an integral part of the fabric of NAWJ. I created the grow and become the professional association we had remediation steps suggested in the reports. I set up a 2003-04 Hon. Carolyn Engel Temin NAWJ Justice Vaino Spencer Award in 2006 recognizing I was President of the NAWJ the potential to be, without an executive director. It was Committee to track progress in that regard and to urge During my presidency, toward the end of the last I had the honor of serving as our co-founding mother. This award continues to be 1989-90. This was the 10th a fight but the membership eventually decided in favor those jurisdictions that had not undertaken to study the century, we were greatly concerned about the financial President of NAWJ from presented each year by a president of NAWJ. Anniversary of the founding extent of such bias within their court systems to do so. situation of the organization and about securing a of trying an executive director while maintaining the 2003-2004. My year was of the Association. A sound support staff. I think these are issues relationship with the National Center. We knew it would An exciting development in the fight against domestic marked by a wonderful highlight of the meeting at continually faced by non-profits who are working to 2007-08 Hon. Fernande R.V. Duffly cost money but it represented a commitment to the violence was the passage by Congress of The Violence mid-year meeting in my swearing in was the enlarge opportunities for those who have been continued viability of the organization. Against Women Act, which our Association strongly Philadelphia and a fabulous The theme of my year as participation of women disadvantaged. We should never become discouraged. supported, particularly through the extraordinary efforts Annual Conference in NAWJ’s President, which judges from around the world 1992-93 Hon. Brenda P. Murray of Judge Mary Schroeder, which were acknowledged Indianapolis. In the Spring of ended in October 2008 at the in Washington DC to discuss whether an International 2002-03 Hon. Bea Ann Smith with gratitude by then Senator Biden. I set up a 2004, we had a very successful and well attended annual conference in Association of Women Judges should be established. I had a friend who knew a Committee co-chaired by Mary and Judge Gladys My most memorial presentation of the Genome Project in Seattle. In Portland OR, was that judges The support for such an endeavor was unanimous. The woman who managed an Kessler to track the way the various provisions of the bill introduction to this gutsy September of 2004, I was appointed to serve as an should be Independent, but Annual Conference was held in Denver, Colorado in office building in DC so NAWJ were being implemented. organization came in International Judge on the State Court of Bosnia and 1990. Much work during my administration was focused got a rent- free office. Up to not Isolated. Toward that September 2001. Our Herzegovina and I actually flew in from Sarajevo to on improving the relationship between the Association that point we operated from end, I spent a good deal of Since the merged organization would be taking on National Conference was attend the Annual Conference. Unfortunately, my year and the structures for putting on the Annual the National Center for State the year speaking to and meeting with groups of women increased educational responsibilities, I set up a new scheduled to be held in New was also marked by having to deal with what appeared Conference. Courts. We negotiated with (and men) judges, lawyers and law students, law the Arthur and Elizabeth Committee named the Judicial Academic Network to York City, at the Marriot at to be some severe mental health problems experienced professors, legislators and members of the Executive utilize the expertise of our academic members as well by our then Executive Director which required me to 1991-92 Hon. Cara Lee Neville Schlesinger Library on the History of Women at the World Trade Center, branch about the importance of uniting our voices to Radcliffe/Harvard to archive NAWJ’s papers. NPR as our many judicial members who were also involved where we would enjoy splendid views from Windows on terminate our relationship with her at a very increase the presence of women and minorities in all I was sworn in as NAWJ reported on our affair at the Supreme Court to in academic endeavors. The committee was co-chaired the World. We all know what happened next on inconvenient time. Fortunately, our stalwart Staff, branches of government and at the top of law firms and President at the annual which at that time consisted of Lavinia and Jeff, carried celebrate. We continued efforts to get funding for by Judge Phyllis Bamberger and professor Judith September 11. It was just a few weeks before our corporations. With the support of our Resource Board meeting in Chicago, which Resnick and they presented a series of exciting and on and managed to save the day. projects on women in prison and initiated a direct conference was scheduled. Should we cancel or go member in California, we met with the Publisher of hosted Mary Robinson, then provocative programs. forward? Our brave Executive Committee decided not contact with the Director of the federal Bureau of Forster Long that gathers and publishes statistics of the President of Ireland. It was Prisons thanks to NAWJ member Judge Patricia Wald, to cower but to step up to the challenge. We moved to 2005-06 Hon. Vanessa Ruiz numbers of women in each State sitting in the various also the meeting during the Court of Appeals DC Circuit, who allowed us to use her 1995-96 Hon. Cindy S. Lederman the Marriott in the theater district, where the only During Judge Ruiz’s tenure Clarence Thomas Hearings. court levels, who agreed to provide that information to considerable prestige to the effort. During my term, the officers occupants were firefighters, the Red Cross, and our as President, she worked to The keynote speaker at my NAWJ. For a number of years, their data graced the had the honor of going to the band of fearless women judges from across the nation. help identify and advance annual meeting a year later featured Anita Hill, which opening page of our online presence, which we used 1994-95 Hon. Betty Weinberg Ellerin White House to present We saw the devastation first hand, while the ruins were the appointment of women gave a bit of closure to the circle. The annual meeting when urging State governors to increase the number of President Clinton with a still smoldering and that ghostly white powder covered judges in courts with few, or during my Presidency was also the inaugural meeting of I was sworn in as President at the 16th Annual women on their bench. With the cooperation of State plaque thanking him for everything. We witnessed the heroic efforts of no, women judges, including the International Assn. of Women Judges. To preside Conference held in Scottsdale, Arizona. My year was bar leaders and lawyers in prominent positions, we appointing so many women firefighters and other rescuers. Tom Brokaw was our military and international over a meeting looking out at an audience of so many very active on various fronts. From an organizational encouraged NALP to include questions asked of law judges to the federal bench. keynote speaker, and shortly after he spoke we held tribunals. During her term in courageous women of all different backgrounds and vantage we were at a crossroads. When it was initially our business meeting at which I became President- office, the Ethics, Policy Development, Conference firms that would highlight the low numbers of women dress was truly amazing. organized, NAWJ set up a separate independent Elect. We each took home a rugged Statue of Liberty, Policy and New Judges Committees became standing and others who had achieved equity partnership level FALL 2019 35 FALL 2019 36

- data provided to law students when deciding where to highlight: a conversation with Justice Ruth Bader Justice for All—which echoed the theme that I had Highlights of that year After organizing a Legislative Caucus on Capitol Hill choose to work. Our then Exec. Dir. Dru Ramey, who Ginsburg, newly appointed Justice Sonia Sotomayor, and The NAWJ Leadership Conference in Cambridge MA, chosen for my tenure as President. At the conference, I included creation of a focusing on ensuring a healthy work environment free of was and remains one of the few people I know who Baroness Brenda Hale, the first and only woman on the was an exciting event highlighting women's issues in discussed how NAWJ and other organizations within Sustainability Committee to sexual harassment, Justice Kennedy led NAWJ in understands the workings of the ABA, arranged for me United Kingdom’s Supreme Court, moderated by the judiciary with a conversation with then recently the United States are creating successful initiatives to ensure the future of NAWJ, trademarking “#WETOO IN THE LEGAL WORKPLACE.” As to testify before the body that was promulgating a Professor Judith Resnik. We also had a private tour of appointed Justice to the U.S. Supreme Court Elena further access to justice and how those initiatives might adoption of a resolution for a result of the Legislative Caucus, NAWJ received and revised Model Code of Judicial Conduct - my focus was the Holocaust Museum, followed by a lecture on the Kagan, moderated by then Dean Martha Minnow, at be replicated in other countries facing similar issues. judges to consider diversity accepted an invitation from Congresswoman Sheila to support increased public engagement by judges with judges of the Third Reich and a panel on judicial Harvard Law School. Also discussed at this Leadership The biggest disappointment during my tenure was our when making judicial Jackson Lee to attend the press conference regarding lawyers. With the amazing support of NAWJ’s District independence, moderated by Judge Gladys Kessler with Conference were issues relating to children and unsuccessful attempt at redesigning the NAWJ website, appointments, creation of an the reauthorization of the Violence Against Women Act One members, and in cooperation with women an NAWJ member who was also a Holocaust survivor. immigration and the role of judges. which required both a technological and visual Elder Care education initiative and a relationship with (VAWA), which NAWJ submitted a letter in support of its Legislators and Executive Branch members, we overhaul. AARP, and adoption of a priorities initiative for women reauthorization. presented the first of several bi-annual events called 2010-11 Hon. Marjorie Laird Carter 2012-13 Hon. Joan V. Churchill in prison with the Bureau of Prisons. The NAWJ 2014-15 Hon. Julie E. Frantz resolution was adopted by the Conference of Chief During President Kennedy’s term the “Future of Justice “Branching Out: Making a Difference in the Three I was honored to serve as The theme of my NAWJ year Justices, the Hispanic National Bar, the Defense Scholarship” was launched (which is to be awarded at Branches of Government,” in which women from the NAWJ President 2010 - 2011. as President was: JUSTICE The theme of my Presidency Research Institute and several other organizations. all future annual conferences); the ADA Policy three branches addressed and then met informally with It was a busy year, with FOR ALL. Major initiatives my was Voices of Justice: Compliance; Governmental Affairs; Law School students from Boston’s area law schools. district events and year focused on adoption of Enhancing Judicial Diversity 2016-17 Hon. Diana Becton Outreach; LGBTQ; Technology and Social Media conferences. The mid-year proposal to host the IAWJ and Leadership. Committees were formed; and NAWJ went green by 2008-09 Hon. La Tia W. Martin meeting was most 2016 Biennial in Washington Embedded in my vision to My theme was Honoring our publishing digital versions of the Membership Directory memorable. The whole DC, a membership drive to further our mission-driven Past - Pressing Toward the I assumed the Office of the and Counterbalance. NAWJ President during an country had been having a attract male members and a goals was fostering through Future for Access, Fairness, long cold and wet winter. Thanks to Mother Nature, our Midyear conference in Washington DC which included: our programming some and Diversity. The inaugural historic era in our nation - 2018-19 Hon. Tamila Ipema the inauguration of President meeting in Laguna Beach, California, was perfect. Sun, a Forum at the Supreme Court on Special Courts; a practical ‘take-aways’ to increase our national presence Lady Justice Awards were Barack Obama. On behalf of surf and sand. The District directors had time to share reception at the Supreme Court Hosted by our member, and our voice within and across the judiciary. One such presented at the Midyear The theme of my presidency NAWJ, I authored an ideas, and our immigration and human trafficking Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg, and attended by our program designed to enhance the opportunity for Meeting at the Beverly Hilton was: Global Judicial organizational introductory programs were introduced. member Chief Justice John Roberts and members of women of diverse backgrounds to advance to and lead in Los Angeles. Recipients Leadership. NAWJ took a letter to President Obama, the IAWJ Board in town for their Annual Meeting; a the judiciary was disseminated through a panel included: Justice Sandra Day O’Connor - NAWJ Lady team of 10 judges to Rome at including the need for more diversity in the Federal Alaska! Nearly 100 NAWJ members, family and friends joint activity with the Shakespeare Theatre on Rights of presentation of the ‘tool box’ to elevate women in the Justice Lifetime Achievement Award, 2017; Justice Joan the invitation of His Holiness Judiciary. In 2009 the successful first Mid-Year gathered for our first NAWJ Cruise around the inland Women to Confer Benefits On Men with a play reading legal profession and infiltrate the network from which Dempsey Klein - NAWJ Lady Justice Founders Award, Pope Francis to present at Southeast Leadership Conference was held in Atlanta, passage, stopping at several towns. Kudos to Judge from Henry V; our annual Congressional Caucus; and, judicial appointments often originate. Of equal 2017; Justice Vaino Hassan Spencer - NAWJ Lady Justice the Vatican Summit on Social Georgia and featured the dynamic speaker - the former Fabe for organizing the trip and for the reception at her an all-day symposium on Human Trafficking. importance was to expand through the districts Founders Award, 2017; Judge Dorothy W. Nelson - Lady Justice alongside of 50 Chief Presiding Judge of the Fulton County Georgia “log cabin!” I especially appreciated getting to know innovative programs that expose girls to the possibility Justice Public Service Award, 2017; Jackie Lacey - Lady judges from Pan-American counties. Pope Francis, who Juvenile Court, Hon Glenda Hatchett. During the 4th the devoted, dynamic, NAWJ members, across the 2013-14 Hon. Anna Blackburne-Rigsby of a legal and perhaps even judicial career by Justice Community Leadership Award, 2017; Janet attended the second day of the summit, delivered a Annual meeting between the Congressional Caucus for country. Everyone is working hard presenting programs The theme of my term as personally engaging, the importance of which is so Langhart Cohen - NAWJ Lady Justice Artistic Integrity compassionate and heart-felt speech on social justice Women’s issues and NAWJ then Ambassador Melanne and spreading our messages. NAWJ President was eloquently stated by Justice Sotomayor in My Beloved Award, 2017; Nina Shaw - NAWJ Lady Justice Career asking judges to reform the justice system to provide Verveer was our keynote speaker, who encouraged us all “Ensuring Access to Justice World, “A role model in the flesh provides more than Achievement Award, 2017; and, Sharon Stone - NAWJ equal access to justice for all. I am greatly honored to 2011-12 Hon. Amy L. Nechtem to recognize the unique challenges faced by women and for All.” Two memorable inspiration; her very existence is confirmation Lady Justice Social Justice Award, 2017. have been appointed by the Pope to serve on the Also at the Midyear meeting, current and past NAWJ 7-member Pan-American Commission on Social rights girls throughout the world. I have the distinct honor to moments from my tenure as of possibilities one may have every reason to doubt, leaders gathered to learn from, and plan with, an expert and Access and Fairness for a period of two years. We be one of only two justices in NAWJ President come to saying, 'Yes, someone like me can do this.’” retained to focus on strategic planning to ensure our had a successful conference in NY in Collaboration with The highlight of my term of office was the extraordinary our proud 40-year history, mind. First, my successful survival in the future. the UN and Columbia University on human rights of all 31st NAWJ Annual Conference held in the “Blues City” along with Judge Cindy hosting of 200 NAWJ Other matters of primary importance included moving women with a special focus in sexual harassment and of Memphis Tennessee co-chaired by then Chief Justice Lederman, to serve as NAWJ members and guests in Washington, D.C., for the 2014 forward the website redesign to enhance NAWJ visibility 2017-18 Hon. Tanya Kennedy assault at the work place. of the Tennessee Supreme Court Janice Holder, Federal Presidents hailing from the Midyear Meeting and Leadership Conference entitled and the ease of website use, continuing to expand the District Court Judge Bernice Donald and Memphis Juvenile Court Department, Ensuring Access to Justice for All. During this reach of civics education to raise the consciousness of The theme of President Much work during my administration was focused on City Court Judge Earnestine Dorse. Tours of the National specializing in matters, policy action-packed three-day conference, we addressed the the vital necessity of an independent and impartial Kennedy’s term was “The moving our organization forward to new heights and a Civil Rights Museum and Center for Southern and practice surrounding child welfare and juvenile unique role that the judiciary plays in ensuring that all judiciary, and protecting the rights of our most Emerging Legal Landscape— new direction with a sound and workable strategic plan Folklore were held along with the first “Dine justice in our courts and communities. Because of my individuals have fair and equal access to our court vulnerable populations through our collective voice and Navigating a Path to the of action in place to be implemented in the next five Around” option in private homes. passion in this area of practice, I advanced the system. Unforgettable moments at the midyear action as we strive to ensure equal and meaningful Future” where NAWJ convened years. I am proud of the 2018-2019 NAWJ Board of conversation nationwide on issues affecting children included a keynote address by former Attorney General access to justice for all. cutting-edge legal education Directors for achieving this monumental goal. We were honored to have as our keynote speaker the and families. The NAWJ Committee on Child Welfare/ Eric Holder and a special performance of Ms. Janet sessions featuring the 2015-16 Hon. Lisa S. Walsh Associate Justice of the Supreme Court of the United Juvenile Justice was established during this year to Langhart-Cohen’s play “Anne & Emmett” at the U.S. nation’s prominent thought NAWJ celebrated its 40th anniversary in style at the States the Hon. Sandra Day O’Connor who dined and begin focusing on equity and access to justice issues Supreme Court, graciously hosted by Justice Ruth During my 2015-2016 term, which concluded at the leaders and experts to address such topics as, the Walt Disney Concert Hall at the Los Angeles Annual graciously socialized with us “Memphis” style! affecting this population. My message throughout this Bader Ginsburg, along with a follow-up panel annual conference in Seattle, I chose as my theme Internet of Things; artificial intelligence; the dark web Conference. privileged year of leadership highlighted the importance discussion on implicit bias moderated by Dan Rather. “Sustaining the Future for Women and Girls.” In keeping and virtual currencies; a live hack demonstration to 2009-10 Hon. Dana Fabe for all of us to "walk in the shoes of and speak for those Second, I was honored to lead the NAWJ delegation at with this theme, NAWJ focused upon the future for illustrate the heightened importance of cybersecurity; One highlight of my year as president (2009-10) was otherwise not so empowered." (...and you how I love the 2014 IAWJ Biennial Conference in Arusha, women in the legal profession, on the vulnerable non-consensual porn (“revenge porn”); bail reform; the planning the Midyear in Washington D.C., and its shoes…) Tanzania. I was particularly touched by the theme— populations we serve and the future for NAWJ. opioid crisis; mental wellness; and engaging millennials. FALL 2019 37 FALL 2019 38

ANNALS of the American Academy of Political and requisite consideration. vocational training, and life skills classes. RCW Social Science, 654, no.1, (2014) at 127-49). Even 9.94A.655 more striking, the Bureau of Justice Statistics While most states have yet to do so, there are reported that the number of incarcerated parents jurisdictions that consider the impact of parental Evidence from Washington State suggests that with minor children increased by 79% between 1991 incarceration on children. family-centered sentencing provides a progressive and midyear 2007, and the number of children with alternative to incarceration that would otherwise incarcerated parents grew by 80%. (Parents in Prison In North Dakota, among separate children from their parents, while serving as and Their Minor Children, Bureau of Justice Statistics, an effective recidivism reduction tool resulting in March 30, 2010). the factors that are to be substantial savings. (Eitenmiller, Katherine, Bending considered in sentencing the Bars for Mothers: How Prison Alternatives Can Children who experience parental incarceration have is whether imprisonment Build a Stronger Oregon, Oregon Law Review been found to be vulnerable to an array of deleterious 92:755-781 (2014)). Offenders who report higher health and educational outcomes, including attention would entail undue levels of family contact and positive family deficit disorder (ADD) and attention deficit hardship to the defendant relationships have better post-release employment hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), behavioral problems, outcomes and lower recidivism rates. (Nancy La learning disabilities, anxiety and developmental or the defendant’s Vigne, Elizabeth Davies and Diana Brazzell , Broken delays. (See Kristin Turney, Stress Proliferation Across dependents. Bonds, Understanding and Addressing the Needs of Generations? Examining the Relationship between Children with Incarcerated Parents, Urban Institute Parental Incarceration and Childhood Health, Journal In North Dakota, among the factors that are to be Report, February, 2008). of Health and Social Behavior, 55, no. 3, (2014) considered in sentencing is whether imprisonment 302-319). Children whose fathers were incarcerated would entail undue hardship to the defendant or the In Maryland, the Governor’s Office for Children has It’s Time We Consider the defendant’s dependents. NDCC, §12.1-32-04. identified the reduction of the impact of parental were found to be over five times more likely to be suspended or expelled from school. (Pew Charitable incarceration on children, families, and communities Trust, Collateral Costs: Incarcerations Effect on In Oregon, the Department of Correction oversees the as a priority, and Maryland’s Justice Reinvestment Best Interest of the Child Economic Mobility, 2010, citing Johnson, 2009.) Children of Incarcerated Parents Project, a Act provides a philosophical foundation for the 12-year-old public-private initiative that includes adoption of reforms such as child impact statements, Incarceration of a household member has been Head Start programs, mental-health services, and community based alternatives to incarceration, and t is axiomatic in the family law arena that the when sentencing parents identified as one of the adverse childhood educational opportunities for children with other family focused initiatives. In Prince George’s best interest of a child be ascertained when experiences (ACEs) that can impact a child’s incarcerated parents. (See http://www.oregon.gov/ County, the Circuit Court has teamed with the the courts make a determination impacting the development and lifelong health concerns. Other DOC/OMR/PROGMS/pages/oam_children.aspx.) Department of Social Services and the Division of care and custody of a child. law, administrative authorities or legislative bodies, the best interest of the child shall be a primary and caretakers ACEs include physical abuse, sexual abuse, emotional Parole and Probation to implement a pilot project abuse, physical neglect, emotional neglect, intimate San Francisco employs a family impact statement at that provides for the inclusion of a section on Thus, for example, in the seminal Maryland case on consideration.” Article 9 of the convention mandates partner violence, violence against one’s mother, sentencing, focusing on the family’s strengths and caretaking responsibilities in presentence the issue of legal custody, the court emphasized: that states “respect the rights of the child who has Why does this matter? “More than five million substance misuse within household, household assets, as well as their challenges. The San Francisco investigations (PSI’s) and an offer of voluntary family “[W]e have variously characterized this standard as been separated from one or both parents to maintain children, or approximately seven percent of all U.S. mental illness, and parental separation or divorce. Children of Incarcerated Parents Project created a preservation services to families in which a caretaker being “of transcendent importance” and the “sole personal relations and direct contact with both children, have had a parent who lived with them go (U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ bill of rights for children of incarcerated parents. The is incarcerated. However, statewide, we have yet to question.” The best interest of the child is therefore parents on a regular basis, except if it is contrary to to jail or prison. This percentage is even higher Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services bill declares that children have the right to be heard sufficiently adopt policies and practices that not considered as one of many factors, but as the the child’s best interests. Article 12 mandates that among black, poor, and rural children.” (See, David Administration (SAMHSA). ACEs have been linked to when decision are made about them and to be appropriately consider and reduce the harmful objective to which virtually all other factors speak.” children be permitted to express their views freely in Murphey and P. Mae Cooper, Parents Behind Bars, risky health behaviors, chronic health conditions, low considered when decisions are made about their impact of our criminal justice system on our children. , 306 Md. 290, 303, 508 A.2d 964, 970 judicial and administrative proceedings that effect What Happens to Their Children? Child Trends, Taylor v. Taylor life potential, and early death. parent. (San Francisco Children of Incarcerated (1986). them. U.N. Convention on the Rights of the Child, October 2015). Nov. 20, 1989, 1577 U.N.T.S 3 (the Convention was Parents Project, http://www.sfcipp.org/) Michelle Alexander’s “The New Jim Crow, Mass The greater the number of ACEs, the higher the risk Incarceration in the Age of Colorblindness” Similarly, in the international arena, the U.N. signed, but not ratified, by the United States). Nearly 2.6 million children had an incarcerated of these outcomes. (Center for Disease Control and Thanks to the efforts of the Osborne Association, meticulously documented, “the rebirth of a caste-like Convention on the Prevention, Violence Prevention. https://www.cdc. since 2014, “Family Responsibility Statements” are system in the United States, one that has resulted in Rights of the Child Despite recognition of the paramount importance of gov/violenceprevention/acestudy/about_ace.html). highlighted as a best practice in the New York State millions of African Americans locked behind bars and (UNCRC) provides, inter Given that children of incarcerated parents are Office of Probation and Correctional then relegated to a permanent second-class , that: “In all actions placing the best interest of the child first and foremost, in alia associated with a higher number of other major, Alternatives training for new probation officers. status—denied the very rights supposedly won in concerning children, most states, consideration of the well-being of the child is potentially traumatic life events, (Murphey and the Civil Rights Movement.” (Michelle Alexander, The whether taken by public Cooper, supra, at 2), it is imperative that our criminal Washington State has passed a parenting sentencing New Jim Crow, Mass Incarceration in the Age of or private welfare absent or merely tangential in criminal law and procedures. laws and procedures give due consideration to alternative for primary caretakers with a child under Colorblindness, (2010), Newjimcrow.com/ institutions, courts of Despite recognition of the paramount importance of parent in 2012, with the number of children with reducing the trauma and stigma these children the age of 18 at the time of the offense. If a parent is about). Among the victims are the children of those By Judge Cathy Hollenberg Serrette placing the best interest of the child first and incarcerated parents having grown five times from experience as a result of our criminal justice system, found to be eligible, imposition of the sentence is ensnarled, many of whom may also end up in this Associate Judge, Prince George’s County Circuit foremost, in most states, consideration of the 1980 to 2012. (See Bryan Sykes and Becky Petit, not only for the sake of our children, but as a matter waived and the parent is sentenced to twelve months caste-like system of incarceration as a result of the Court, Maryland and Jade McDuffie, J.D. well-being of the child is absent or merely tangential Mass Incarceration, Family Complexity, and the of public health and safety. Accordingly, when of community custody. Among the conditions that trauma and loss resulting from the incarceration of Siegel Law, Ellicott City, Maryland in criminal law and procedures. Reproduction of Childhood Disadvantage, The sentencing a parent or caretaker with dependent may be ordered are parenting classes, chemical their parents or caregivers. And while there are children, the impact on the children should be a dependency treatment, mental health treatment, Continued on page 47 FALL 2019 39 FALL 2019 40

influence change. topic in the regular training schedule for judges and This is where you can encourage them to be proactive. judicial staff. Encourage them to speak out on the issue. Team up For example, in the last edition of Counterbalance, a with those who support training on sexual harassment #WeToo in the Judicial Workplace: report on the NAWJ #WeToo in the Legal Workplace It is important that female judges are willing to join in and accountability for those who cross the line. Help meeting at the California State Capitol was the push for regular and pertinent training on these one another learn from tools like “bystander training” Impacting the Future of the Movement recounted.5 California Supreme Court Chief Justice subjects. Involving male counterparts is also vital - so that those in the judicial workplace can equip Tani Cantil-Sakauye described the efficient changes the movement is about all of us. Good judges need to themselves and their staffs to fight the problem 2 3 had the great honor of speaking on a panel at the U.S. about misogynistic statements or, quite simply, sextortion . I that were shaped by the California Judicial Counsel. avail themselves and their staff of effective training anywhere it is observed in the courthouse. Capitol at the invitation of the National Association of have also served on the expert panel for the Global Judicial Rules that were considered ambiguous on public that improves the judicial workplace.6 Women Judges (NAWJ). The subject was tackling sexual Integrity Network. Our first position paper was developed in records access were quickly improved by amendment. Urging “the good men” to lend their voices to the issue harassment in the judicial workplace. In conjunction with South Korea in December 2018, and it focused on gender- Also, the Court addressed confidentially concerns 3. Encourage male colleagues to speak is worth the effort. Ethical male judges are aware of the Congressional Caucus for Women’s Issues, my co- related judicial integrity issues. Gender-related misconduct in regarding the harassment of those who reported up and join you. the fallout from the actions of their corrupt colleagues. presenters and I shared ideas based on our experience. We the courthouse is not just a local concern. It is a national and sexual misconduct, working alongside similar efforts in They do not want to be lumped in with them. They presented “best practices” that could be used to improve the international topic. the legislative branch. These changes were made to Transformative efforts, like those highlighted here, are want the courthouse to be a safe place for all, where legal workplace culture. The comments were well reasoned and foster a safe environment for reporters of harassment equality is the rule – not the exception. poignant. But my perspective was a little different than the Judicial conduct commissions (JCCs) are often the front line for happening as women in the judiciary push reforms to be heard and for a meaningful review of allegations. forward. Those females leading the way are also other panelists and attendees in the room. Not because I was sexual misconduct cases against judges and judicial staff. The elimination of sexual harassment and sexual All of these changes were made with input, advice, tackling the challenge of expanding the conversation. the only one from a state judicial conduct commission or the These bodies investigate and prosecute ethical violations of misconduct in the judicial workplace should be a goal and leadership from the judiciary. In the Counterbalance article, Judge Wendy McGuire only one from Arkansas. each jurisdiction’s code of judicial conduct. These commissions that is not only advanced by women. As noted in the Coats encouraged women in positions of power to often refer allegations they discover to other authorities. They Counterbalance article, sexual harassment is often That same effect can be had when it comes to JCCs engage “the good men” and teach them about the I was the only man. are a ready and available ally in the #MeToo movement. While about power over the target, and the focus now is procedural rules and changes to codes of judicial prevalence of sexual harassment.7 This point cannot many may not know it, they have been in the trenches for years “interrupting the power.”8 Efforts have already begun conduct. Do you want to see gender-related issues get be emphasized enough. But be aware that securing Of course, it is not unusual that the attendees at an NAWJ event on these issues. across the country to change policies that do a more specific treatment in the code of judicial male representation may not always be an easy task. are women. Or even that the other panelists and moderator are conduct? Should a clear definition of sexual disservice to reporters of harassment by leaving them as well. NAWJ and other women’s professional groups provide a In the United States, sexual- or gender-related judicial without vindication; upset systems that create fear harassment be included in the comments to an ethical To be clear, it is not the fault of women when men are forum for discussion of issues that are particularly germane to misconduct cases are more common than people may think. For and keep members of the judicial workplace from rule for judges? Then grab a seat at the table! underrepresented in sexual harassment discussions, women and are often presented by women. However, the example, in reported state judicial discipline cases in the past Volunteer (or lobby) to get on the JCC. Draft taking action; and eliminate the option for resolutions 4 policy changes, or training sessions. When terms like #MeToo movement is about issues that are impacting both 20 years more than four dozen cases involve : to happen out of the public view, which can skew the meaningful changes to judicial ethics rules or “gender equality” and “sexual harassment” are males and females in the judicial workplace. Not only was it an statistics through silence. Women have unique insight Improper sexual comments to staff 51 procedures. Serve on an ethics advisory committee. highlights of an event, the experts that speak on the honor to be part of the program, but it was also a privilege to and have issued the call to action. Female judges Improper sexual comments to attorneys 13 The standards that are applied and developed by JCCs subject tend to be a female. Women often have be invited to participate in an important dialogue that affects should continue to lead and promote solutions to this Sexual misconduct with a litigant 17 affect judicial conduct and the legal system as a experienced harassment and been subject to conduct the future of our profession and system of justice. epidemic. Men must join the effort. Sexual misconduct with staff 22 whole. Help by lending your perspective and their male counterparts have not personally faced. But Sexual misconduct with attorneys 10 knowledge. Men cannot absent themselves from the discussion. I was many men, including myself, are appalled and just as Chief Justice Earl Warren stated, “… law floats in a Of course, some of these cases are counted in more than one angered as anyone each time it is revealed that the 9 overwhelmingly accepted and appreciated in July 2019. There is 2. Champion training on sexual harassment sea of ethics.” That sea counts on judges to be and be nothing for ethical male judges and legal professionals to fear category. But many other cases are not reported, result in judicial workplace, the place where justice should seen as ethical. Only then will the rule of law be given by being actively involved in addressing gender-related equality confidential sanctions or agreements, or are not specific in the judicial workplace. reign, was the venue for injustice through horrible acts the respect and honor that is due. Getting involved, issues. The “room” should always be an inviting place for enough to be categorized. Men are the victims in some of the of sexual misconduct. Still, many of those men may promoting training, and rallying male colleagues will anyone who wants to be part of the discussion. We should all disciplinary decisions above, but the vast majority involved Whether your administrative office of the courts or your not know how to get involved; they may not be certain further the goal of strengthening our independent join in to present solutions. But some men still tend to be women as the target of misconduct. Regardless, there are own district is the sponsor, make sure that your voice what steps to take to respectfully contribute toward judiciary. The fact that the halls and chambers of our reluctant. They may be worried about saying the wrong thing or dozens of cases that are public information that concern facts is heard on the subject matter for training. Of course, making a difference. They may be concerned about judiciary have been defiled by gender-related sexual fear they lack the personal knowledge to meaningfully every bit as disturbing as the ones from Hollywood or television there is a need for training on technology, new rules, overstepping or offending those who are already misconduct is truly a boil on the face of our democracy. contribute. They may be unsure of what to do next or wonder news scandals. And they happened in the judicial workplace. A and other relevant subjects. But sexual harassment in leading the charge. Find those of us who will join you. Our judiciary, the whether a male voice is necessary for the conversation. They place that should be an example of excellence not debauchery. the judicial workplace should not be a rare or forgotten envy of the free world, is worth the effort. may simply be ignorant of where the discussions are happening and are hesitant to seek them out. Regardless, they are more How do we succeed in the effort to eliminate sexual harassment and misconduct in the judicial workplace? That 1Executive Director, Arkansas Judicial Discipline & Disability Commission(JDDC). Board member and past president (2016 –2019) of the Association of Judicial Disciplinary Counsel. Advisory board member, Center for likely to just stay quiet. Judicial Ethics for the National Association of State Courts. Expert panel Member, United Nations –Office of Drugs and Crime, Global Judicial Integrity Network. Amicus Judicii member, National Association of Women question is likely too broad to give wholesale treatment here. Judges.Special thanks to Marci Manley, JDDC Extern (Fall 2019) for her insight and editing provided to the author. These are ideas to encourage NAWJ members on ways to However, these are a few practical ways that NAWJ member 2JDDC v. Maggio, Letter of Suspension and Removal from Office, Arkansas Judicial Discipline & Disability Commission (Aug. 6, 2014) advance the goals we spoke of at judges can help to implement meaningful change to our 3Sextortion is a term that has been popularized in the legal community by the International Association of Women Judges. See Corruption and Sextortion, International Association of Women Judges, http://www.iawj.org/ courthouse communities in the #MeToo era. programs/corruption-and-sextortion/ (lastvisited Aug. 30, 2019). See also JDDC v. Parker, Press Release: Resignation and Removal from Office, Arkansas Judicial Discipline & Disability Commission (Jan. 3, 2017), https:// the U.S. Capitol. Just some simple www.jddc.arkansas.gov/Websites/jddc/images/pdf/Timothy%20Parker.pdf; JDDC v. Boeckmann, Press Release: Resignation and Removal from Office, Arkansas Judicial Discipline & Disability Commission (May 9, 2016), suggestions based on my https://www.jddc.arkansas.gov/Websites/jddc/images/pdf/O.%20Joseph%20Boeckmann%202016.pdf 1. Get involved in your jurisdiction’s JCC. 4Cindy Gray, Sexual Misconduct inthe Workplace Summaries, National Center for State Courts, Center for Judicial Ethics, https://www.ncsc.org(last visited Aug. 27, 2019). The author also relied on his own research to experience. I am the director of a supplement information. judicial conduct commission. In that 5Renee N. G. Stackhouse, #WeToo 2019: An Exploration of Sexual Harassment, COUNTERBALANCE,Spring 2019, at 27-28, https://www.nawj.org/uploads/files/counterbalance/cb18_1.pdf role, I have investigated and State courts (and, of course, the Federal system) have various 6For a good treatment on the type and style of training programs needed see, Amy Bess & Sadina Montani,The Same Old Workplace Training Won’t Cut It,", Corporate Compliance Insights, June 21, 2018 (available at prosecuted judges for misconduct ways of developing their own provisions for a code of judicial https://www.corporatecomplianceinsights.com/the-same-old-workplace-training-wont-cut-it/). for over twelve years. Several of the conduct. The same is true for any procedural rules that are 7Renee N. G. Stackhouse, #WeToo 2019: An Exploration of Sexual Harassment, COUNTERBALANCE,Spring 2019, at 32, https://www.nawj.org/uploads/files/counterbalance/cb18_1.pdf most publicized and notorious cases adopted to govern the way a JCC handles ethical complaints. 8Renee N. G. Stackhouse, #WeToo 2019: An Exploration of Sexual Harassment, COUNTERBALANCE, Spring 2019, at 32, https://www.nawj.org/uploads/files/counterbalance/cb18_1.pdf 9 that my office has handled were Judicial input is an important facet and one that can truly Speech at the Louis Marshall Award Dinner of the Jewish Theological Seminary, Americana Hotel, New York City (Nov. 11, 1962) FALL 2019 41 FALL 2019 42 NAWJ Works to Promote the Parent-Child Bond Pennie K. McLaughlin, Commissioner With this idea in mind, we have now set out to their children from jail. NAWJ also has a San Diego Superior Court, NAWJ Projects Chair begin a new program that has arisen out of similar program started by Judge Marielsa District 6 Delivers another obvious need in our local jails and Bernard and Brenda Murray and a team of By Trina S. Vincent, our years ago, my colleague Terrie prisons. Many inmates are parents, so while others in Maryland, Chicago and Alabama. Louisiana Supreme Court, Community Relations Department Roberts and I went to the local they are locked up and away from their families, With our new collaboration with an women’s jail and kicked off the start of it is not uncommon for the children to feel organization already up and running in District 6 is passionately working on the Women that the books will be useful to the women. We also our Freedom Through Words book abandoned or worse. Some may feel that if they California and Arizona, we are able to share in Prison Initiative. With support from Louisiana look forward to helping with future donations.” club. The women seemed confused that judges mattered more, their Mom or Dad would be tasks to make the implementation and Supreme Court Chief Justice Bernette Joshua would care enough to spend a Thursday with them instead of in jail. It is so much more continuity easier. In a nutshell, the Johnson, NAWJ District 6 Director Judge Sheva Sims On behalf of Chief Justice Johnson’s office, Angela evening with them. They asked us outright why complicated than this, but one thing is sure, if incarcerated parent will be filmed reading a of Shreveport City Court, continues to focus on White-Bazile, Esq., obtained books from the we were doing this. Our reasons were many, we can figure out a way to strengthen the bond selected book. The book is then sent to the reinvestment efforts that strengthen employability Solomon Episcopal Conference Center (SECC), a not the least of which was to try and create between incarcerated parents and their child with the film of the parent reading skills for incarcerated women’s success once they retreat center in Loranger, LA. The visit included positive bonds between the inmates and their children, we may be able to change the allowing the child to follow along in the book are released. While District 6 continues to build a a meeting with the judges, Mrs. White-Bazile, families. A young woman raised her hand and narrative to something positive. If a parent while his or her parent reads. We are looking cosmetology program at the Louisiana Transitional Mrs. Tate, Ms. Bennett, and cosmetology program with tears in her eyes, exclaimed that for the feels a strong connection to their child while for 8 other Districts to begin, or re-start, this Center for Women (LTCW) in Tallulah, LA, it is also candidates Katie Terrebonne Hendrix and Kala first time in years, she had something to talk to locked up, it will have the ability to be even program too. Reading Legacies will take on supporting the women by delivering books and Curtis, to discuss recent developments on the her mother about during their periodic phone stronger upon release. This in turn leads to a toiletries. cosmetology and coding programs. calls. Her mother had bought the book and more law-abiding parent that has a very together they read the chapters week after important reason to be a real and constant part On a humid Louisiana Saturday morning in Frederick Douglass once said, “Once you learn week. She explained how talking about the of their children’s lives. September, members of District 6 arrived at LTCW to read, you will be forever free.” Though

to deliver loads of books and toiletries for the incarcerated, these women can be intellectually book made them learn to see each other as What you can do! incarcerated women to Warden Billy Tigner and free through reading. Reading creates a yearning people and they began to look forward to her Program Manager April Baur. The members to attain more knowledge. Maryanne Wolf, director release and a life free of crime. Hope entered In January of this coming year, San Diego is included District 6 Director Judge Sheva Sims; of the Center for Reading and Language Research slowly until this young woman believed that a kicking off a collaborative effort with Reading Second Circuit Court of Appeal Chief Judge Felicia at Tufts University, commented in a recent different life was possible. Legacies, a group that is responsible for an Toney Williams; First Judicial District Court Judges article, "We are forced to construct, to produce amazing program of having parents read to Ramona Emanuel and Karelia Stewart; Angela narrative, to imagine. Reading is about not being Now the tears in the room were many, we White-Bazile, Executive Counsel to Chief Justice content with the surface." 1 Studies have shown shared a smile, some silence to let the Bernette Joshua Johnson; Mrs. Synthia Tate of the that reading helps with mental focus, exercises significance sink in and began to talk about the Louisiana Supreme Court; and Lauren Bennett, the mind, increases vocabulary and counters book. Our book club has brought many local Intern Chief Justice Johnson’s Office. It had come depression. Reading is essential to finding a job. attorneys and judges face to face with a group to the attention of District 6 leaders that women These are pertinent reasons for women in prison to of twelve women in an intimate small classroom of LTCW needed basic toiletries. This catapulted have access to diverse forms of literature. These setting complete with tea and cookies brought members of District 6 into action! They began contributions support the overarching reinvestment in by the jail. We learn to see other sides of to make appeals to nonprofits for books and in incarcerated women so they can survive when each other, we share parts of our own stories toiletries. they are released. With this type of support, the while relating to the characters and discussing development of the cosmetology program, and the plot. Through these experiences, the women begin to feel worthy and their heads may Judge Sims secured numerous books from the other reinvestment initiatives, the odds are great in time, raise up a bit higher. For us, we learn Shreve Memorial Library Friends, Inc., a nonprofit, that success will follow. District 6's fervor to that the person before us in court is not simply a all-volunteer organization located in Caddo Parish support reinvestment in incarcerated women name behind a booking number and penal code that supports programs which enhance learning, and its concern for their wellbeing is cause to statute, but a whole other story that unfolded reading and a love for the library. Captain James anticipate major gains for these women to create long before they reached our departments. Gavin, the library president stated, “It is our hope viable lives when they return to their communities. This awareness makes us better bench officers 1 https://www.oprah.com/health/how-reading-can-improve-your-memory#ixzz5zzr1LzCQ and attorneys and ultimately, citizens. FALL 2019 43 FALL 2019 44 the responsibility of filming the parents and coordinating with the local jails to get the books and thumb drive or an emailed video link sent to Degrading Strip Search of 200 Women the children. We need NAWJ members to assist the mothers and fathers in reading and feeling Prisoners Cries Out for Courts to Act comfortable and being present during the Opinion by Judith Resnik filming. In San Diego, we will have two NAWJ members (attorneys and bench officers) each take Felicity Huffman’s sentence of 14 days of to strangers as part of a “visual cavity the one designated session per month. With each prison time for participating in a college- search,” that court said no. pair taking only one month of the year, it is not a admissions cheating scheme made NAWJ 2019 Cruise, Budapest – Nuremberg big time commitment for any one NAWJ member. international news. But the headlines about The case involved 200 women prisoners, Together though, we will be able to bring this women prisoners we most need are about rounded up by Illinois female prison staff Prepared by Judge Joan Churchill Unfortunately, she was unable to join us, as it important bonding program to parents and will the degrading treatment of the nearly who wore helmets and vests, banged Chair, NAWJ Retired Judges Committee was a holiday weekend. have ten different parents read each month. This 110,000 women already in state and federal batons on cells and yelled obscenities. will add up to helping to strengthen the parental prisons, many of whose pleas for protection These cadets marched the women into a May 5-12, 2019 Our cruise ship, the AmaCerto sailed the bond for over a hundred parents a year. are being ignored. large day room, sent groups of ten to a side On board the Amacerto Danube River taking us to the fairy tale village area, and told them to strip. of Bratislava in Slovakia, and to elegant Vienna, The NAWJ 2019 cruise began in Budapest, Please contact me at Pennie.McLaughlin@ A vivid example comes from a decision in which along with Budapest served as a capital of Hungary, at Lotz Hall’s Café Parisi, a most sdcourt.ca.gov to get started in your District. We July by a federal appellate court in Chicago. You can read the rest of the opinion at, the Austro-Hungarian Empire. We stopped at elegant teashop where 10 of us assembled for UNESCO Heritage site ports of Durnstein, the need your help, and you will be a part of making Asked to recognize that the Constitution http://www.cnn.com/2019/10/03/opinions/ lunch before boarding our cruise ship. The site of a fortress on a cliff where Richard the a real difference. protects women forced by prison officials women-prisoners-have-rights-resnik/index. century-old Lotz Hall is described on the Web to disrobe and reveal their inner parts html Lion Hearted was imprisoned, Linz, Passau and as “one of the jewels of Budapest’s glorious Belle Regensburg, with their medieval architecture, Époque”. “Frescos by renowned Hungarian before reaching our destination city of painter Károly Lotz, Belle-Époque chandeliers, Nuremburg. huge mirrors and a lot of gold – the Lotz Hall… is undoubtedly one of the most breathtaking To travel that route, one goes through numerous Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Summit locations in Budapest”. The ceiling looks a lot locks, always a marvel of engineering. The food like the Library of Congress in Washington on board was terrific. We usually dined his July, the National Council of Juvenile Committee, will be NAWJ's representatives for this and opportunities to increase diversity, equity, DC. The location was recommended by Judge together. One night we were treated to dinner in and Family Court Judges (NCJFCJ) hosted initiative. Judge Lobrano attended the July summit. and inclusion in the judiciary. Collectively, the Agnes Galajda, President of the Hungarian the separate Captain’s Table dining room. We the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) The facilitators of the summit, the Raben Group, group determined where the largest gaps and Women Judges Chapter of IAWJ. took our group photo on banquet night. Summit in Orlando, Florida. The DEI is the submitted the following information. The attending opportunities to diversify the profession existed. “NCJFCJ’s landmark initiative focusing on diversity, judges structured the discussion around definable Then, the attendees prioritized the most pressing equity, and inclusion,that will ensure that the legal objectives, obtainable goals, and the necessary gaps and opportunities, in order to devise a plan profession and court system reflects and represents tactic sand steps to be taken. The attendees then that would be the most impactful. Attendees have set out to determine where the greatest focus agreed to have quarterly conference callsto hold and attention was needed. After much discussion themselves and their organizations accountable to NCJFCJ’s landmark and deliberation, the attendees identified gaps move the work forward. initiative focusing on diversity, equity, and inclusion,that will ensure that the legal profession and court system reflects and represents the The cruise ended in Nuremburg, Germany, communities they serve. where we visited Courtroom #600, the location of the famous World War II War Crimes the communities they serve.” Judges from all over Tribunal. The Courtroom is still in use, used for the United States met in a collaborative effort to the most serious offenses. Photos of what it address diversity, equity, and inclusion within the looked like when it served as the War Crimes judicial system and the legal profession. Judge Joy Tribunal and of some of the participants line the Cossich Lobrano, NAWJ chair of Juvenile Justice wall of the entrance Hall, which serves as a mini and Child Welfare Committee, and Judge Terrie museum in remembrance. One of the Roberts, NAWJ co-chair of the Access and Fairness participants in the photographs is now the sole FALL 2019 45 FALL 2019 46

sixteen year old apprentice chef in the employ of Prince Metternich, whose son, Eduard, carried on the tradition, and about the intense litigation in the mid twentieth century regarding which establishment had the right to claim to serve the “original Sacher Torte.” The case was eventually settled out of court. By Susan Moiseev Art History, and I had never taken it. In my one are stationed in galleries to talk about the art, semester in Grad school, I finally did; I was glad particularly in Rivera Court, the 27 murals After mit schlag (a coffee break and desert) at one n May 13, 1986, the call I’d been I had already gotten my degree and trained as a painted by the legendary Mexican mural artist, of Vienna’s oldest cafes, we visited the Belvedere waiting for since the death of the paralegal otherwise I might have majored in it. Diego Rivera in 1932-33. I also give talks in the Palace where we saw the breathtakingly beautiful former mayor and longtime judge of My friend who did ultimately went to law school. community. Klimts. Ellen opted for the evening concert, the community I’d lived in for 20 which featured musicians, as well as dancers years came. The boy governor of Michigan called I started as a Gallery Service volunteer: I gave My current “job” is not so different than my demonstrating the famous Viennese waltz. We all and told me that although I was too young to be a directions, made sure no one touched the art, previous one: I talk a lot, I meet a lot of people agreed that this magnificent city warranted a judge, he’d appointed me anyway. At the time, I chewed gum or had food or drink in the from different walks of life and I need to know a return trip. was the youngest judge in the county and the galleries. We were trained to never discuss three lot of things. fifth woman on the Bench. things: security, the value of the art, and the art Dr. Margaret Haynes - Medieval Castles & itself, only the trained docents were allowed to Last spring, I volunteered for an event at the Cathedrals Judges in Michigan are elected on a non-partisan do that! I kept at it although I knew I was a bit Museum: the Negligence law section of the State surviving prosecutor from that period, Albert renting apartments in Budapest and Prague, ballot for six-year terms. To run for re-election over qualified knowing that I needed to be there Bar of Michigan hosted an event for lawyers- and Firenze, whom Joan heard speak at the Library of which gave us the opportunity not only to see An educator myself, I was delighted to sail with a you cannot be 70 on election day. On election and be visible to secure my place in the next Judges. I wore both my museum ID and a Bar Congress at a Federal Bar Association event a few more of those cities and get to know our way group of semi-retired women judges on the day in 2012, for the first time in 28 years, my docent training class. name tag complete with title. The chair was weeks earlier as part of their distinguished around, but also to meet local people, and explore Danube River Cruise. I felt welcomed, warmly name was not on the ballot. A dozen years before thrilled that I was the lead docent for the event. I speaker series. Age 100, Albert Firenze was born the gorgeous countryside of Eastern Europe. received, and immediately accepted as part of the I reached constitutional senility, I hung up my In the fall of 2015, I finally began my training to showed off my Docent skills for a Sixth Circuit in what was then Romania. Brought to the United group. robe to begin Life 2.0. I was the youngest of the be a docent. After a year of training, lectures by conference and for an ABA Board of Governors States at age 2, he joined the U.S. army after Mary Ann Driscoll - Vienna judges who retired that year and the number of curators, tours of the museum, reading, testing I dinner. I love when I get to mix my worlds! graduating Harvard Law School, which Passionate about medieval history, I was able to women on the Bench has increased 500%. graduated in May of 2016 and began my new background is why he was tapped for the The Danube River Cruise was a wonderful indulge my passion as I walked along cobble stone (volunteer) job. Seven years into Life 2.0, I have no regrets about assignment after his unit liberated concentration experience. A river cruise was a new experience, streets, experiencing first hand the incredible My immediate plan was to sleep in, not attend my decision to retire early. I am as busy as I want camps and saw first hand the horrors of the camps. a first, for both my partner, Diane, and myself. architecture of epic castles erected centuries ago, events every night, catch up on my reading (I still I contribute approximately 500 hours a year, not to be, I am intellectually stimulated, I travel, I sit We found the leisurely pace and the relatively one still surrounded by remnants of a protective have boxes of unread books) and volunteer at the including prep time, to the museum. I lead as a visiting Judge on occasion. Retirement is Our group included 9 NAWJ members and 6 small number of passengers to our liking. The wall and moat. I got to relive visually, Detroit Institute of Arts. As an undergraduate, public tours, senior tours, work with Veteran’s good, nothing to be afraid about-no matter how guests. We hailed from Massachusetts and Rhode food and the free-flowing wine were excellent. descriptions from my favorite historical novels of the most popular, and hard to get into class, was groups, Alzheimer’s patients and children. We much you love your job, there’s more to life! Island in the North East, down the mid Atlantic to The whole experience was enhanced by the the 14TH and 15Th century period: stories of New Jersey and Maryland, to New Orleans in the presence of our colleagues from NAWJ and their battles and wars fought for land, queen and looted Southern middle of the USA, over to Nevada in the traveling companions, all of whom were most treasures. I saw cathedrals of grandeur built of Far West. Some of us went on the Pre & Post agreeable fellow travelers. exquisite pure marble, statues richly adorned with Current Immigration Issues Affecting Children cruise tour organized by the cruise company. gold, precious jewels and breathtakingly beautiful Continued from page 8 Others organized a few days in other parts of Vienna, one of our stops, is surely one of the great stained glass windows, many memorializing “Since June, USCIS demand for E4 numbers, 2019, this category will open up again. The During President Obama’s administration, a Europe before and/or after the cruise. The cruise cities of the world. Tour options included the kings, who built the cathedrals to guarantee their primarily for Juvenile Court Dependent October 2019 Bulletin indicates that visa policy of Deferred Action for Childhood was a wonderful experience for all of us who were Schönbrunn Palace, an all-day excursion to entrance into heaven. adjustment of status applicants, has increased numbers in the SIJ category will be available to Arrivals [DACA] was created by Executive able to go. Salzburg, and in the evening, a Mozart and Strauss dramatically. This has resulted in the E4 annual natives of El Salvador, Guatemala and Honduras Action for a defined group of these young concert in Vienna. This being our first visit to I was awe-struck considering that these limit having been reached. Therefore, it has been whose priority dates are before July 1, 2016. people, which temporarily shielded those who Vignettes Vienna, Diane, Ellen Flatley and I opted for the magnificent architectural structures were built necessary to make the entire E4 category registered from removal and accorded them bus tour to get an over view. centuries ago over long periods of time, without “Unavailable” for September, and implement (b) Dreamers work authorization in 2-year increments. While Patricia Hurst - Friendships modern day tools, equipment and technology. this effective immediately.” announcing that he wanted to do something to In the historic center we saw St. Stephen’s And it is incredible to think that these divine About a million young people who were brought help these young people, President Trump The cruise boat setting was the perfect venue for Cathedral, which began in the twelfth century as a edifices have survived wars and other destructive The availability of visa numbers shifts on Immigration continued to the US without canceled the DACA program on the ground that reacquainting with old friends and making new simple Romanesque parish church, which evolved forces over the many centuries since they were a monthly basis. For example, the August authorization many years ago, before the age of it exceeded Executive authority and should be ones. One of the highlights for me was to meet over the centuries with a Gothic addition into a built. 2019 Visa Bulletin indicated that the SIJ [E4] 16, who have been living in the United States taken up by Congress. Cancellation of the and travel with Judge Mumtaz Bari-Brown to cathedral. We walked by the stables of the category was available for natives of El Salvador, ever since, are referred to as “Dreamers.” DACA program has been stayed by Federal whom I had spoken many times but not met in Spanish Riding School where we saw Lipizzaner Each country was distinctive and yet there was a Guatemala and Honduras whose priority dates Legislative attempts to legalize the status of this judicial orders while litigation about the person. We found common ground not only as horses being groomed. They are truly common theme: warm and friendly people (like (usually the date the visa petition was filed) were group of young people have been unsuccessful program continues. Issues concerning the women judges, but also that we shared many likes magnificent animals! We also learned about the my traveling companions from NAWJ), earlier than July 1, 2016, and were “current” through several Congresses. Legislative DACA program are currently on the docket of and dislikes. She will remain a friend forever. We origins of the Sacher Torte, the famous Viennese enthusiastic to share the love and pleasures of [i.e., available] for natives of all other countries. maneuvering about their status led to a brief the Supreme Court for its coming term. extended our stay at both ends of the trip by chocolate cake created in 1832 by Franz Sacher, a their beautiful countries. With the new fiscal year starting October 1, Federal Government shut down in January 2018. Continued next page FALL 2019 47 FALL 2019 48

During the last Congress President Trump of bills were introduced, but none received Dreamers. However, the Senate is not expected indicated that he would sign legislation that enough votes to pass. After the 2018 to take up the bill. While the future of the would give some protection to the Dreamers if Congressional election, the House of Dreamer’s status remains uncertain, for the the bill also included a substantial overhaul of Representatives on June 5, 2019 passed a bill time being DACA recipients are able to the INA and many billions of dollars for entitled the “Dream and Promise Act” that reregister for renewal of their DACA status and Supreme Court of North Carolina and Justice construction of a border wall. Several versions would grant lawful permanent residence to the work authorization. Debra Stephens, Washington Supreme NAWJ Committee Updates Court, the Judicial Independence Committee

1A detailed description of the history of the Flores case and ongoing rulings can be found online on Wikipedia at: https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Reno_v._Flores provides leadership to the Informed Voters, 2The “zero-tolerance” approach to unauthorized border crossing was initiated in 2005 during the George Bush administration under the name Operation Streamline. As NAWJ members, we are exposed to all the work that is done by our organization Fair Judges Project. The Informed Voter, 3Executive Order 13841,titled "Affording Congress an Opportunity to Address Family Separation. only at the mid-year or annual conference. But throughout the year, many NAWJ Fair Judges Project (IVP) was the brainchild 4San Diego Union-Tribute, 9/20/19, “ Judge to decide if government discretion should be curbed in ongoing family separations”https://www.sandiegouniontribune.com/news/courts/story/2019-09-20/family-separation-con- of Justice Joan Irion of California in 2012. tinues-motions-arguments-sabraw committees are performing important work which embodies the mission of An Emmy-Award winning film was produce 5Innovation Law Lab et al v McAleenan (9thCir May 7, 2019). organization. The following examples highlight the work of some of these committees 6WILLIAM P. BARR, ATTORNEY GENERAL, ET AL. v. EAST BAY SANCTUARY COVENANT, ET AL, 588 U. S. ____ (2019) under Justice Irion’s leadership. Retired 745 CFR Part 410 RIN 1653–AA75, 0970–AC42, Apprehension, Processing, Care, and Custody of Alien Minors and Unaccompanied Alien Children, Federal Register / Vol. 84, No. 164 / Friday, August 23, 2019 / Rules and and their unsung leaders. This work cannot be done without our members. If you see Justice Sandra Day O’Connor narrated the Regulations, page 44392. something that interests you, sign-up and get involved! project. Today the project has evolved into a 8https://oig.hhs.gov/reports-and-publications/featured-topics/uac/ national education initiative providing a 9July 24, 2015, in Flores v. Johnson [DC/C.D/CA 2015] 10 variety of resources and model initiatives to Federal Register / Vol. 84, No. 164 / Friday, August 23, 2019 / Rules and Regulations Awards Committee that – as well as whether NAWJ is up-to-date 11JennyFlores v. William Barr [9thCir,August15,2019]The 9thCircuit panel which issued the ruling included a member who had himself been interned in the US during World War II in a camp for families of Japanese descent. NAWJ members, courts, bar association, and 12Foreign citizens who serve honorably in the U.S. military during specified times of conflict are exempt from the requirement of first becoming lawful permanent residents before they are naturalized. with its DC business registration, and who is the public at large. Annete Boyd Pitts, The Awards Committee is chaired by Ariane our registered agent. The co-chairs have Director of Law Education and the Justice Vuono. Other members include Judith agreed to provide her with the name and Teaching Center of Florida, serves as the Chirlin, Debra James, Elizabeth Lee, Brenda contact information of our accountants, and National Education Chair for IVP. Other It’s Time We Consider the Best Interest of the Child Loftin, Jamoa Moberly, Vanessa Ruiz, and obtain authority to have them provide certain members of the IVP leadership team include Continued from page 34 Lisa Walsh. information to her if necessary. Chief Justice Tani Cantil-Sakauyu, California Supreme Court, and attorney local and state initiatives demonstrating the neglected consideration of the broader calculations. When a parent or primary caretaker is The committee convened via conference call Eleanor will also be looking into whether Linda Leali of Florida. viability of sentencing policies that require consequences of our sentences, reinforces our removed from the home, consideration should be on August 6, 2019, to discuss the there have been any amendments to the consideration of defendants’ children and a obligation as a community to promote the welfare given to the location in which a sentence will be nominations for the Joan Dempsey Klein and articles since Oct. 11, 1995 and who is The committee has had great success this plethora of well researched articles documenting of our children, and begins to address the fact that served and visitation policies should be family/ Florence K. Murray awards. A unanimous NAWJ’s current DC registered agent, and year getting the word out about the project the harm our current policies impose on children, there are over two million children in this country children friendly. decision regarding the recipients was reached will review the bylaws with the co-chairs and sharing the goals and objectives of for the most part, criminal justice legislation and suffering from having lost a parent to jail. To be by those who were able to participate on the further prior to the next conference call, strengthening knowledge of the courts and policies fail to mandate that the best interest of sure, in some cases it is in the best interest of a Child and family focused sentencing is a vital call. Awards were presented at the banquet which will have taken place in advance of the the judiciary so that judicial elections are free children be considered. child for a parent who has committed a violent component in protecting millions of children injured during the annual conference in Los Angeles. annual conference. She also plans to review and fair and unencumbered by special offense to be incarcerated. But there are many by our current criminal justice policies. Clearly, our By-laws so that during the next interests and political influences. Just as therapeutic jurisprudence has been widely parents whose presence in their children’s lives is however, the revision of sentencing practices is not By-Laws Committee conference call, we will be able to explore adopted in the family law arena, therapeutic key to the children’s well-being, and the imposition enough. Consideration of the best interest of the how NAWJ is currently doing things, what it Last fall, committee members participated in jurisprudence in support of children and families of a sentence of incarceration extracts too high child should be inserted into every aspect of the Judge Julie Frantz and Judge Fernande (Nan) is we aren’t doing but should be doing, and a nonpartisan national symposium for judges should be applied in the criminal law arena. We a toll. criminal justice system from arrest to re-entry. R.V. Duffly co-chair the By-Laws Committee. how our by-laws might better reflect this; and and journalists at the National Press Club in have seen the successful application of therapeutic (See, e.g., New Mexico has adopted protocols The committee engaged pro bono assistance suggest ways in which the By-laws might be Washington, D.C. The historic program, jurisprudence with problem-solving courts. In order to properly consider the impact of a outlining the treatment to be afforded children in from the law firm of Hemenway and Barnes, better organized. It is our intent to share this Undermining the Courts and the Media: The (National Institute of Justice, Specialized Courts, sentence, children/family impact statements specific kinds of arrest situations, http://nmlea. in Boston. information with any interested members of Consequences for American Democracy, was https://www.nij.gov/topics/courts/pages/ should be a requisite component of presentence dps.state.nm.us/safePursuitAct/docs/Children%20 the By-laws Committee, and other interested sponsored by the National Judicial College specialized-courts.aspx). The lessons learned in investigations. (See Urban Institute’s Children of of%20Arrested%20Parents%20Protocol.pdf). Based on a limited review to this date, she NAWJ members, for further discussion. and broadcast on C-Span. the family law arena and problem-solving courts Incarcerated Parents Project’s Toolkit for Many of the tools we have incorporated into family notes that, because NAWJ is incorporated in should be broadly incorporated into criminal Developing Family Impact Statement,” June 2015. law, such as parenting classes, substance abuse DC, it must meet certain filing and The committee has also forwarded to Eleanor Justices Cantil-Sakauye, Pariente and procedures, especially when children are involved. http://www.urban.org/sites/default/files/ treatment, mental health treatment, mediation, registration requirements there; and our a proposal from Judge Pennie K. McLaughlin Hudson participated in a Judicial Roundtable publication/53651/2000253-Toolkit-for-Developing- community conferencing and employment training By-Laws must comply with DC corporate that we expand our Mission Statement to panel of federal judges and state Supreme An important first step would be a requirement that Family-Impact-Statements.pdf). should also be employed in the criminal law arena law. Since their our initial conference call, include not just access to justice, but delivery Court justices to address challenges facing judges be advised of the needs of defendants’ with the understanding that the well-being of the Eleanor has checked Guidestar https://www. of justice. She explained how many the judiciary and the potential consequences children and that the impact of a sentence on a Community-based sentencing options should be child, the family and the community are intricately guidestar.org/ to learn that NAWJ filed its individuals are denied “delivery of justice,” for judicial independence and American defendant’s children be considered at sentencing. expanded, and when incarceration is imposed, the related. 2016 IRS Form 990 (IRS exempt and that the NAWJ could be a voice from this democracy. Annette Boyd Pitts also staffed This does not mean shorter sentences for all sentence should be designed to minimize the organization information return) for the perspective. an exhibit space provided by the National defendants who have children or giving parents detrivmental effect on children. In jurisdictions period ending Dec. 31, 2016, as well as its Judicial College throughout the event. preferential treatment over nonparents. Rather, with sentencing guidelines based on points, 2014 and 2015 Forms 990; she was unable to Judicial Independence Committee Participants interacted with IVP leaders and consideration of the impact of a sentence upon the consideration of parental or caretaking learn if NAWJ has filed any Forms 990 since learned about the valuable resources available children of a defendant adds a heretofore too often responsibilities could be factored into the then. She plans to inquire into the status of Led by co-chairs Justice Robin Hudson, to them. FALL 2019 49 FALL 2019 50

Members of the committee also participated and Judge Kristin L. Rosi, Chair of NAWJ’s Nechtem, respectively, lead the Sustainability of women who suffered serious injuries due to in a panel discussion during the American LGBTQ Committee. Committee retreat at the Mid-Year NAWJ RESOURCE BOARD complications from allegedly defective trans-vaginal Bar Association Annual Convention as well as Conference in June 2017 in California. This surgical mesh. in presentations in Florida, California, and In addition, the committee hosted a joint past April, the Strategic Planning NAWJ is fortunate to have a wonderful group of dedicated men and women who generously donate their time North Carolina. They continue to provide reception with the International Association Committee, worked with President Ipema and and resources so that NAWJ can thrive. As adopted at the May, 2013 mid-year conference, the Resource Sarah is experienced in all aspects of trial work, from new resources both in print and on the of LGBTQ+ Judges. IALGBTQ+ President the executive board in updating the 2017 data Board’s mission is to support “NAWJ both financially and programmatically for the purposes of (a) assuring drafting and arguing motions in limine, opposing internet. If you want to find out more, check Judge Daniel Anders from the Court of compiled by the Collie Group’s sustainability that NAWJ has sufficient economic and human resources to execute its strategic plan; (b) developing bonds Daubert challenges to plaintiffs’ experts and deposing out the webpage at ivp.nawj.org. Common Pleas in Philadelphia, PA was in study. The Strategic Planning and of mutual support and respect between and among Resource Board members and NAWJ members; and (c) defendants’ experts, and serving as lead trial counsel attendance, along with many other Sustainability Committees worked together promoting the professional advancement and elevating the standing of women from both the bench and bar.” to writing successful post-trial and appellate briefs Juvenile Justice and Child IALGBTQ+ members. to plan President Ipema’s NAWJ Mid- We are extremely grateful to each and every one of the Resource Board members and would like to highlight A Super Lawyers Rising Star for eight consecutive Welfare Committee Leadership Summit retreat. The Leadership them and the work they do in this, and future issues of Counterbalance. years and 2015 finalist for the Consumer Attorneys of Membership Committee Retreat provided invaluable feedback and California Streetfighter of the Year Award, Sarah has The board is led by Co-Chairs, Nicole Erb and Sarah London. held multiple leadership positions in CAOC, including NAWJ's Juvenile Justice and Child input to frame NAWJ’s Strategic goals for the her current position as Women’s Caucus Legislative Welfare Committee has expanded its mission Judge Kathy King and Judge Holly Fujie lead next five years. The Strategic Planning Economic Powers Act, the Trading With the Enemy Act, First Vice Co-Chair. statement to ensure that NAWJ is well- the Membership Committee. They are Committee (working with the Sustainability Nicole Erb and the act of state and political question doctrines, informed about juvenile court initiatives that pleased to report that the Membership Committee) is now in the process of finalizing as well as garnishee and interpleader actions She has served on the Board of Governors and was improve the lives of children and families; Committee’s efforts to increase NAWJ a draft of the Strategic Plan for the NAWJ Ms. Erb joined the involving OFAC sanctions and blocked assets. membership chair of the New Lawyers Division. provide information on standards, practices, membership are going strong! Since a year Board’s review and consideration. Resource Board in She also serves on the Board of Directors for the and effectiveness of the nation’s juvenile ago, NAWJ has added 7% new members, and 2009. She co-leads Nicole is one of eight partners on the Firm’s global San Francisco/Marin YWCA. Sarah is a graduate courts; explore, develop, and present since May 1st alone, 70 new members have Women in Prison Committee the international Partnership Committee, a partner-elected governance of Northwestern University and the University of educational programs related to the wide joined! Thanks to all of the District Chairs for sanctions practice at body. She is a graduate of Reed College and Columbia California, Berkeley School of Law. range of juvenile justice and child welfare their hard work in encouraging renewals and Co-chairs Judge Brenda Murray, Judge White & Case LLP in School of Law. issues in courts and communities; and bringing in new members – with particular Cheryl Gonzales and Judge Betty Williams Washington DC. She provide NAWJ with the National Council of thanks to Judge Barnes in District 5 and lead the Women in Prisons Committee. At represents clients Family and Juvenile Court Judges’ continuing Judge White in District 14 who brought in the the national level, things involving women in in civil and criminal government investigations, Sarah London NAWJ RESOURCE BOARD education, research, publications, and largest numbers of new members in the past prison have been quiet. The federal Bureau of voluntary self-disclosures, internal audits and technical assistances information with quarter. Prison’s Director of Women and Special investigations, compliance, licensing and other Ms. London joined CHAIRS Populations Bureau, Alix McLearen, reported regulatory matters, as well as complex transnational the Resource Board respect to juvenile courts. Committee Chair, Nicole E. Erb, Esq., White & Case LLP Judge Joy Cossich Lobrano, is excited to be Retired/Senior Judges Committee that conditions at the new Danbury, CT, litigation matters. Her clients comprise foreign states as co-chair in July women’s facility, which is using a new and their state-owned entities, international financial 2019. A partner in Sarah London, Esq. Lieff Cabraser Heimann & taking on this new leadership role for NAWJ. Bernstein, LLP The Retired/Senior Judges Committee, therapeutic treatment model are going well. institutions and multinational corporations in the Lieff Cabraser’s San Danbury has a new warden who is supportive Americas, Europe, the Middle East, Russia, Africa Francisco office, Sarah Judge Lobrano would like to invite judges to chaired by Joan Churchill, is a particularly MEMBERS become a member of the committee. The active committee. The committee and energetic. and Asia. is an experienced committee is looking for judges interested in membership spans the United States from advocate for the Elizabeth Cabraser, Esq., Lieff, Cabraser Heimann learning more and sharing their knowledge of Florida to Alaska, from Massachusetts to Generally, conditions at BOP appear Nicole routinely represents clients before the injured, employees and consumers. & Bernstein, LLP initiatives that restore the lives of children California. The members of the committee strained. The bureau still has an Acting Department of the Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Teresa N. Cavenagh, Esq., Duane Morris LLP and families, improve response to juvenile have a wealth of enthusiasm and willingness to Director after the administration’s choice, Control (OFAC), the Department of Justice, and the In September, Sarah presented on the health risks Kelly M. Dermody, Esq., Lieff, Cabraser Heimann justice and child welfare, and develop work on its activities. They had meetings in Mark Inch, left abruptly in May 2018. In Department of State. She advises clients on US associated with e-cigarettes at HarrisMartin’s “JUUL, & Bernstein, LLP effective early intervention, prevention February, April and July by conference call. addition, the First Step Prison Reform act sanctions relating to, among others, Crimea, Cuba, E-Cigarettes & Vaping Conference.” Sarah was also Andrea Bear Field, Esq., Hunton Andrews Kurth initiatives. An in-person meeting was held at the 2019 signed into law on December 21, 2018, which Iran, Nicaragua, North Korea, Russia, South Sudan, recently appointed by Judge Judith E. Levy to serve Elizabeth M. Hernandez, Esq., Akerman LLC Annual Meeting in October. Their members allows the early release of thousands of people Sudan, Syria, and Venezuela. She also advises on as Subclass Settlement Counsel in In re Flint Water Patricia P. Hollenbeck, Esq., Duane Morris LLP under specific criteria, has given the bureau a matters involving OFAC’s various sanctions lists, Cases, the federal class action lawsuit seeking justice have been important contributors to Jamie Zysk Isani, Esq., Hunton Andrews Kurth LGBTQ Committee tremendous administrative task. such as the Specially Designated Nationals and for the over 100,000 residents of Flint, Michigan who Counterbalance this year, authoring no less Dawn Jayma, United Automobile Insurance One former Attorney General told a Blocked Persons List and the Sectoral Sanctions were exposed to seriously elevated levels of lead as a than six articles. They organized a 7 day Company The recently formed LGBTQ committee, committee member that the conditions of Identifications List, including delisting applications result of insufficient water treatment. NAWJ river cruise on the Danube, from , Esq., Proskauer Rose chaired by Judge Kristin L. Rosi, has been women in prison is all about money, and it is and applications to unblock assets. Nicole also Robert Kaufman toiling this year, working on increasing the Budapest, Hungary to Nuremburg, Germany Linda Leali, Esq., Linda Leali, P.A. from May 5-19. The full report of that cruise, unlikely that the Federal BOP will get a advises on US sanctions legislation including, Sarah also serves in lead roles in women’s health committee’s impact and viability. They bigger budget. among others, the Comprehensive Iran Sanctions, cases, including work as court-appointed Liaison Tomas C. Leighton, Esq., Tomson Reuters presented their inaugural panel at the NAWJ with photos, can be found in this article of Afsoon McClellan, LexisNexis Counterbalance. Accountability, and Divestment Act, the Countering Counsel and Interim Class Counsel in the federal Annual Conference entitled “Judicial Tools All the good projects that NAWJ members are America’s Adversaries Through Sanctions Act, and the class action filed on behalf of families in May 2018 Heather K. McDevitt, Esq., White & Case LLP for Creating a Bias-Free Courtroom for Diane L. McGimsey, Esq., Sullivan & Cromwell LLP Strategic Planning Committee and doing locally continued. Judge Sheva Sims, Global Magnitsky Act. against San Francisco’s Pacific Fertility Center Transgender and Gender Non-Conforming Shreveport City Court, has energized District over the Center’s March 2018 allegedly negligent Elaine Metlin, Esq. People.” The panel featured Justice Therese Sustainability Committee Six and has emphasized women in prison in Nicole’s litigation matters typically involve questions destruction of hundreds of frozen eggs and embryos Christopher K. Poole, JAMS Stewart from the California Court of Appeal, the district. Counterbalance has featured under the Anti-Terrorism Act, the Foreign Sovereign as a result of a leak in a cryogenic storage tank. Christina Guerola Sarchio, Esq., Dechert LLP Judge Victoria Kolakowski from the Superior The Strategic Planning Committee and several articles this year about the work of Immunities Act, the Alien Tort Statute, the Terrorism Sarah also served in a leadership role in successful Cathy Winter-Palmer, CWP & Associates Court of Alameda County, Williams Institute Sustainability Committee, chaired by Judge NAWJ members on women in prison issues. Risk Insurance Act, the International Emergency litigation recovering millions of dollars on behalf Director of Judicial Education Todd Brower, Anna Blackburne-Rigsby and Judge Amy FALL 2019 51 FALL 2019 52

Qatar and were to arrive in Nairobi, Kenya the next On September 10, 2019, NAWJ’s New York Chapter led New York Host a Delegation of Women Judges DISTRICT DIRECTORS 2019 –2020 day. The tour group was small, eight people; four in by its President, Hon. Marguerite Grays, Deputy from the Republic of Georgia each of the jeeps when we left Nairobi for the Administrative Judge, Civil Term – 11th Judicial District Director 1 (ME, MA, NH, PR, RI) Hon. Mary Dacey White savannah. First stop -- the Samburu National Reserve District, held its annual dinner at Manhattan Manor Brookline District Court, Massachusetts in the Rift Valley. Our “lodge” was smack in the in New York City. The evening’s honorees were: Hon. District Director 2 (CT, NY, VT) middle of the reserve and our accommodations were Deborah Kaplan, Administrative Judge, 1st Judicial Hon. Kathy King DISTRICT ONE (MA, ME, NH, PR, RI) President Honorable Tamila E. Ipema during an “glamping” tents. There were no fences so they District; Hon. Kathie Davidson, Administrative Judge, New York State Supreme Court, Kings County, NY DISTRICT DIRECTOR: Hon. Mary Dacey White, annual meeting of the Conference of Chief Justices. discouraged being outside the tent at night, but the 9th Judicial District; Hon. Doris Gonzalez, Director 3 (DE, NJ, PA, VIRGIN ISLANDS) Brookline District Court, Massachusetts Contact her at [email protected] only animals that ventured near us were the monkeys. Administrative Judge, 12th Judicial District and Hon. Vivian Medinilla Email: [email protected] We had slingshots to waive around at them keep the retiring Associate Justice of the Appellate Division, Superior Court of the State of Delaware District Honorable Ruth I. Abrams 1930-2019: First monkeys at bay. We were up early and out on the First Department, Hon. Marcy Kahn. Also present at District Director 4 (DC, MD, VA) Since January, 2019, there have been five women Women on the Massachusetts Supreme Court savannah with our guide. Within minutes we were the dinner was Attorney General Letitia James, who Hon. Anita Josey-Herring The New York Chapter of NAWJ, through organizer Superior Court of the District of Columbia appointed to the bench by Governor Baker: Honorable face to face with elephants, giraffes, zebras, lions and gave welcoming remarks, and was presented with a Justice Marguerite Grays, hosted a visit of judges Jacqueline Burchill, Probate and Family Court; other creatures you just read about. These “game Tiffany crystal vase. District Director 5 (FL, GA, NC, SC) from the Republic of Georgia this summer. Both Hon. Anne Barnes Honorable Terri Klug Cafazzo, Probate and Family rides” were twice a day; early in the morning and later delegations spoke about the importance of an Court of Appeals of Georgia Court; Honorable Jackie A. Cowin, Superior Court; in the evening. We visited the Masai tribal village. We independent judiciary, and the support of District Director 6 (AL, LA, MS, TN) Honorable Jennifer Allen, Probate and Family Court; had a hot air balloon ride in Masai Mara at sunrise, organizations like NAWJ and IAWJ. Discussions Hon. Lynda Jones Honorable Catherine H. Ham, Boston Municipal Court; followed by a champagne breakfast and visited the included the variety of different types of courts and Metropolitan Nashville-Davidson County and Honorable Jennifer McNulty, Juvenile Court equator. Then it was off to Tanzania. We flew into General Sessions Court, Tennessee their jurisdictions, and how effective they can be to Kilimanjaro and did get to see Mt. Kilimanjaro, resolve cases. Judge Marsha Hirsh led a discussion District Director 7 (MI, OH, WV) Hon. MaryLou Muirhead and Justin Brooks although the top was in the clouds. More game rides, Hon. Maureen Sweeney on the effectiveness of dedicated court, e.g. Drug Mahoning County Court of Common Pleas, On August 12, 2019, a quest for tanzanite and a trip to the Ngorongoro Court, to help communities at large. Justice Carmen Youngstown, Ohio Judge MaryLou The Honorable Ruth Abrams, the first woman to serve Crater (a site for destination weddings). We spent Velasquez spoke about the need to support each District Director 8 (IL, IN, KY) Muirhead attended a on the Supreme Judicial Court of Massachusetts, most days in our least dirty clothes and there were no other as justices and promoted the need of forums Hon. Ann Breen-Greco private showing of the died on September 12, 2019. Justice Abrams was 88 hairdryers to be found. Our last night was spent in a that can assist the justices. There was also Chicago Administrative Hearing Department, Illinois movie “Brian Banks”. years old. She was a graduate of Radcliffe College, luxury resort, with me soaking in a hot tub! The trip discussion on elected and appointed judges, and the District Director 9 (IA, MO, WI) The movie tells the Class of 1953, and Harvard Law School, Class of was amazing. The people were all very welcoming (Photo above (L-R) Brooklyn Judges at NAWJ-NY different authorities that govern judges, i.e. Mayor or Hon. Emily Chafa 1956. In 1961, she became the only woman serving (although they could not get their heads around the Dinner: Hon. Joanne D. Quinones (NAWJ-NY- Iowa Workforce Development, UI Appeals Bureau, Johnston story of Brian Banks, Governor. The State Department provided interpreters a young black man as an Assistant District Attorney in the state, serving fact that we did not belong to tribes). The food was Treasurer); Hon. Lizette Colon; Hon. Joy Campanelli; for the visiting delegation. District Director 10 (KS, MN, NE, ND, SD) who pled no contest to a charge of rape while he was in the Middlesex District Attorney’s office until 1969 plentiful and, while we did have crocodile and ostrich Hon. Robin Sheares; Hon. Marguerite Grays (NAWJ-NY Hon. Cheryl Rios Shawnee County District Court, Kansas in high school in California and his quest to have his when she became Chief of the Appellate Section of at one meal in Nairobi, “familiar.” Lunch and dinner President); Hon. Betty J. Williams (ret.); Hon. Cenceria Immigration Judge Mimi Tsankov Sworn-In the Attorney General’s office. In 1971, she became went from soup to nuts. Every place we stayed was Edwards (NAWJ District 2 Director); Hon. Rosemarie District Director 11 (AR, OK, TX) name cleared. He served his full sentence, but in President of the Federal Bar Association’s Hon. Brandy Mueller 2012, with the help of attorney Justin Brooks and the Special Counsel to the Supreme Judicial Court and equipped with a full bar. We flew back on May 17 with Montalbano; Hon. Cheryl Gonzales; and Hon. E. Niki Southern District of New York Chapter County Court at Law #6, Austin, Texas Warin) California Innocence Project, he was exonerated. two years later, Governor Francis Sargent appointed wonderful memories and new friends. On October 2, 2019 District Director 12 (AZ, CO, NM, UT, WY) Justin Brooks was at the premier. her to serve on the Massachusetts Superior Court. Immigration Judge District Director Judge Cenceria Edwards Elected Hon. Emily Anderson She was the second woman to serve on that court. In DISTRICT TWO (CT, NY, VT) Mimi Tsankov was Chief Judge, 17th District, Colorado Chair-Elect of the National Bar Association’s New Member Municipal Court Judge Germarie 1977, Governor Michael Dukakis appointed Judge DISTRICT DIRECTOR: Hon. Cenceria Edwards sworn in as President District Director 13 (AK, HI, ID, MT, OR, WA, GUAM) Méndez-Negrón Joins NAWJ from Puerto Rico Abrams to the Supreme Judicial Court, the first New York State Civil Court, Brooklyn Judicial Council Hon. Pamela Washington of the Southern The Honorable woman since its founding in 1692. She served on the During the National Anchorage District Court, Alaska New York Chapter Annual Dinner District of New York Germarie Méndez- court for 23 years, during which time she wrote 501 Bar Association’s 94th District Director 14 (CA, NV) Chapter of the Federal Negrón is a Municipal opinions and served on 10 special legal and bar Annual Conference in Bar Association. The Hon. Wendy McGuire Coates committees. Justice Abrams wrote landmark Superior Court of California, Contra Costa County Court judge in Puerto Manhattan in July, ceremony will took Rico currently serving decisions covering family law, gender equality, 2019 an election was place at the Daniel P. Moynihan United States SPECIAL DIRECTORS as Advisor to Chief criminal law and minority rights. held that recognized Courthouse in New York City. ABA Delegate Justice Maite D. Judge Cenceria Hon. Vivian Medinilla Oronoz-Rodríguez. Hear from Hon. MaryLou Muirhead on Her Trip to Edwards as incoming Justice Carmen Velasquez Honored by the Superior Court of the State of Delaware Africa Chief Justice president of the Peruvian American National Council with its ABA Liaison Association’s Judicial Hon. Toni Clarke Oronoz-Rodríguez has appointed her to serve in the Last November my International Gold Excellence Award Council. As District Director, Judge Edwards has also Circuit Court for Prince George’s County, Maryland Technology Advisory Committee and the 2020 cousin asked if I On July 19, 2019, convened an “Access to Justice” panel at the New IAWJ Liaison Strategic Plan Committee, among other special wanted to join her on Justice Carmen York State legislative caucus and other New York Hon. Lisette Shirdan-Harris projects. Since 59% of the Puerto Rican Judiciary are a trip to Africa. After Velasquez received the Philadelphia Court of Common Pleas, Pennsylvania (Photo above (L-R) Hon. Kathie Davidson, Administrative “Access to Justice” panels, and packaged toiletries women, she is working together with the Chief Justice months of planning, 2019 International Judge, 9th JD; Hon. Doris Gonzalez, Administrative Judge, for the Women in Prison annual toiletry drive led Committee Chair Liaison on all judicial programs and initiatives that promote we left Kennedy on 12th JD; Hon. Marguerite Grays, NAWJ-NY President & Deputy Gold Excellence Award Hon. Karen Sage conscientiously by Justice Betty Williams (retired) and gender equality and combat gender violence in the May 2. We had a Administrative Judge, 11th JD; Hon. Marcy Kahn, Associate from the Peruvian 299th Criminal District Court, Travis County, Texas Judge Cheryl Gonzales. Island. She joined NAWJ this year after meeting NAWJ stopover in Doha, Justice, AD1; Hon. Deborah Kaplan, Administrative Judge, 1st American National JD; and Hon. Joanne D. Quinones, NAWJ-NY Treasurer) FALL 2019 53 FALL 2019 54

Council (PANC) in Washington, D.C. She was Senior Manager for Legislative and Government Congresswoman Brenda Lawrence (MI); Founder and District Four Holds Retreat Tackling Common recognized for her work as a Justice in the New York Affairs for Audible.com; Sapana Shah, Law Offices of Co-Chair of the Congressional Bipartisan Opioid Task Causes of Stress for Sitting Judges, Honoring Supreme Court mentoring young students, and her Sapana Shah; Jiles Shipp, member of Criminal Force, Congresswoman Ann McLane Kuster (NH); and Past President Joan Churchill, Awarding leadership in the Latino Community in the United Sentencing and Disposition Commission; Elizabeth A. Congresswoman Susan Brooks (IN), Co-Chair of the Scholarship to Law Student

States. Justice Velasquez is known for her Davies, Esq.; Karen Gomez, Financial Aid- of Seton previous Congress’ Women’s Caucus, and an The District held its first Wellness Retreat from exceptionally diverse mentoring and internship Hall Law School; Professor Charles Auffant, Rutgers informative speaker on Congressional achievements September 27-28, 2019 at the Lansdowne Resort and program. Law School; Elizabeth Abitanto, Managing Director of toward ending sexual harassment at last year’s Spa in Virginia. “The Talk Doctor” Dacia Hastings led Programs, NJ LEEP; and Linda McDonald Carter, Esq, meeting. The esteemed panel included moderator the near 40 attendees through a discussion of DISTRICT THREE (DE, NJ, PA, VI) Director Essex County College Paralegal Program. Nancy M. Ware, Former Director of the Court Services common causes of stress including secondary DISTRICT DIRECTOR: Hon. Vivian Medinilla, Offender Supervision Agency for the District of trauma, compassion fatigue, expectations or Superior Court of the State of Delaware DISTRICT FOUR (DC, MD, VA) Columbia; Professor Hendrée Jones, Department of pressures from the public, lack of proper balance Later, students were joined by attorneys and other Email: [email protected] DISTRICT DIRECTOR: Hon. Judith Kline, Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of North between work and life, caseload and docket overload, legal professionals to break into groups for a Legal Newport News Juvenile and Domestic Relations Carolina; Professor Debra A. Pinals, MD, Medical social isolation, inability to “clap-back”, among many Trivia competition, and lunch. Afterwards, MentorJet NAWJ co-sponsored a wonderful Sisters in Success District Court, VA Director of Behavioral Health and Forensic Programs other challenges. NAWJ Past President (2012-2013), ensured students had an opportunity to meet a program at the women’s prison in Delaware entitled for the Michigan Department of Health and Human the Hon. Joan V. Churchill was presented the variety of mentors. Hosts Nicole Erb and Ting Tao, “Empowered Women Empower Women.” Past President, Chief Judge Anna Blackburne- Services; and Gary Tennis, President of National district’s Edna G. Parker Award. And, Liberty along with school staff, presented certificates to the Congresswoman Lisa Blunt Rochester, our first Rigsby Recognized by Washingtonian Alliance for Model State Drug Laws. University School of Law student Alexis Johnson was students. female and our first African American to serve in The Washingtonian on hand to receive a $1,000 “Gender Equality: The moving presentations and discussions were the Congress for Delaware attended to give remarks. This recently named 150 of Yesterday, Today and Tomorrow” Award from NAWJ’s inspiration and efforts of the planning committee of was also the first time Delaware’s Department of the Most Powerful Virginia Chapter. Following lunch there was trip to Judge Anita Josey-Herring (Superior Court of the Corrections Commissioner was a woman. Women in Washington. nearby Stone Tower Winery White & Case to present a bi-annual Color of Justice District of Columbia); Senior Judge Marcella Holland Chief Judge Anna Program with middle school students from the (Baltimore City Circuit Court, Maryland); Judge District Director Medinilla is planning the annual all Blackburne-Rigsby Washington School for Girls. NAWJ Resource Board Tamila E. Ipema (Superior Court of California, County female judiciary cocktail event and it will include was recognized as one member and White & Case partner Nicole Erb and of San Diego); Judge Michelle M. Rick (29th Circuit members from all state and federal courts. of the most influential associate Ting-Ting Kao, along with then NAWJ Court, Michigan); Judge Paula Rosenstein (Superior women in the legal Executive Director Connie Pillich welcomed the 35 Court of California, County of San Diego. Thank you seventh and eigth graders to a full day of education New Jersey Support Grows for Popular Fall Color profession. Please see Washingtonian’s Most to the State Justice Institute for your continued of Justice Program Powerful Women for more information. Chief Judge of the law, mentoring and community building. support of our programs. In addition to the New Jersey Women Lawyers Blackburne-Rigsby has held offices in several judicial Hon. Erin Masson Wirth Elevated to Chief Association funding, contributions from attorney organizations. Through her work with these Administrative Law Judge Gwenlynn D’Souza (D.C. Administrative Law Judge of the Federal Maritime Barbara Commerford, Hispanic Bar Association of organizations, Chief Judge Blackburne-Rigsby has Department of Employment Services) and Chief Commission New Jersey, and the Pacific American Lawyers’s sought to promote the rule of law and equal access Administrative Law Judge Bobbie J. McCartney NAWJ member Hon. Association have poured in. More to come. This year’s to justice. In addition to her latest recognition, Chief (United States Department of Agriculture) guided Erin Masson Wirth program will take place October 26, 2019 at Rutgers Judge Blackburne-Rigsby has received awards for her students through icebreakers, “The Cyber Bully” and was recently elevated Law School in Newark. Program Chairs include Judge legal, judicial and community service, including the “Edibles.” Created by Administrative Law Judge to Chief Administrative Siobhan Teare and Judge Sue Pai Yang. Business and Professional Women’s League Yewande D. Aderoju (Di strict of Columbia Office of Law Judge of the “Sojourner Truth Award,” the Women’s Bar Administrative Hearings) with support from Judge Federal Maritime An esteemed set of speakers include: Dean David Association of the District of Columbia “2014 Star of Anita Josey-Herring (Superior Court of the District of Commission. An Lopez, Rutgers Law School; Dean Debra Edwards, the Bar Award,” the National Bar Association “Heman Columbia), the skits help students understand the active member in Seton Hall Law School; Linda Harvey, President, New Sweatt Champion of Justice” Award and the Greater role of law as they took turns acting out the dramas District Four events Jersey Women Lawyers Association; Melinda Colon Washington Area Women Lawyers Division (GWAC) of students lives intersecting with the power and since 2013, Judge Wirth joined the Commission as Cox, President, Hispanic Bar Association of New Charlotte E. Ray Award. More details about this event are included elsewhere reach of smartphones, and the lure and curiosity of Administrative Law Judge in 2010, after serving as Jersey; Andrew Sarrol. President, Asian Pacific in this publication. drugs. Administrative Law Judge at the Social Security American Lawyers Association of New Jersey; William NAWJ Holds 14th Annual Meeting with the Administration. She is an alumna of the William & T. Rogers, III, Esq., President, Garden State Bar Congressional Women’s Caucus - The Opioid Color of Justice NAWJ members spoke directly to students in two Mary Law School and Smith College. Association; Bankruptcy Judge Rosemary Crisis and its Impact on Women and Children: The On October 5, NAWJ’s Virginia Chapter and the panels: Law as a Career: Preparing the Way, and Gambardella, U.S. District Court, New Jersey; Justice Dilemma for Judges Greater Peninsula Women’s Bar Association will again Judges Making a Difference. Joining the DISTRICT FIVE (FL, GA, NC, SC) aforementioned NAWJ members were Bianca Garcia, Anne Patterson, New Jersey Supreme Court; Judge NAWJ met with members of the Congressional cosponsor to present the Color of Justice Program for DISTRICT DIRECTOR: Hon. Anne Barnes, Julio Fuentes, U.S. Court of Appeals, Third Circuit; high school students in Newport News and Hampton. Executive Director of the District of Columbia Judicial Court of Appeals of Georgia, Caucus for Women’s Issues on Tuesday, July 16, 2019 Nomination Commission, Administrative Law Judge Bonnie Mizdol, Bergen County, New Jersey; Email: [email protected] in the Rayburn House Office Building on Capitol Hill Top photo (l-r): Congressional Women’s Caucus Paulette Brown, Former President of the American White and Case Hosts Bi-Annual Color of Justice Judge Jennifer Long (Federal Energy Regulatory in Washington, D.C. Meeting attendees of judges and Co-Chair Congresswoman Brenda Lawrence (MI) at Commission) and Judge Heidi Pasichow (Superior Bar Association; Evelyn Padin,, President of the New Program for Middle School Students Presiding Judge Anne Elizabeth Barnes is serving attorneys discussed the national opioid crises, their the podium. Bottom Photo right (l-r): Gary Tennis, Court of the District of Columbia). All shared stories Jersey State Bar Association; Barbara Comerford, The the first year of a two-year term as NAWJ District effects on women and families, and challenges faced Hendree Jones, Debral Pinals, Nancy Ware, On May 14, 2019 in the law offices of White & Case of their own life paths that provided layered Comerford Law Group; Michellene Davis, Executive Director. She won election in 1998 to the Georgia by state judges. Congressional Women’s Caucus Congressional Bipartisan Opioid Task Force Co-Chair, LLP in Washington, D.C., NAWJ members and staff authenticity and inspiration for all involved. VP, RWJ/Barnabas Health-Medical; Andrew Sarrol, Court of Appeals in a three-way race without a members giving remarks included Co-Chair Congresswoman Ann McLane Kuster (NH.)) joined with the leadership of attorneys in the firm of DAG in EEOC and President of APALANJ; Brian Quinn, FALL 2019 55 FALL 2019 56 runoff, and took office January 1, 1999. She was the Council of Juvenile and Family Court Judges to serve her distinguished public service as a member of the newer court will visit the model courts for technical Paulette R. Irons, Arthur L. Hunter, Kenneth Craig Keynote Speaker for the Greater New Orleans Louis A. first woman to be elected in a state-wide judicial on the Child Welfare Juvenile Law Advisory judiciary. Now, she is spending her time building her assistance and guidance. Smith, Ronald Miciotto, Chancellor John Pierre, Zakia Martinet Legal Society, Incorporated 2019 Founder’s race without having been first appointed to the Committee and International Committee. She mediation and arbitration practice as a neutral with A. Nesbitt, Tranice Potier, Dominique McCraney, Kayla Day Brunch on May 19, 2019. bench, and was re-elected, without opposition, to a currently serves on the Georgia Supreme Court JAMS, teaching and serving as a media contributor Judge Weaver established the drug court in 2002. A. Dixon, Alex Washington, Sharon Boykins, Michael J. second term in 2004. She was elected to serve a Committee for Justice for Children and was selected for Court TV. The idea seemed foreign to many, and was not Tate, Markey W. Pierre, Kyle M. Robinson, Shante Y. Judge Ernestine Gray became a member of NAWJ on two-year term as Chief Judge from 2006 through to be a member of the Class of 2020 Leadership popular at the time, during the “Tough on Crime” era Wells, Britney A. Green, Bridgid E. Collins, Holland J. January 1, 2007. She has previously served on the 2008. She was elected to a third term in 2010, Augusta Program through the local chamber of Chief Judge Kathlene F. Gosselin of incarcerating drug offenders. Undeterred, Judge Miciotto, Mark J. Miciotto, Patrick R. Jackson, Women in Prison Committee and the Juvenile Justice receiving more votes than any other candidate in the commerce. Judge Kathlene F. Gosselin took over as Chair of the Weaver became weary of sending people to prison for Winnifred H. Jackson, Justin C. Dewett, Mark Manno, and Child Welfare Committee. State of Georgia, and was again re-elected in 2016. Council of Accountability Courts of Hall County in July crimes that were fueled by their addiction. With no Susan E. Hamm, Judy Moore Vendetto, D. Nicole Presiding Judge Sara Doyle money and only a few supporters, she started the Sheppard, Patricia Head Moskal, Monique E. Barial, The Honorable Felicia Toney Williams Nominated of this year for a one year term. The women lawyers of Smith, Gambrell & Russell, Former NAWJ District drug court. Participants receive treatment, frequent Trey Morris, Gia Kosmitis, Willie Singleton, Eric G. for Oral History Initiative LLP are hosting a joint reception for NAWJ and 5 Chair and Georgia Superior Court Judge Sheryl B. Jolly drug screening, are visited in their home by certified Johnson, Charles Kammer III, William Allen Haynes, Chief Judge Felicia Sisters in Law, an informal group of women police officers, abide by a curfew, are required to Susan Blair, Teresa D. Jones, Charles K. Grant, Ellen Court of Appeal’s Judge Sheryl B. Jolly has served as a trial judge on Toney Williams has attorneys, on Tuesday, November 19, 2019 from 5:30 obtain their GED, and must obtain full-time Hobbs Lyle, Linda W. Knight, Amanda McClendon and Presiding Judge Sara Superior Court bench since the election in 2004. She been nominated to – 7:30 p.m. at their offices in Atlanta, Georgia. NAWJ employment. Participants come before Judge Weaver Suzanne DeMahy. Doyle is currently is a frequent panelist on Family law issues with the become part of the Membership materials will be made available and every two weeks for court reviews. The program is running for an open domestic bar and provides death penalty training Louisiana Bar there will be a brief presentation promoting our two years long and, in many cases, charges are NAWJ Student Member Jasmine Cooper Interns seat on the Georgia each year for the Superior Court Judges. Foundation (LBF) Oral organization. dismissed upon completion of the program. For more with Caddo Parish District Attorney Supreme Court in Active with the family bar association, Judge Jolly History. She is the serious charges, sometimes a participant will come 2020. While on the hosts several bench and bar events each year at her Southern University first woman and into the drug court as part of their sentence and the Spotlight on Georgia Co-Chairs campaign trail, Judge Doyle has spoken all over home. She is active in community efforts and a Law Center student, African American to charges may not be dismissed, but prison time can Judge Amanda Heath Georgia to the Athens Rotary Club, the Douglasville, strong advocate of public art. She is the current Jasmine Cooper is serve as Chief Judge of the Louisiana Second Circuit Fayette and DeKalb County Bar associations, and the be suspended. interning with the Court of Appeal. The Louisiana Bar Foundation The Honorable President of the board of directors of the Greater August Bar Association’s Young Lawyer Division. In Caddo Parish District Education Committee produces a continuing series of Amanda N. Heath is a Augusta Arts Council. the near future, she will be speaking to the The Appalachian Judicial Circuit also now has a Attorney. She was oral histories. The series is a part of the Committee’s Juvenile Court Judge Statesboro, Rome and Savannah Bar Associations, Family Treatment Court, a Veterans Treatment Court, recommended to the plans to systematically broaden the LBF’s work to in the Augusta Judicial In 2018, Judge Jolly was invited to serve as a jurist the District Attorney’s Association. The Rotary Club in and a HELP court (serving those with mental health office by District preserve the history, culture and flavor of Louisiana Circuit of Georgia that on the Georgia Supreme Court to hear a sovereign Albany and Conyers, and the Kiwanis Club in Vidalia. disorders). There have been over 500 graduates from Director Judge Sheva Law. The goal is to put into place a system for covers Burke, immunity case. On November 7, 2019, Judge Doyle will be receiving all these programs. Sims. She has been working with the prosecuting regularly recording oral histories of retiring judges, Columbia, and an award from Girl Talk, Inc. at its Live Confidently, team, gaining first-hand experience through several bar leaders and other legal personalities. These video Richmond counties. Superior Court Judge Ashley Wright Lead Fearlessly luncheon honoring outstanding Judge Weaver was also awarded the STAR ward at high profile cases and trials. She credits Judge presentations will then be available for use in Judge Heath was Augusta Judicial Circuit women in the Atlanta community who embody its the Council of Accountability Court Conference. This Ramona Emanuel for her advice, as well as, classrooms, Continuing Legal Education seminars appointed by the Superior Court effective October 1, Judge Ashley Wright was appointed to the Augusta core values of Leadership, Inclusion, Authenticity and award was established to recognize the best of the Assistant District Attorneys Ed Blewer, Victoria and other venues to preserve, honor, and improve our 2016 at the age of 31. She is the first African Judicial Circuit Superior Court bench by Gov. Nathan Service. best in the various disciplines in the accountability Washington and Josh Williams for their mentorship. system of justice. American female to serve in this position and is the Deal in January 2017 to fill an unexpired term. Since court model such as a judge, treatment provider, Jasmine Cooper desires to be a prosecutor. youngest sitting judge in the Augusta Judicial Circuit. that time, she has been reelected for a full 4-year Presiding Judge M. Yvette Miller defense attorney, prosecutor, probation officer, etc. 2020 Nashville Conference Planning Team Judge Heath is innovative and passionate as she term. Prior to this appointment, she served as a Louisiana Transition Center for Women Member Elected Presiding Judge administers justice from the bench. Her goal is to In January of 2019, Presiding Judge M. Yvette Miller prosecutor for 22 years, with the last 8 ½ as the z Judge Pamela Boles hold children accountable for their actions, not to established an endowed scholarship at the Mercer circuit District Attorney. With a strong background in The Louisiana Transition Center for Women On September 1, 2019, hold them hostage. In addition, to ensure families University School of Law to promote diversity and criminal law, she is working to master domestic and The Honorable Pamela Boles serves on the Forsyth Cosmetology program is set to start around late fall Hon. Lynda Jones, are connected with community resources to reduce inclusion in the legal profession. This scholarship will civil practice, including providing training in the Magistrate court. Judge Boles spoke on the topic of or early winter. All supplies and equipment have became Presiding the need for child protective services involvement assist law students with financial need, particularly domestic realm, often with an emphasis on litigation Courthouse Security at both the spring and fall been purchased with Department of Public Safety & Judge of the and promote safe and stable families. active members of the Law School’s Black Law practice. She has a strong interest in childhood Magistrate Court Judges Recertification Conferences Corrections and Justice Reinvestment Initiative (JRI) Metropolitan Students Association (BLSA) chapter. This year, Judge development and education and the roles that they this past year. She also serves as one of the 9th funds. The renovation will also be JRI funded, as well Nashville-Davidson As the newly assigned presiding judge over the Miller was honored with the unveiling of her portrait play in criminal and domestic dysfunction. district representatives to the Georgia Council of as the train-the trainer protocol. A certified instructor County General Children in Need of Services Program (“CHINS”), at Mercer Law School. She is the first African Municipal Court Judges. educator will bring our offender cosmetologists back Sessions Court. She Judge Heath institutes preventative measures for American alumni to have her portrait unveiled at the Chief Superior Court Judge Brenda S. Weaver into good standing with their cosmetology licenses. was elected by the Thereafter, offender instructors will go through judges of the Court. children that are excessively absent from school and law school. Judge Miller has received many other Athens, GA-The Appalachian Judicial Circuit’s Drug DISTRICT SIX (AL, LA, MS, TN) further training to be certified as cosmetology Judge Jones was elected to General Sessions Court those that are at high risk or have been exploited awards for her service and contributions to the Court, as well as the presiding judge, Chief Superior DISTRICT DIRECTOR: Hon. Sheva Sims, instructors. Division 1X in 2014. Before her election, she through domestic child sex trafficking. community. Court Brenda S. Weaver, was recently recognized as Shreveport City Court, Louisiana practiced law in middle Tennessee for 22 years prior a Model Court in Georgia. This recognition was given Judge Ernestine S. to becoming a judge. She has one child and is Judge Heath is the recipient of the 2019 O’Neal Senior Judge Gail S. Tusan by the Council of Accountability Court Judges at their New Members Joins District Six Gray Gives Keynote widowed. She received her Bachelors of Science in Foundation Father Daughter Gala Inaugural Judge Gail S. Tusan assumed Senior Judge status, conference in Athens, Ga. September 15-18th. The In 2019, 54 new members joined the NAWJ in District Judge Ernestine S. Gray, Communication with honors from the University of Community Impact Award and served as the Parade effective May 2019, after serving on the Superior “Model Court” designation recognizes that the court Six: Monette M Davis, Allegra Walker, Jasmine Janai Orleans Parish Juvenile Tennessee at Knoxville. Her law degree is from the Marshal for the 2019 City of Augusta and NAACP Court of Fulton County for over 24 years. She goes above and beyond the standards for an Louis, Williams Taylor Ramsey, Brittany McKeel, Amy Court and Martinet University of Memphis School of Law where she Augusta Branch Martin Luther King, Jr. Parade. In received the 2019 Logan E. Bleckley Award from the accountability court. The Model Courts will serve as Bryant, Danyelle M. Taylor, Lauren E. Grant, Jessica L. Legal Society President received the American Jurisprudence Award for Trial addition, Judge Heath was appointed by the National Litigation Section of the Atlanta Bar Association for a mentor to newer courts, and personnel from this Webb, Holli Packer, Tiffaney Sporl, Audrey M. Calkins, from 1981-1983 was the Advocacy. She is currently a member of the Nashville FALL 2019 57 FALL 2019 58

Bar Association, President Elect of Tennessee General DISTRICT SEVEN (MI, OH, WV) Iowa NAWJ members participated in joint projects identification assistance so that women released can Nebraska Supreme Court Commission on Forward. Panelists included: Federal Judge (10th Sessions Judges Conference, fellow of the Inns of DISTRICT DIRECTOR: Hon. Maureen Sweeney, and programs with the state women’s bar association apply for their driver’s license within the state. An Guardianship and Conservatorship, the Guardian and Circuit Court) Mary Beck Briscoe, Kansas Court of Court, and the National Association of Women Mahoning County Court of Common Pleas, (I.O.W.A.) focused on demystifying the judicial on-site visit was conducted with the federal bench to Conservatorship Forms and Rules Committee and the Appeals Judge, Karen Arnold-Burger, Kansas District Judges. She is a former Chair of the General Youngstown, Ohio application process and actively supporting women assess implementation of a state focused program Bench-Media Committee. As a member of the Court Judge, Cheryl A. Rios, Kansas Court of Appeals Sessions Court Committee for the Nashville Bar Email: [email protected] and diverse applicants for judicial positions at the early this summer. Guardianship and Conservatorship Commission and Judge Melissa Standridge, District Magistrate Judge, Association and Fellow of the Nashville Bar trial and appellate court levels. Iowa NAWJ members the Guardian and Conservatorship Forms and Rules Renee Henke, and District Court Judge Rhonda Foundation. Judge Jones is also an Alumni of Young Judge Michele Rick Launches Traveling actively participated in I.O.W.A.’s celebration of the The Rosalie Wahl Leadership Lecture series continues Committee, Judge Parsley has shown dedication to Mason. Leaders Council, Tennessee Leadership, Leadership Expungement Clinics to Serve Rural Communities 150th Anniversary of the first woman admitted to to be a rewarding event that is offered through our making the guardianship and conservatorship Donelson Hermitage, and Leadership Middle practice law in the U.S., Arabella Babb Mansfield, in partner organization Minnesota Women Lawyers. The process less burdensome while still maintaining NAWJ member and former district director Judge Tennessee as well as a two-time Athena nominee. Mount Pleasant, Iowa, by re-creating her historic kickoff for 2019 will be in October and the announced accountability to the judicial system. She has worked Cheryl Rios was selected to participate in the Kansas swearing-in ceremony in the very same room exactly theme is A Seat at the Table: Women Attorneys tirelessly to not only provide updated forms, rules, Leadership August Class of 2019. An (edited) Toiletries Donation Campaigns Draw Support 150 years later, on June 15, 2019. Achieving Success and Building Community. and procedures that will benefit all guardians and excerpt from the media reports: Across Louisiana their wards and conservators and their protected It’s always a great day when a Kansas Women The active District 9 NAWJ members intend to In October the Minnesota Supreme Court will have persons statewide, but she also goes above and The Shreveport Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Attorneys Association (“KWAA”) member is selected actively participate in more joint projects and hearings conducted at the Fairmont High School beyond in her courtroom. Judge Parsley is a highly Theta Sorority, Inc., the Delta Lambda Omega for participation in a distinguished program like programs with other bar associations this coming which is located in the southern part of our state. valued member of the Bench-Media Committee Chapter of AKA/Ivy Crown Community, Greater the Kansas Chamber’s Leadership Kansas. KWAA year to promote, nurture and support women judges having participated in rule-making and teaching ProVision Christian Church, Dr. Sharon Sims, and truly has cause to celebrate this year, as not one at all levels and categories, and to actively work to Our upcoming calendar of events includes a judge/ journalists as well as fellow judges. She developed Pastor Helen Godfrey-Smith donated toiletries this but four of its members were selected to increase gender diversity on the bench at all levels lawyer social hosted by the Hennepin County Bar sample orders to accompany the launch of the year. from. Dr. Sharon Sims donated dental hygiene participate in Leadership Kansas 2019--Kelly and categories. Association. In 2020 a Conference for Women in the camera rules and continues to work with review products as well. The donations were presented to Trussell, Judge Cheryl Rios, and Amanda Stanley of Law is being planned. committees editing rules as needed. Additionally, April Bauer of the Louisiana Transitional Center for On July 29, 2019, NAWJ member Michelle M. Rick Topeka and Etta Walker of Sharon Springs. Judge Parsley is well known for her creative Women. The donated items will be presented to the spoke at a Michigan Hall of Justice press conference DISTRICT TEN (KS, MN, NE, ND, SD) According to its website, “Leadership Kansas is Nebraska problem-solving skills and forward-thinking when Louisiana Transition Center for Women by Chief Judge about the development of Project Access DISTRICT DIRECTOR: Hon. Renee Worke, one of the oldest and most prestigious statewide dealing with issues faced by Nebraska’s judges. Felicia Toney Williams, Judge Sheva M. Sims, and (michiganlegalhelp.org), a traveling service of Minnesota Court of Appeals, St. Paul Nebraska notes that Douglas County Separate leadership programs in the country.” Each year only other area judges. Toiletries and hygiene products expungement clinics. Chief Justice Bridget Email: [email protected] Juvenile Court Judge Elizabeth Crnkovich has retired 40 participants are selected for the honor. are still being collected. If you are interested in from the bench. She has served the state from 1995 North Dakota McCormack, Judge Rick, Detroit Mercy Law School “Kansas is better when women are positioned to donating any of the following items: paperback Minnesota to 2019. In her letter to the Governor, Judge A state conference was held in Bismarck guiding and other organizations – Michigan Supreme Court, be leaders in our community” said Judge Rios. books, soap, lotion, sanitary items, facial cleanser, Crnkovich wrote, “It has been my honor and privilege interested judicial applicants through the selection Michigan State Bar and Legal Services Corporation Minnesota welcomes new women judges to the “Understanding the diversity in our state on many deodorant, toothpaste, mouthwash, toothbrushes, to serve the children and families in Douglas County and appointment process. More than 80 people - partnered to host traveling expungement clinics bench. Hon. Wendy Tien was named Judge on the levels as well as developing an understanding of and underwear (all sizes), please deliver the for Almost 25 years! I am forever grateful for having attended the seminar and numerous students from this summer. Please see more information about this special Executive Branch Court. She replaces Judge the needs of each community will continue to donations to Greater ProVision Christian Church, had such a wonderful opportunity.” Nebraska the University of North Dakota School of Law traveled project elsewhere in this publication. Joanne Turner, who had been serving on the court enrich my growth on the bench. I appreciate 3449 Gorton Road, Shreveport, LA. 71109 or call remains active in its promotion of women. Retired to Bismarck for the event. The program was since 2012. Hon. Jenny Starr has been named Chief learning more about the communities where our (318) 489-7828 to arrange the drop off or pick up of Lancaster County Court Judge Jan Gradwohl was co-sponsored by The Infinity Project, whose mission MentorJet events are scheduled at Wayne State law Administrative Law Judge. Since January 2019 six attorneys grew up and continue to practice.” donated items. women have been appointed to the state court bench inducted into the Grand Island Public Schools Hall of is “to increase the gender diversity of the state and School and Western Michigan University Cooley Law Leadership Kansas includes a rigorous travel and several names remain pending for the Governor’s Honor. Nebraska Supreme Court Justice Stephanie federal bench” in the Eight Circuit. The Women School this fall and at Detroit Mercy Law School in schedule six months out of the year that requires Women in Prison Initiative Book Donations consideration of appointment. Stacy was appointed by the courts as a member of Lawyers Section (WLS) of the State Bar Association the Spring. its participants to visit a different area of the state The district’s Women in Prison Initiative received two the newly created Access to Justice Commission. of North Dakota fostered the programming. By all at least three days out of every month. This year, books donations from the Shreve Memorial Library Minnesota judges continue to mentor within the legal And, Andrea Miller was appointed as a District Judge accounts it was a day filled with valuable information DISTRICT NINE (IA, MO, WI) the group has already traveled to Lawrence, Garden Friends, Inc. The books were presented by the community. We have hosted a variety of bench-to- by Governor Pete Ricketts. on serving the judiciary at the state, federal and DISTRICT DIRECTOR: Hon. Emily Gould Chafa, City, Kansas City, Goodland, and Colby. The organization’s president, Captain Jim Gavin. The first bar gatherings, have opened up our courts to extern tribal level. Iowa Workforce Development, remainder of the program will include trips to set of donations totaled five boxes and was and internships, have held court at high school and Lancaster County Separate Juvenile Court Judge Toni UI Appeals Bureau, Johnston Pittsburg, South Central Kansas, Manhattan, and presented to the Caddo Correctional Center for the law schools, and have committed to one-to-one G. Thorson has announced her retirement. Her last Kansas Email: [email protected] Topeka. Judge Cheryl Rios has served a District female inmates. The second set of books totaled mentorship with students at area law schools. day on the bench is October 16, 2019. In her letter to Kansas continues to move ahead in its Judge in the 3rd Judicial District since 2008. more than 20 boxes. This outreach initiative collects the Chief Justice, Thorson wrote, “It has been an representation of women on the bench. Over the Hon. Emily Chafa agreed to serve as District Director Needless to say, the honor bestowed upon these donations of the following items: paperback books, The annual Tea for Women in Law at was held at honor to work with my colleagues to try to help past two years, 11 women were appointed or elected in February 2019. Hon. Karen Romano, a former four deserving women has shown the quality of soap, lotion, sanitary items, deodorant, toothpaste, Mitchell Hamline School of Law this spring. This Tea children and families experiencing difficult and to office. And when Kansas Chief Judge Lawton Nuss District Nine Director, agreed to serve as the State KWAA membership as a whole. Judge Rios noted, mouthwash, toothbrushes and underwear (all sizes). is a scholarship event as well as a mentoring event. challenging times in their lives.” Thorson served on retires from the Kansas Supreme Court in December, Chair for Iowa. “It’s my hope that with this many women attorneys If anyone is interested in donating the above- Minnesota is seeking contributions to allow our NAWJ the juvenile bench in Lincoln for nearly 30 years. 2019, Justice Marla Luckert will be the second After taking the bench on August 31, 1989, she was in the class of 2019, we will grow the numbers who mentioned items, please deliver the donations to Over the past several months, Judge Emily Chafa and chapter to award a scholarship. Members met with woman to serve as Chief Judge of the Kansas retained in her position by area voters, most recently are invited to participate in the future.” Greater ProVision Christian Church, 3449 Gorton other Iowa NAWJ members informally encouraged women law students and celebrated women in law. Supreme Court. Hon. Rachel L. Pickering was in 2016. Road, Shreveport, LA 71119. If you would like (recruited) new and experienced women judges to appointed to the Third District Court and became the DISTRICT ELEVEN (AR, OK, TX) additional information on the National Association of join NAWJ. Judge Chafa has and will continue to Minnesota courts continue work in promoting reentry third Hispanic woman to the bench in Kansas. Lancaster County Court Judge Holly Parsley is being DISTRICT DIRECTOR: Hon. Brandy Mueller, Women Judges Women in Prison Initiative, contact encourage administrative law judges from Iowa and support for women in prison. An organization meets recognized as the 2019 Distinguished Judge for County Court at Law #6, Austin, Texas Judge Sheva Sims at (318) 673-5878 or by email other states to join NAWJ during annual conferences monthly to discuss obstacles facing women upon At the KWAA 30th Annual conference in June, Kansas Improvement of the Judicial System. Judge Parsley is Email: [email protected] [email protected]. for other professional organizations (NAUIAP, ABA, reentry and the completion of their sentences. A Supreme Court Justice Marla Luckert moderated a being recognized for her leadership serving on the NAALJ). specific effort is underway to establish adequate panel entitled A Judicial Look Back and Taking Steps FALL 2019 59 FALL 2019 60

Outreach to Arkansas benefit incarcerated women has received an bring the wealth of knowledge and experience to volunteer mock trial coaches from the legal equal rights and opportunities for women, and addresses the relationship between two polar Our District 11 membership is still composed almost overwhelming response from the bench in Colorado. continue the honored tradition of the court. The community. “Increasing diversity on the bench is prevent discrimination against them. opposites and modern day legends, Justices Ruth entirely, of judges from Texas. In an effort to recruit NAWJ celebration of Judges Allard, Wollenberg and important to fostering public trust and confidence in Bader Ginsburg and Sandra Day O’Connor. It new members from outside of Texas, next month, NAWJ Colorado Hosted Annual Breakfast at Harbison gave Alaska trial court and appellate court our justice system,” according to Judge Pamela Short Films on the Women’s Suffrage Movement celebrates their friendship, which transcends party, NAWJ will be represented at Arkansas’ statewide Colorado Judicial Conference judges an occasion to enjoy time together and away Washington, chair of the Anchorage program. “Color The Washington State Women’s Commission is religion and culture, and explores the inexplicable annual judicial conference. NAWJ is sponsoring a In September, 2019 NAWJ Colorado hosted the annual from the bench. Chief Judge Marjorie Allard thanked of Justice serves this goal, she says, by affirming for commemorating the 100th anniversary of the 19th bond between the U.S. Supreme Court’s first two wine and cheese reception (with NAWJ info session) NAWJ Breakfast at the Colorado Judicial Conference NAWJ and all of the sisters in the judiciary for the our young women and youth of color that the judiciary Amendment, which granted women the right to vote. female justices as they grapple with matters of on the first evening of the conference. Through the in Vail, Colorado. Approximately 400 judges, honor bestowed upon her and her colleagues. is a career path that is open to them.” We commissioned two short films on the women’s national law and personal belief. efforts of the Arkansas State Chair, co-host Judge magistrates and water referees attend this suffrage movement and the importance of voting. We Stacey Zimmerman, female judges, both active and conference every year and all are welcome to attend. Alaska Court of Appeals Judges Tracey Washington State Excellence in Diversity Award encourage organizations to use the films for Judge Yolanda Orozco Leads Fall Outreach Efforts retired, throughout Arkansas have received an This year, 60 female judicial officers attended. Judge Wollenberg, Chief Judge Marjorie K. Allard, Judge Judge Helen Whitener educational purposes and to spark discussion about to Promote Diversity on the Bench invitation. Anderson reported data concerning the make-up of Bethany S. Harbison (L-R) (l), pictured with the importance of voting. To watch the short films, On September 21, 2019 NAWJ Member Judge Yolanda the Colorado bench. Judge Marilyn Paja visit each link here, The Untold Stories of Black Orozco, Chair of the Los Angeles Superior Court’s A similar event is planned in the spring for the State and Justice Mary Yu, Women in the Suffrage Movement, and here, A Seat Diversity Committee, chaired her Diversity of Oklahoma Judges. On May 3, 2019 Judge Anderson was sworn in as is the recipient of the at the Table; American Women’s Sacred Right to Vote. Committee’s fifth summit on “How to Become A Chief Judge of the 17th Judicial District in CO. She is Washington State Bar Judge”. The new judicial appointments secretary, NAWJ to Partner with Women Lawyer’s the first female chief judge to serve in this district, a Association’s Justice 11th Annual Women’s Conference – Mission Creek Justice Martin Jenkins, Chair of the JNE Commission Association on Color of Justice large metropolitan district with 33 judicial officers Charles Z. Smith Corrections Center and the LACBA Judicial Evaluations Committee spoke NAWJ has again partnered with the Women Lawyer’s and nearly 400 employees. Excellence in Diversity The annual Success Inside and Out conference was along with a panel of three newly appointed judges Association in our Texas capitol city, to put on this Award. Judge Whitener was recognized for her many held October 10 – 11, 2019 with NAWJ Members who discussed their own journeys to becoming a educational presentation and lunch for middle and DISTRICT THIRTEEN (AK, HI, ID, MT, OR, WA) contributions, one of which is for her efforts to bring Judges Lisa Paglisotti, Cathy Moore, Marilyn Paja and judge. high schoolers. COJ will take place in February, as of DISTRICT DIRECTOR: Hon. Pamela Washington, more Color of Justice programs to jurisdictions Janet Garrow (ret) participating. The theme of this Anchorage Color of Justice at Boney Courthouse our planning now. Anchorage District Court, Alaska around Washington State. Due to her efforts, the year’s conference was Keys of Opportunity: Opening In March 2019, the Diversity Committee hosted its Email: [email protected] On October 3-4, 2019, the Alaska Court System Washington State Superior Court Judge’s Association the Doors to Success. third Young Women’s Leadership Conference at the District Award to Honor Judge Julie Kocurek in presented the Color of Justice program to encourage (SCJA) has agreed to fund three programs a year Mosk Courthouse. One hundred fifty (150) high Los Angeles at Annual Conference youth to pursue legal and judicial careers, and bring throughout the State. More information on her award 8th Annual Judicial Officer & Law Student school young women heard presentations from three about a representative diversity across the legal can be found at https://www.youtube.com/ women judges who spoke about their journeys to the District members in attendance at the annual Reception professions. Nearly 80 high school students from watch?v=ySLDrN0c7Vc bench. The young women were also given conference will honor fellow district member, the On November 15th, law students from Gonzaga Anchorage area high schools attended the two days presentations from the District Attorney’s office, the Honorable Judge Julie Kocurek. Judge Kocurek will University School of Law will have the opportunity to of workshops and other activities presented by law Washington Women Lawyers Honor Judges Kristin Public Defender’s office, an LAPD Captain, and the speak at the conference on the topic of judicial meet and mingle with judicial officers from the professors from Gonzaga University School of Law, Richardson and Marilyn Paja head of the Los Angeles Probation Department on security. The district will honor her for the grace, Spokane area, as well as from across the state. The Seattle University School of Law, and University of how to achieve success as women while negotiating courage and commitment she has shown in the wake Judge Kristin event this year is co-hosted by Gonzaga University Washington School of Law. The program is also obstacles and minefields. of an assassination attempt that nearly killed her. Richardson was School of Law, Career Development Services & supported by the Alaska Bar Association and the presented with the Women’s Law Caucus, Washington State NAWJ Anchorage School District. Anchorage area students Fourth Annual Pre-Law Speed Mentoring Judges Getting Crafty Alaska Judges Honored on All-Women Court of Washington Women Members, Washington State Association for Justice are coming from Bartlett, East, and West high Lawyers’ Legacy On September 19, Judges Sylvia Holmes and Maya Gamble are trying Appeals and the Washington State Supreme Court Gender & schools. Award at their annual 2019 the Fourth their hand at making pendants that reflect District’s Alaska women judges from around the state, past Justice Commission. Two scholarships will be banquet on October Annual Pre-Law Speed number “11”. This District 11 accessory will be and present, gathered at the beautiful home of NAWJ awarded. 11th. This award was Mentoring took place disseminated at the annual conference during an Past President, Retired Chief Justice Dana Fabe on created in 2009 to at California State informal meet up at the conference hotel with fellow August 20, 2019, to celebrate the amazing women DISTRICT FOURTEEN (CA, NV) memorialize the inspiring and valuable personal and University, District 11 members. judges on the state’s Court of Appeals. It is the first DISTRICT DIRECTOR: Hon. Hon. Elizabeth White, professional legacies within the organization and its Bakersfield. NAWJ time in its history that all three seats on the appeals Superior Court of California, Los Angeles County court are filled by women. Judge Marjorie K. Allard, a founding and key sustaining members. Judge Member Judge Sharon DISTRICT TWELVE (AZ, CO, NM, UT, WY) Richardson previously served as President the WWL Mettler (pictured in graduate of Yale Law School, was appointed to the District 14 is pleased to announce 87 new members DISTRICT DIRECTOR: Hon. Emily Anderson, Foundation Board of Directors. photo) and Dr. Jeanine Kraybill, Assistant Professor court in November 2012, and was the first woman to joined NAWJ this year. We are thrilled to have an Adams County District Court, Colorado and Pre-Law Program Director at the University serve on the court since it was founded in 1980. active group carrying out NAWJ’s mission of diversity Email: [email protected] Color of Justice sessions included “MentorJet: A Judge Marilyn Paja was presented with the Chief organized a program that brought attorneys and Tracey Wollenberg, a 2005 graduate of Columbia Law Speed Mentoring Experience,” where students got the and inclusion. School, was appointed February 2017, and Judge Justice Mary Fairhurst Passing the Torch Award. This judges from across Kern County, California to share Donations for Storybook Project for the Women’s chance to meet with diverse lawyers, judges and award, recently re-named after former WWL their experiences in the legal field, as well as Bethany Harbison, a 1993 graduate of Harvard Law NAWJ Attends “Sisters in Law” Premier Correctional Facility justices, including NAWJ members, Alaska Supreme President and NAWJ member, Chief Justice Fairhurst, important education, career, and professional advice School, was appointed November 2018. Judge Court Justice Susan Carney, and Anchorage District NAWJ Members from the Los Angeles Superior Court In December, 2019 in Colorado, NAWJ members, and Harbison, the newest addition to the appeals court, is presented annually to an individual who has gone to aspiring attorneys in CSUB’s pre-law program. numerous other judges and magistrates ranging from Court Judges Pamela Washington, Kari McCrea and above and beyond in mentoring women lawyers, attended the West Coast Premiere of the play Sisters This event is supported by local law firms, members served as a trial court judge for 13 years before her Jo-Ann Chung. “Constitutional Cranium,” a quiz show in Law by Jonathan Shapiro on September 29. The County Court to the Supreme Court, will again seek appointment. All three judges are active members of making a difference, and “passing the torch” to of CSUB’s Pre-Law Advisory Committee, and NAWJ. donations of 100’s of new and gently used books to on constitutional knowledge hosted by Professor others in a way that supports the WWL Mission timing is fortuitous as Mr. Shapiro, along with Justice Mentees and graduates of the program are currently NAWJ!! The Alaska Court of Appeals is nationally Christian Halliburton with Seattle University School Judy McConnell, will be speaking at the Annual be used in the Storybook Project for the Women’s recognized for its juris prudence and all three judges Statement. This mission is to further the full attending UC Hasting College of Law, Thomas Correctional Facility. This NAWJ book drives to of Law, and Mock Trial took advantage of the many integration of women in the legal profession, promote Conference on Staging Law Stories. The play Jefferson School of Law, McGeorge School of Law, FALL 2019 61 FALL 2019 62

California Western School of Law, and Santa Clara physical and mental well-being. presented at the Judicial California Judges University School of Law, to name a few. Division Awards Luncheon Association (CJA) by the NAWJ President Tamila Ipema was on hand to greet Friday, August 9, 2019 group’s Executive Board. NAWJ Members Speak on Racial Reconciliation the women, and the audience was also treated to during the ABA’s Annual She will serve a one-year Panel remarks by both the Presiding and Assistant Meeting in San Francisco. term beginning October

Presiding Judges of San Diego County, Peter Deddeh The ABA shares: “When 13, 2019. Judge and Lorna Alksne, and District Attorney Summer the #METOO issue hit the Schumann was Stephan. Comments from this group made the judiciary, McKeown was appointed to the Orange women realize the importance of this event in our appointed to lead the Ninth Circuit Task Force on the County Superior Court in group sessions. The half-day program included a community and how all of us are collectively rooting Workplace. U.S. Chief Justice John Roberts later 1979. She has served on Family, Civil, and Criminal mock closing argument, an interactive discussion for them to succeed. Each woman also received a named her to the national Workplace Environment assignments, and is currently sitting on assignment. with students on whether youth should be treated toiletry bag with items donated by L’Oréal Paris. Working Group. “Under her leadership,” Llewelyn G. She graduated from Boalt Hall, University of importance of an independent judiciary. Justice differently than adults, a Judge’s panel discussion on Pritchard of the Seattle-area firm of Helsell California, Berkeley. After graduating, she was in McConnell showed two videos on the Informed Voter their path to the legal profession and bench, and Hon. Judith C. Chirlin Speaks on Judicial Fetterman wrote, “the Ninth Circuit is now recognized private practice with Nossaman, Kruegar, Marsh & Project that captured the students’ interest. NAWJ small group meetings led by practicing attorneys. Responsibility at The Vatican as a pioneer on a number of key changes in the Riordan then with the Orange County Counsel’s President Ipema and San Diego Superior Court A Racial Reconciliation Forum took place on June 19, judicial workplace.” She is nationally recognized for Office. Judge Nomoto Schumann was on the Judicial 2019, where NAWJ and Contra Costa County Superior The San Francisco Color of Justice was started in her work on gender issues, judicial ethics and Council, Chair of the CJA Ethics Committee, and Past Court Judge Anita Santos (former NAWJ Vice 2004 by Judge Charlene Padovani Kiesselbach, as the international rule of law. She was instrumental in President of the American Judges Association. She is President of Publications), Contra Costa County first such program in California. In 2012 it received creating a program to inform the public about court currently the Secretary-Treasurer for the California Judge Benjamin Reyes, II, NAWJ former President and the Public Service Award by the National Conference rulings, and the use of electronic media alerts on the Judges Association. Contra Costa County elected D.A. Diana Becton, of Women’s Bar Associations. The program is jointly federal courts. Judge McKeown chairs the board of Contra Costa County elected P.D. Robin Lepetzky, and sponsored by NAWJ, California Women Lawyer’s, and the ABA Rule of Law Initiative and previously chaired San Diego Law Library Recognizes NAWJ Members Queen’s Bench. The generous support of these two local attorneys: Robin Pearson (corporate and the Latin America Council. Heather L. Rosing, Esq. and Renee Stackhouse, organizations makes it possible for this program to Esq. business litigation) and Philip Anderson (insurance be presented each year to high school students in the 2019 Margaret Brent Achievement Award litigation) spoke. The event was sponsored by the San Francisco area. Today, the program is Co-Chaired The San Diego Law Contra Costa County Bar Association Diversity by Judges Kiesselbach and Bolanos, proud members Justice Judith Library Foundation will Committee, and was organized and moderated by Ms. Judge Judith Chirlin (Ret.) was part of a delegation McConnell, one of the honored NAWJ of NAWJ and District 14. The other members of the Presiding Judge Peter Deddeh were on hand to Qiana Washington, Esq. The event was at John F. from the National Association of Women Judges at a original 100 founding members at its 2019 Steering Committee are: Drucilla Stender Ramey; welcome the students and serve with a group of Kennedy Law School in Walnut Creek, and had “Pan-American Judges Summit on Social Rights and mothers and a former Witkin Award Kelly Robbins, Robbins Family Law; Eliza Rodrigues, fifteen judicial mentors. This program was approximately 80 attendees. Franciscan Doctrine” at the Pontifical Academy of president of the ceremony on October Attorney at Law; and Alice Purdy, Flicker, Kerin, coordinated with Palomar College’s “The Pathway to Social Sciences at the Vatican. She spoke on “Judicial National Association 17, 2019 at Tom Ham’s Kruger & Bissada. Law” program that aims to create a clear pathway to San Francisco Color of Justice Program Responsibility in Systems Governed by the Rule of of Women Judges, and Lighthouse in San California’s top law schools for traditionally Fourth Annual Success Inside and Out Law.” One highlight at the end of the Summit Ms. Kelly M. Dermody, Diego, CA. Attorney underrepresented students. Workshops occurred when Pope Francis addressed them and former co-chair and Heather L. Rosing will then greeted each of them individually. current member of receive the Law NAWJ’s Resource Library’s Excellence in NAWJ San Diego Holds Court-Clergy Conference Judge Holly Fujie Honored by Berkeley Law with Board have been Public Service Award. On May 2, 2019, the San Diego County Superior Court Citation Award named as 2019 Attorney Renee presented its Third Biennial Court-Clergy Conference On June 13, 2019, Judge recipients of the Stackhouse will be at the Hall of Justice in downtown San Diego. NAWJ Holly Fujie received the Margaret Brent honored for her member and the Co-Chair of the NAWJ Ethics U.C. Berkeley School of Women Lawyers of “Excellence as a Committee, Judge Laura Halgren chaired this Law Citation Award – Achievement Award. Community amazing conference that has made a huge difference NAWJ San Diego held workshops inmates for the the highest award given Each year, this award Changemaker.” in the San Diego Community. Eighty-four clergy fourth year this past August lead by NAWJ members by the law school. The honors up to five members attended, representing a wide variety of award was presented by outstanding women faiths, including Buddhist, Christian Science, The San Francisco Color of Justice Program, chaired Commissioner Terrie Roberts and Attorney Nadia NAWJ Collaborates with Palomar College to Keilani. Along with inspiration and instructions on Dean Erwin lawyers who have achieved professional excellence Highlight Pathways to Law Catholic, Islam, Jewish, Pentecostal, Protestant, by San Francisco Superior Court Judge Charlene non-denominational and many others. Thirty-one how to get out of bad relationships, reconnect with Chemerinsky who will be speaking at the Los Angeles within their area of specialty and have actively paved On April 12, 2019, NAWJ members Commissioner Padovani Kiesselbach, was held on April 23, judges and commissioners from San Diego County 2019. Students attended from Balboa High School, a children, or fix their credit, the day also brought much Conference on October 18. the way to success for other women lawyers. These Pennie McLaughlin and Judge Michael Washington Superior Court participated, either as speakers or public high school in San Francisco, and from Holy needed information on available services to a few women demonstrate excellence in a variety of rolled out a new event for NAWJ that combines civic lunchtime table discussion leaders. Names High School, an all-girls private high school in hundred female inmates at the Las Colinas Detention Judge M. Margaret Mckeown Receives ABA’s professional settings and personify excellence on education elements found in our Informed Voter-Fair Oakland serving many disadvantaged youth. This and Re-entry Facility. An added workshop entitled 2019 John Marshall Award either the national, regional or local level. Judges Project with real-world knowledge from the half-day program exposed the students to “Healthy Obsessions” was led by NAWJ Projects Chair The American Bar Association (ABA)’s Judicial unique perspective of judges in a mentoring segment The Honorable Teresa Guererro-Daley demonstrations by attorneys practicing their skills Commissioner Pennie McLaughlin. Commissioner Division and Standing Committee honored NAWJ Hon. Tam Nomoto Schumann Elected President of composed of small groups of five students per In April, longtime NAWJ member Teresa Guerrero- and candid discussions by judges and lawyers about McLaughlin teamed up with the jail’s popular Captain member and U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth the California Judges Association judge. Justice Judith McConnell, one of NAWJ’s Daley passed away, she joined NAWJ in 2011 and their path to a career in the law, as well as an Madsen to teach women how to eat healthy on a Circuit Judge, the Honorable M. Margaret McKeown, Retired Judge Tam Nomoto Schumann of the Orange founding members, spoke to the large group of served on several committees including Judicial opportunity to talk informally with lawyers in small budget, and form an exercise routine for both with the John Marshall Award. The award will be Superior Court was elected President of the college students from Palomar College about the Exchanges, International Courts and Domestic FALL 2019 63 FALL 2019 64

Violence. Judge Guerrero attending the Biennial Conference, the regional MENA (Europe, Middle East and North Africa) region; was a pioneer in becoming meeting is a time to meet or get reacquainted with our 1947 in the Latin America and the Caribbean region; LANDMARK SPONSORS the first Canadian Judges. One of the many benefits of NAWJ and 1451 in the North America region. independent auditor of the membership is that dues automatically provide JAMS Sullivan & Cromwell LLP San Jose Police membership in IAWJ. The Biennial Conference dates NAWJ’s international outreach with the NAWJ/Fordham Robert Kaufman Thomson Reuters Department, leading the are May 7 - 10, 2020. Early bird registration is now Law School collaboration is now in its second year new office from open through January 2020 and more information can with New York Judges Tanya R. Kennedy; Kathy King; Lieff, Cabraser, Heimann & Bernstein, LLP United Automobile Insurance Company 1993-2005. NAWJ be found at iawj2020auckland.com. The conference Mimi Tsankov; Abena Darkeh; Marcy L. Kahn; Ellen Orrick, Herrington & Sutcliffe LLP White & Case LLP Secretary Judge Elizabeth K. Lee, who sits on a will bring judges from around the world for an opening Gesmer; and Debra James volunteering to meet with California Superior Court jurisdiction (San Mateo reception followed by three days of sessions on a international students and Visiting Scholars in their County) bordering the Santa Clara County jurisdiction variety of topics. The conference theme is“Celebrating courtrooms. Professor Toni-Jaeger-Fine, Assistant Judge Guerrero-Daley served, remembers Judge Diversity” with three sub streams: indigenous issues, Dean for International and Non-J.D. programs at Guerrero-Daley as “a wonderful judge, a human rights, and diversity in the courts. Fordham serves as the coordinator of the program. compassionate colleague, and inspirational leader who did so much for the community.” We are excited to welcome our colleagues from around This will be my last annual report, but I look forward to the world: approximately 34 International judges continuing our work to further our collective mission to On August 11, 2019, NAWJ member Judge Marguerite D. representing 17 countries. Represented this year are promote access to the courts and to advance women’s Downing traveled to Huddersfield, England to judges from Armenia (3); Costa Rico (1); Democratic rights to equal justice by eliminating gender bias from participate at the International Coalition for Children Republic of the Congo (1); Georgia (1); Ghana (2); judicial systems, and by educating the judiciary about with Incarcerated Parents (INCCIP). The INCCIP was Grenada (1); Kyrgyzstan (1); Liberia (2); Mali (2); human rights and the role of the judiciary in protecting created as a coalition of families, researchers and Moldova (1); Morocco (5 including IAWJ Secretary/ the rights of women. I am confident Judge Lisa Walsh community organizations to address the impact of Treasurer, Judge Mina Sougrati); Niger (1); North will represent us well when she begins her term as parental imprisonment from a global perspective and Macedonia (1); Peru (1); Phillipines (5); Saint Lucia (1); North American Delegate in New Zealand and I look to create a worldwide network. The first conference of Thailand (4). The scholarships continue to be funded forward to being a resource as needed. My heartfelt the network was successfully held in 2017 in New by the U. S. Department of State’s INL/CAP office in thanks to President Judge Tamila Ipema and the Past Zealand. At this second conference, Judge Downing Washington, DC or the INL offices in U.S. Embassies Presidents and boards who have worked tirelessly along with two Children Law Center attorneys, Brenda around the world. Special thanks to Shibani Malhotra during my tenure. Best wishes to our incoming Robinson, and Phyllis Stricklan presented a program on from the INL who continues to be instrumental in President Judge Bernadette D’Sousa who I am CONTRIBUTORS BENCH eliminating barriers to reunification and best practices securing the scholarships and to Judge Judith Chirlin confident will carry on the tradition of fierce leaders for practitioners working with incarcerated parents. for her long-standing work on the International making a difference. Judge Downing chairs an Incarcerated Parents Working Outreach Committee. There are several programs at Group in Los Angeles County, a first of its kind, which this year’s conference geared toward the international Judge Claudia Caputi speaks on Judicial seeks to eliminate barriers and provide services to judges. All board members are invited to attend the Decision-making with a Gender Perspective in Marilyn Aboussie Toni Clarke Graciela L. Freixes Marcella Holland incarcerated parents to assist in providing better International Judges Welcome Reception and the Argentina Nancy A. Baker Carol Codrington Rebecca Rankin Freyre Janice W. Howe outcomes for their children in foster care. International/National Ethics Roundtable, which Judge Judge Claudia Caputi, an NAWJ member in Argentina, Adebukunola Adeoti Banjoko Isabel R. Cohen Deborah Garza Patricia Hurst Judith Chirlin and I facilitate. spoke about “Judicial Decision-Making with a Gender Rosemary Barkett Barbara B. Comerford Marian Gaston Tamila E. Ipema INTERNATIONAL NEWS Perspective” in a special activity within the “Course Mary Hotard Becnel Pamela Dashiell Jennifer Gee Debra A. James Since the 2018 Annual Conference in San Antonio, the INTERNATIONAL DIRECTOR: Hon. Lisette Shirdan- for the Judiciary” organized by the Judicial Education The Benevity Community Impact Martha Daughtrey Terrie M. Gent Barbara Jones Harris, Philadelphia Court of Common Pleas, IAWJ board met in New York in March in conjunction and Training Center at the Supreme Court of Justice of Pennsylvania with the Commission on the Status of Women (CSW) the Province of Santa Fe, in the City of Santa Fe, Fund Cindy Davis Victoria L. Ghartey Beth S. Jordan Email: [email protected] activities with participation in several sessions. I am Argentina, on Friday, August 2nd, 2019. In her lecture, Anna Blackburne-Rigsby Linda K. Davis Rosemary Grdina Gold Marcy Kahn just returning from the IAWJ board meeting held in Fez, Professor Caputi analyzed several court decisions, Tanya Monique Jones Bosier Judith G. Dein Greater Cincinnati Foundation Kenly Kiya Kato As we begin another membership year, I will be Morocco at the invitation of the Chief Justice of showing how to focus on cases and reason under a Ann Walsh Bradley Lourdes Rodriguez DeJongh George Gabe Fund Tanya Kennedy Morocco. The board meeting was held in conjunction transitioning from my four amazing years as our NAWJ gender perspective, and also how to better rule with Delores Scott Brathwaite Delaney McKinney LLP Marilyn C. Goss Leila Kern International Director and U.S. North American with a meeting of representatives from African this approach. Delegate to the IAWJ board. My term will end in May countries on the status and challenges facing women Bobbe J. Bridge Herbert Dixon Mary Ann Grilli Gladys Kessler 2020 at the IAWJ Biennial in Auckland, New Zealand. in the judiciary. Thanks to Judge Mina Sougrati for Ann Butchart Karen Donohue Laura Whitcomb Halgren Kathy King At that time, our NAWJ-US Association will nominate handling all of the arrangements and hosting the California Women Lawyers Mary Ann Driscoll Sophia Hall Conrad Klein and vote on my successor, NAWJ Past President Judge board in Morocco. The time in Morocco also gave the M. Claudia Caputi Bernadette D’Souza Pamela Harwood Judith Kline board a preview of our 2022 Biennial conference which Lisa Walsh, to fill my seat on the IAWJ board and Marjorie Laird Carter Fernande Duffly Donna Nelson Heller Sherrie Krauser assume her duties as NAWJ International Director. The will be held in Marrekesh. IAWJ election takes place at our biennial North Cecilia Castellanos Angela Eaves Mary E. Henry Barbara Lane American regional meeting where we hold a joint IAWJ continues to grow with close to 6,000 active Emily Chafa Adelaide Edelson Emily Clark Hewitt Cindy S. Lederman meeting with our North American counterpart, The members in more than 100 countries represented by Linda Chew Cenceria Edwards Joyce D. Hinrichs Elizabeth Lee Canadian Chapter of the IAWJ (ISWJCC) who will also 52 associations. There are 795 members in the Africa Judith Chirlin Dana Fabe Marcia Hirsch Barbara Levenson region; 1,314 in the Asia Pacific region; 412 in the vote on their Delegate to the IAWJ board. For those Joan Churchill Carol Feinman Hispanic Bar Association Joy Cossich Lobrano FALL 2019 65 FALL 2019 66

Jennifer Long New Jersey Women Lawyers Sandra Roper Brian Strong Louisiana Supreme Court Association Ellen F. Rosenblum Deborah Sundquist Patricia Lynch Theresa A. Nolan Paula Rosenstein Theresa Timlin Barbara Madsen Lori A. Oesterreich Heather Rosing Wavny Toussaint Melvin Marmer Eliza Ovrom Anita Santos Randa Trapp Susan Finlay Marrinan Arline Pacht Kitty Schild Aleta Trauger Bobbie McCartney Pacific America Lawyers Mary M. Schroeder Travers Family Foundation Judith McConnell Association of New Jersey Schwab Charitable Jaya Vasandani Tracy McCormack Marilyn Paja Miriam Shearing Carmen Velaquez Barbara McDermott Heidi Pasichow Shahram Shekib Zorraine M. Waguespack Pennie McLaughlin Arlene Marie Asencio Perkkio Lisette Shirdan-Harris Lisa Walsh Susan Moiseev Connie Pillich Nan Shuker Julia Weatherly Maria Monroe-DeVita Sheila Pokras Bea Ann Smith Barbara Wecker Daryl L. Moore Sheila Prell Geraldine Sparrow Bonnie Wheaton Cindy Morris Jill Pryor Margret Spencer Elizabeth White Linda S. Murnane Judith Resnik Stackhouse APC Cathy Winter-Palmer Brenda Murray Rosalyn Richter Elizabeth Starrs Rebecca Wiseman Orlinda Naranjo Diane Ritchie Leslie Stein Sue Yang Amy L. Nechtem Ronique Robinson Nancy Stock Valerie Yarashus Network For Good K. A. Romano Stanley Stoklosa

CONFERENCES

NAWJ annually holds midyear and annual conference to conduct association business, present education programs, recognize accomplishments, and strengthen our social bonds. The following list includes donations made to the National Association of Women Judges by individual, companies and organizations for midyear activities and annual conferences held since May 1, 2018.

2019 ANNUAL CONFERENCE PREMIER SPONSORS BRONZE SPONSORS SUPPORTERS Steptoe & Johnson ABOTA, Los Angeles American Constitution Society Robert Kaufman ADR Services, Inc. Arias Sanguinetti Wang & Torrijos, LLP Scheper Kim & Harris LLP GOLD SPONSORS Browne George Ross LLP Ballard Rosenberg Golper & Savitt, LLP Taylor DeMarco LLP Paul Hastings CourtCall LLC Cochran, Davis & Associates, P.C. Thomson Reuters Mayer Brown Girardi | Keese Executive Presentations Yoka & Smith LLP Shegerian & Associates Glaser Weil First Choice Bank Greene, Broillet & Wheeler, LLP Jones Day CONTRIBUTORS PALLADIUM SPONSORS Greines, Martin, Stein & Richland LLP Nelson & Fraenkel LLP Daily Journal Shernoff Bidart Echeverria LLP JAMS The Greenberg Foundation/Susan Fornos Law Firm Signature Resolution Judicate West Steinshauser Law Offices of William D. Shapiro Kjar, McKenna & Stockalper Chapman, Glucksman, Dean, Roeb Reback, McAndrews & Blessey, LLP SILVER SPONSORS Loyola University Law School & Barger Mike Wippler, Dykema Panish Shea & Boyle LLP Arnold & Porter LLP Skechers Foundation Virginia C. Nelson Munger, Tolles & Olson LLP University of San Diego School of Law Phillips Jessner LLP Polsinelli Robbie & Matthai 1001 Connecticut Avenue, NW, Suite 1138 Washington, D.C. 20036 Phone: 202 393 0222 Fax: 202 393 0125 E-mail: [email protected] Web: www.nawj.org