January 2018 Newsletter

I n the midst of trying to balance the pressures of our busy personal and professional lives, let us pause for a moment to think about civility, and what it means to us, as women, personally and professionally.

Retired Supreme Court Justice Sandra Day O'Connor profoundly, albeit simply, gave us her thoughts on civility when she stated, "Unfortunately civility is hard to codify or legislate, but you know it when you see it. It's possible to disagree without being disagreeable."

As a teenager, George Washington, who went on be become the first President of the United States of America, wrote out by hand 110 "Rules of Civility," which maxims originated in the 16th century in France. Civility has been a popular discourse in the legal and political arenas for many centuries. Its importance in influencing the achievements we as women have made in all realms of our lives cannot be over-estimated.

We all know what it feels like to be treated with civility by others. We feel good. We feel valued and respected. We flourish.

When incivility by others is unleashed on us, we experience negative stress which can adversely affect our mental and physical health. We feel belittled and disrespected. We are frozen in the line of the fire of incivility. If you find yourself displaying even a miniscule amount of incivility to another, Stop It, Own It, and FIX IT!!

"Bullying" has reared its ugly head in our society and we need to teach our children to embrace civility to combat bullying.

Let us also remember how we feel when we treat others with civility. Treating people from all walks of life, political or non-political, personal or professional, with respect and civility makes us stand a bit taller with pride and self-respect.

So, in closing, let us all work together to eradicate the incivility venom in our lives at all times, and at all costs. The current political arena in many parts of the world is bereft of civility and kindness on several levels. I strongly believe that we, as women in law and women in politics, can be a powerful weapon in the fight against incivility. Be mindful of your words and actions. Be powerfully positive.

In Memoriam: Carol Copsey

by Nancy Newman, NCWBA President, 2001-2002

O n December 3, 2017, former NCWBA board member Carol Copsey passed away in San Francisco. Carol was a dynamic and beloved women's bar leader, and she lived a life of friendship, activism, and love. Before graduating from McGeorge School of Law in 1983, she was a ballet dancer in New York City, and worked at Ms. Magazine with Gloria Steinem. She was a successful employment lawyer, starting her career at Pillsbury Winthrop and ending at Gordon & Rees. She worked tirelessly to promote women's rights in the law and society, energizing committees with her sharp mind and good humor, earning leadership positions. She was president of the San Francisco Women Lawyers Alliance, and then rose to become president of California Women Lawyers (CWL) in 2000-2001. As president of CWL, she spearheaded the Rose Bird Memorial Award, and encouraged activism on legislative policy to protect choice and advance equal opportunity.

Carol was a feminist, a humanist, a dog mom, and an effective force for equality, and kindness, in the world. Her life was celebrated on January 6, 2018, with an overflow crowd of family, friends, dog lovers, lawyers, and women's bar leaders, past and present. She will be missed, but never forgotten.

It's Time to Renew Your NCWBA Dues

Our membership year runs with the calendar year, which means that this is the right time to send in your organization's membership dues for 2018. Dues for 2018 have not increased, and are based on your organization's membership numbers. We rely on your membership dues and active participation in order to strengthen women's bar groups throughout North America. Click here to download a membership form to send in with your dues check. If you prefer to pay by debit or credit card, click here . Questions? Ask us.

Association for Women Lawyers

Women Judges' Night

In the early 1970s, there were few women lawyers practicing in Milwaukee, Wisconsin--perhaps 25 to 30 in total. A group of them came together to form what is now the Association for Women Lawyers. They held regular meetings for a few years, but then became inactive. In 1981, a few remaining members discussed their sense of loss over the apparent demise, and the $300 which remained in the treasury. They decided to spend those last dollars sponsoring an event, which was called: "Women Judges' Night." Wisconsin Supreme Court Justice Shirley Abrahamson was the keynote speaker and over 100 women attorneys attended.

The organization was revitalized and the event has been held every year since. This year's 38th Annual Women Judges' Night on February 27 will include approximately 300 attendees. The keynote speaker will be Wisconsin Supreme Court Chief Justice Patience D. Roggensack. The event is supported by two dozen sponsors and raises approximately $10,000 each year for scholarships for female law students.

Planning is done by the event chair and the paid Administrator. A small committee handles the sponsor outreach efforts. Law students help out staffing the event in exchange for free attendance. If you would like more information about this signature event, contact Administrator Dana Robb.

NAWL Meeting in South Beach

The National Conference of Women's Bar Associations is a partnering organization of the National Association of Women Lawyers' 2018 Midyear Meeting in South Beach, held February 28 through March 2, 2018 at the W Hotel in South Beach, Miami. Members of member organizations of the NCWBA receive a 10% discount on registration. To register, please click here and use the code MYMNCWBA2018 to get the discount.

This comprehensive program will offer both professional development opportunities and skills training to help women in all fields of legal practice to thrive in their careers. Attendees will have the opportunity to shape the future of NAWL and the legal profession, and to honor leading lawyers and business leaders who have made a significant impact on improving and diversifying the field. NAWL's 2018 honorees include:

Leadership Award - to Marlene Gordon, Vice President, General Counsel, North America, Bacardi U.S.A., Inc.
Challenge Award - to Brightstar Corp.
Public Service Award - to Hon. Patricia Seitz, Senior Judge, United States District Court for the Southern District of Florida

Registration is open to NAWL members and non-members. Scholarships are available for attorneys who wish to attend, but may not be able to do so due to cost considerations.

For additional information about NAWL and the 2018 Midyear Meeting, click here.

Ms. JD's 10th Annual Conference

Ms. JD is hosting their 10th Annual Conference on Women in Law on March 9 at the University of California, Los Angeles, School of Law. An honors reception on March 8 will kick off the conference. For more information, click here.

Looking Ahead to March

How will your women's bar group celebrate Women's History Month--March? The 2018 theme is Nevertheless, She Persisted: Honoring Women Who Fight All Forms of Discrimination Against Women. For ideas and resources go to the National Women's History Project website. For specific information about the history of women lawyers and women's bar organizations, click here. And remember, International Women's Day is Thursday, March 8.

Are You on the NCWBA Listserv?

Are you a member of the NCWBA listserv? The listserv is an interactive resource for lawyer referrals and listings for unique jobs for lawyers and law faculty. It is a place to share questions about best practices for women's bar associations and announcements of possible interest to you and members of your associations. To join the NCWBA@yahoogroups.com list, send an email to Diane stating your name, interest in joining the list, and your affiliation with a women's bar association. You'll receive an automated invitation. When you click on "join mailing list," your list membership will be complete. Questions? Email us.

Women's Bar Leadership Summit

Chicago--August 2 and 3

Plan to be in Chicago for the annual Women's Bar Leadership Summit. This year's theme is Sparking a "Change" Reaction. On Thursday afternoon, August 2, we will begin with a GOOD Guys presentation, followed by a reception and screening of the film Dream, Girl. On Friday, August 3, we will have a full day of programs and opportunities to connect with other women bar leaders. Our morning keynote speaker will be Dr. Arin Reeves, of Nextions, whose understanding of sometimes complex data and trends in the legal profession always leads us to new insights. Our Awards Luncheon this year will be at the legendary Chicago restaurant, Harry Caray's. In addition to honoring the inspirational work of our award-winning member organizations, we will hear from Fatima Goss Graves, President and CEO of the National Women's Law Center. We'll have more details soon, but for now, mark your calendar!

Arin Reeves, PhD

Fatima Goss Graves

National Conference of Women's Bar Associations | info@ncwba.org | http://www.ncwba.org
PO Box 82366
Portland, OR 97282

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