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THE NEW YORK
BAR FOUNDATION

Committee on Women in the Law Home

Welcome!

The Committee on Women in the Law invites you to browse this web page for information to help you manage your busy life, family and your daily practice of law. One of our primary goals is to assist women in the resolution of issues that constantly face women, including gender bias, pay equity, the struggle to build a career and reputation in the legal community, the challenge to find skilled child care and to juggle family issues. The quality of life issue has become increasingly important as the profession continues to grow with strong competent women who are continually performing a balancing act with life and work.

The Committee remains committed to supporting women in the law and we welcome your input and participation on issues that are important to you and the legal profession. If you have any comments or suggestions, please contact the Chair of the Committee on Women in the Law, Taa Grays, at tgrays@metlife.com

NEW! The National Association of Women Lawyers has recently announced their Student Mentorship Program, that will pair experienced lawyers from their membership with law students who are eager to learn. For more information you may contact Dr. Stacie Strong at 312-988-6186 or go to their Web site at www.nawl.org

About the Committee on Women in the Law

MISSION: Established in 1986, the Committee on Women in the Law is charged with the responsibility of identifying, studying and making recommendations to address gender bias and law-related issues affecting women. The Committee proposes legislation; the adoption and implementation of policy by the Executive Committee and House of Delegates of the New York State Bar Association; and other actions to ensure the fair treatment of women under law and the full participation of women in the administration of justice and as equal members of the legal community. The Committee is a standing committee of the Association as designated by the House of Delegates in 1989.

SCOPE OF ACTIVITIES: The Committee conducts studies and develops recommendations; comments on and proposes legislation; drafts model policies on women’s issues; presents educational programs and publications; and coordinates its work with other Committees and Sections of the Association as well as other organizations addressing gender-related legal issues.

PROJECTS: The following illustrate recent projects of the Committee: Gender Equity Study (2002/2003); Endorsement of state legislation to adopt state Equal Rights Amendment (Summer 2005); Review/endorsement of state legislation to extend statute of limitations in rape cases (Summer 2006); Review/endorsement of legislation to address human trafficking (Summer 2006).

EDUCATIONAL PROGRAMS: The Committee has presented educational forums on gender concerns; sexual harassment in the profession; balancing professional and family responsibilities; career development beyond partnerships; women in politics; seeking service on the bench; and breast cancer. Additionally, the Committee presents forums for women law students on career issues and opportunities.

AWARDS: To provide recognition for exemplary achievement by a male or female member of the Association in addressing the concerns of women, an Association award was established in honor of the Committee's first Chair, Ruth G. Schapiro. The annual award was proposed and is administered by the Committee. The first recipient of this award in 1992 was The Honorable Judith S. Kaye, other recent recipients have included: Denise E. O’Donnell, Commissioner of the NYS Department of Criminal Justice, Albany; Catherine J. Douglass, Executive Director of inMotion, NYC; and Professor Rhonda Copelon, CUNY School of Law, NYC.

To honor women in the profession who recognize the value of diversity in the legal profession and have dedicated their time to advancing the professional development of women attorneys, the Committee has established the Kay Crawford Murray Award. Future recipients will posses the following characteristics: A distinguished legal career or a rising star in the profession; An active member of bar associations for the purpose of advancing the professional and personal development of women attorneys; An active mentor to women attorneys.

ASSOCIATION RESOURCE: Working with other Committees and Sections, the Committee is a resource to facilitate active involvement of women in the NYSBA. The Committee issues reports on participation levels of women in Association activities to assist Association, Section and Committee leaders in advancing opportunities for involvement of women.

COMMITTEE PROCEDURES: The Executive Council of the Committee, consisting of Chair, Vice-Chair, Secretary, Treasurer, Public Relations Coordinator, Programs Coordinator and Policy/Projects Coordinator, meets monthly by conference call. Diversity is sought in composition in regard to gender, race, geographic location, fields of practice, and other aspects.

The Committee establishes subcommittees to address particular issues. Currently, subcommittees include the Annual Meeting Program;Awards; Best Practices in the Legal Profession; Legislation; Women on the Move; and Membership. Subcommittees generally convene by conference call. Committee members are surveyed concerning their areas of interest, and for their recommendations of issues and activities that should be considered.

FOR MORE INFORMATION: Please contact Sebrina Barrett or Tara Messenger, Committee on Women in the Law, NYSBA, One Elk Street, Albany, NY 12207; 518-463-3200.

Award Winners Selected!

The Committee on Women in the Law is pleased to announce that Karen DeCrow, Esq. has been selected as the winner of the 2008 Ruth G. Schapiro Memorial Award. Association President, Bernice K. Leber will make the presentation of the award at the January 30, 2009 House of Delegates meeting at the New York Marriott Marquis. Ms. DeCrow has given not just considerable intellectual and organization talents, but her whole self to the enhancement of human rights, generally, and women’s rights, specifically. For nearly 50, years Ms. DeCrow has devoted countless hours to the promotion of gender equity, and her efforts have helped to make a tremendous impact on civil liberties, especially on issues of importance to women. Her continued presence in the legal profession and ongoing dedication to educating others on the challenges faced by women in law, particularly, have strengthened the committee’s confidence that Ms. DeCrow is deserving of this prestigious award.

The Committee on Women in the Law is pleased to announce that Ms. Marissa C. Wesely has been selected to receive the 2009 Kay Crawford Murray Award. The award will be presented to Ms. Wesely at the January 27, 2009 luncheon in her honor as part of the Association's Annual Meeting. Ms. Wesely was selected for her distinguished legal career and substantial contributions to increasing the value of diversity in the legal profession and toward advancing the professional and personal development of women attorneys.

Gender Equity Task Force

As a result of a 2002 survey, the Committee on Women in the Law produced a report, GENDER EQUITY IN THE LEGAL PROFESSION - A Survey, Observations and Recommendations. The Committee was charged with examining and seeking action on gender concerns affecting women in society and in the profession. The project was intended to assist NYSBA in addressing the needs and interest of its membership.

To see a PDF copy of the 2002 Gender Equity Report, click here. As a result of that report, the Gender Equity Task Force was created. The Task Force recently produced a self audit for law firms that included a list of best practices. To see a copy of the Self Audit of Gender Equity in the Workplace, click here.