New York Women's Bar Association

Please join us for the 2021 Virtual Annual Awards & Installation Ceremony! RSVP here: http://ow.ly/7Ts950EOPwL

Register now for JALBCA’s Virtual Gala on May 25, 2021: http://ow.ly/iNbF50EKeT2

Please support the NYWBA Foundation by joining us for a series of private Zoom art museum tours: RSVP for the May 13th tour: https://www.nywba.org//spring-art-tour-the-fri/1620928800/

Students and New Lawyers Committee Tea Night!

The New York Women’s Bar Association invites you: RSVP: https://www.nywba.org/e/zoom-with-judge-shulman/1620759600/

NYWBA is proud to announce The NYWBA Legacy Project: Our Stories, Our Voices. Join us on June 10, 2021, for the first public presentation of some of the Legacy Project’s finished product: https://lnkd.in/eG5T5eT

CONGRATULATIONS JUDGE SOKOLOFF, #NYSBA 2021 KAY CRAWFORD MURRAY MEMORIAL AWARD WINNER Justice Sokoloff was elected to the New York County Civil Court in 2012. She was assigned to Criminal Court for her first three years on the bench. Her first year in Civil, she was the consumer debt/personal appearance part judge. In 2017, she was appointed a Hybrid Justice and took on Weekend Criminal Court Arraignments and Uncontested Matrimonials, in addition to the Civil Court... rotation. In June of 2017, she was appointed an Acting Supreme Court Justice and is now assigned to a Guardianship Part. Her Part rules will be posted online. Before being elected to the bench, Lisa A. Sokoloff practiced law for 28 years, all but one of them in New York City. She was primarily a personal injury litigator, but also practiced in the areas of matrimonial/family law, trusts and estate, and commercial law. For more than one-third of her career, she was an appellate lawyer, and regularly argued in the First and Second Departments. For eleven years, she was also a volunteer special master to Justices Lowe and Braun in New York Supreme Court. Justice Sokoloff is currently a member of the New York Supreme Court gender fairness committee and a former co-chair of the gender fairness committees of the Manhattan Civil and Criminal Courts. Judge Sokoloff is an active member of the #NYWBA Advisory Committee. Judge Sokoloff led NYWBA as President from 2006-2007. During her tenure, she launched the NYWBA’s Pro Bono counsel program for matrimonial cases. Judge Sokoloff has been involved with various forms of mentoring through the NYWBA, and co-chairing the annual program What it is Like to Practice Law in New York as a Women reception. Scales The Kay Crawford Murray Memorial Award honors a woman in the profession who recognized the value of diversity in the legal profession and has dedicated their time to advancing the professional development of women attorneys, has a distinguished legal career; 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. See more

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE WBASNY Denounces Attack on Capitol and Urges Accountability and Smooth Transition to Power for Biden and Harris... (New York, NY, January 7, 2021) The members of the Women's Bar Association of the State of New York (WBASNY) are stunned and saddened by the shameful and reckless attack on our nation's Capitol on January 6, 2021. We condemn attempts to subvert the rule of law and the will of the people by incitement to or participation in an insurrection to undermine the foundations of our democracy. As an organization celebrating its 40th anniversary, our members are keenly mindful of the value of the right to fully participate in the selection of our government leaders, which was too-long denied to many Americans because of our sex, national origin, or the color of our skin. We recognize and honor the struggles of generations before us to win the right to vote and to run for government office. The perseverance, creativity and resilience of the mothers and daughters of the Women's Suffrage Movement, Civil Rights Movement, and Equal Rights Movement are built into our DNA. Therefore, WBASNY will continue to lift our collective voices in support of the rule of law, the peaceful transition of power to President-Elect Joe Biden and Vice President-Elect Kamala Harris, and the swift prosecution of any and all who would threaten the Constitutional foundations of this truly great nation.

Why should you join #NYWBA We’ll let #member Lissett Ferreira tell you why she joined! Join the New York Women’s Bar Association today to become a member of a statewide network of attorneys and judges. . . To Renew your membership or become a member today visit www.nywba.org/membership-application/... #womeninlaw

Join the New York Women’s Bar Association today to become a member of a statewide network of attorneys and judges. Renew your membership or become a member today at www.nywba.org/membership-application/ #womeninlaw

NYWBA Civil Courts, Litigation Committees & the Jewish Lawyers Guild presents a CLE Program called Maximize Your Note of Issue Review on January 22 at 1PM, via Zoom! There will be some amazing speakers that you don't want to miss! See the flyer below for more details! #NYWBA

The ADR and Litigation Committees present Part One of a Two Part CLE Program: Preparing for Mediation Part One: What Litigators Need to Know Before Walking in the Door Speakers:... Lisa M. Courtney, Esq. and Lisa A. Jones, Esq. Moderator: Sara J. Crasson, Esq. Date January 26, 2021 Time 6:00 p.m. 7:30 p.m. Place via Zoom conference Cost Free NYWBA & WBASNY Members $25 Non-members (please proceed to payment page after submitting your RSVP) If you have any questions, please email [email protected] or [email protected] ! **RSVP using the form below BEFORE January 20, 2021**

Happy New Year! To start off 2021, join us for the "Zoom with a Judge" Series continuation on January 12 at 1:00PM via Zoom! We hope to see you there & don't forget to RSVP before January 8th. Limited to only 30 attendees. See the flyer for more details! #NYWBA

NYWBA Domestic Violence Committee presents a Film Screening Without a Whisper A documentary about the untold story of the profound influence of Indigenous women on the beginning of the women’s rights movement in the United States.... Followed by a Discussion with the Stars of the film: Dr. Sally Roesch Wagner & Mohawk Bear Clan Mother Louise Herne Date October 28, 2020 Time 6:00 p.m. 7:30 p.m. Film: 27 minutes, Discussion: 1 hour Place via Zoom conference Cost Free NYWBA & WBASNY Members $25 Non-members Info If you have any questions, email [email protected]. RSVP Before October 26, 2020 at https://www.nywba.org//film-screening-without-/1603908000/

Get ready for The Criminal Law Committee's next event on Monday, January 11th @ 6PM on Zoom! Look at the flyer below for more details! #NYWBA

Meet NYWBA President Amanda B. Norejko https://www.instagram.com/p/CFxIrQHMqB0/

Reminder: Our International Women's Rights Committee Meeting on Jan. 5th @ 6PM ! To RSVP email [email protected].

DSS-HRA-DHS one-shot deals can help prevent eviction. You DON'T need to be in Housing Court to qualify. Get the facts in: English Español... Русский Kreyòl Ayisyen Polski and more on.nyc.gov/2RVGmGP (scroll to 'Emergency Assistance')

Judy White and Crystal Villasenor kicking off the NYWBA Voter Registration Drive in Washington Square Park

Join us with our speaker Nicole Clark on January 7th, for an engaging webinar as we cover how AI-driver litigation analytics enables you to analyze the behavior and history of your judge, competitive counsel, prospects, and more! If you have any questions, please email [email protected]. Look at the flyer below for more details!

Period Poverty Donation Drive Under the leadership of our Immediate Past President Virginia A. LoPreto, the NYWBA made a commitment to address the issue of Period Poverty, which is the lack of access to sanitary products needed during menstruation. Our community cares about issues affecting the lives of women and girls, most of whom menstruate during some portion of their lives. Rationing of tampons, pads, or other menstrual products can cause unnecessary humiliation and t...rauma, interruptions to school and work, and even lead to toxic shock syndrome, a potentially life-threatening condition. Those who are fleeing domestic abuse and human trafficking are often forced to choose between a live of violence and a life of poverty. Many homeless women and girls have to sacrifice buying sufficient hygiene products to buy food for themselves and their children, putting their health in jeopardy. This year, the NYWBA will collect donations for the purchase of menstrual products and drug store gift cards for two local organizations. Covenant House New York is New York City’s largest provider serving youth experiencing homelessness. Annually, it provides shelter services to over 1,900 young adults ages 16-24, using trauma-informed principles to help homeless youth leave the streets and achieve independence. Covenant House New York provides housing, health care, and support services including workforce development, vocational training and educational support. It maintains an on-site clothing boutique, providing free shirts, pants, shoes, and other accessories for any young person who is in need. Sanctuary for Families serves nearly 10,500 survivors of domestic violence, sex trafficking and related forms of gender violence in New York City every year. It provides a wide range of assistance including shelter, legal, clinical, and economic empowerment services to help clients transform their lives. Sanctuary for Families also maintains The Butterfly Boutique, an on-site space where clients can shop for donated clothing, toiletries such as menstrual products, accessories and other basic necessities to meet their immediate needs 100% free of charge. Both organizations are in dire need of hygiene products and drug store gift cards to help their clients who cannot afford them. The NYWBA asks its members to consider making a donation to this important cause. Show New Yorkers in need that this is a community that cares about them. https://www.nywba.org/donation

NYWBA is proud to announce the launch of the Guardianship Diversity Initiative. GDI is committed to diversifying the pool of individuals eligible for court appointments as court evaluators, attorneys for AIPs, and guardians in Article 81 guardianships. GDI includes a mentoring component where individuals new to the practice will be assigned experienced volunteer mentors. GDI's virtual launch on December 8th, 2020 was a well-attended success! Thank you to the NY County guard...ianship judges: Hon. Ta-Tanisha James, Hon. Mary V. Rosado, Hon. Carol Sharpe & Hon. Lisa Sokoloff for sharing their invaluable insights. Please email [email protected] to learn more about GDI, request a recording of the December 8th event, or participate in the mentoring program. Special thanks to Judge Sokoloff, who conceived of the idea & worked tirelessly to bring her vision to life, & our co-sponsors: the Franklin H. Williams Commission, Women’s Bar Association of the State of New York, Arab American Bar Association, Armenian Bar Association, Asian American Bar Association of New York, Brehon Law Society of New York, Columbian Lawyers' Association, Dominican Bar Association, Hispanic National Bar Association, and Korean American Lawyer Association.

The NYWBA thanks everyone who participated in our Membership Reception on September 24, 2020. It was a fabulous night for new members and veteran members to join together to share their experiences and talk about the causes that are important to them. Special thanks to all of our Committee Chairs, Directors, Advisory Council, and Foundation President and Board for your leadership at this event.

Amazing night of virtual holiday trivia with Brooklyn, Bronx, Queens, Staten Island and New York Chapters of #WBASNY #NYWBA @bronxwomensbarassociation @statenislandwomensbarassociation @queenswomensbarassociation

The #NYWBA Diversity Committee presents: Election 2020: How Women of Color Are Shaping A Historic Election Year. Please join us for a panel discussion highlighting how women, particularly women of color, are shaping the 2020 elections as voters, organizers, and candidates. Featured Panelists: Ashley Wilson - Director, State and Local Political Campaigns - NGP VAN;... Lea Webb Vice-Chair and Co-Founder - Black Millennial Convention; Maria Revelles - Florida State Director at Vamos4PR Date: October 27, 2020 Time: 7:00 pm Place: Zoom--Details to follow upon RSVP Cost: Free-for NYWBA and WBASNY Members. (If your membership has lapsed, please renew via the NYWBA website (https://www.nywba.org/membership-application/) RSVP: Email: [email protected] #Diversity

NYWBA Celebrates Hispanic American Heritage Month As you all likely know, Hispanic American Heritage Month is celebrated between September 15th and October 15th every year to recognize the contributions of Hispanic and Latino Americans to our shared culture, history, knowledge, and sense of community. It is a special time for our country. Whether it be through the enjoyment of delicious food, rhythmic dance, beautiful poetry or the general appreciation of all Hispanic/Lati...no, we hope you join us in this celebration. Latina lawyers are the most underrepresented group in the legal profession. Currently, Latinas comprise 1.47% of all lawyers, even though they represent one in four women in the United States. See https://hnba.com/2019-annual-con/latina-leadership-academy/. This is only a slight increase of Latina Lawyers from the Hispanic National Bar Association’s Commission on Latinas in the Profession National Study and Report in 2009 (Few and Far Between: The Reality of Latina Lawyers), that found that only 1.3% of the nation’s lawyers are Latina. See http://hnba.com/wp-conte/uploads/2015//few-far-between.pdf. In over ten years, the Latina lawyer population relative to the general legal population has stayed relatively the same. Please visit the Hispanic National Bar Association Latina Commission webpage at https://hnba.com/leadership/latinacommission/ to learn more. Please join us to help fortify the pipeline and mentor Latinas to study law and be successful in their legal careers. We are devoted to improving the status of women in society, educating women lawyers and assisting them in professional development and advancement, and promoting the fair and equal administration of justice. Thank you for your support. To learn more about Hispanic American Heritage Month, we’d like to encourage you to take advantage, remotely, of the tremendous range of Hispanic American Heritage Month digital resources provided by the Library of Congress Hispanic American Heritage Month website. If you participate in Hispanic American Heritage Month activities, please submit photos and stories to include in our next NYWBA Newsletter. -Diana Sen Diana Sen is Co-Chair of the NYWBA Employment and Equal Opportunity for Women Committee.

Pink & Teal Seminar: Breast Cancer and Ovarian Cancer Awareness Please join us for this important event where you can: Learn about breast and ovarian cancers from the unique perspective of healthy survivors.... Learn about risks, treatments, early detection, doctor-patient relationships and much more. Become empowered about your health. Date October 26, 2020 Time 1:00 p.m. 2:00 p.m. Place via Zoom conference Cost Free Info If you have any questions, email [email protected]. RSVP Before October 23, 2020 https://www.nywba.org/e/nywba-pink-teal-seminar/1603717200/

Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg (1933-2020) The New York Women’s Bar Association joins the nation in mourning Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg, a woman who embodied the core values of our Association: a commitment to the advancement of the status of women and the fair administration of justice for all. Her contributions to gender justice and civil rights were profound and enduring, and the impact of her loss is too vast to measure yet intimately personal for many women. ...Continue reading

The New York Women’s Bar Association invites you to the 2020 Annual Membership Reception Meet the NYWBA Officers, Directors, Committee Chairs, members and prospective members.... Join colleagues and friends, network, and discover the many benefits of NYWBA membership, including: Free NYWBA CLE courses Committees to enhance your knowledge of substantive areas of the law and help address important legal and social issues Legislative and legal efforts to promote the fair and equal administration of justice and to help fight against attempts to compromise the rights of women and for equality for all persons under the law Fun social and networking events All registrants will receive a complimentary cloth face mask by mail. After an introduction by NYWBA President Amanda B. Norejko, we will breakout into two special sessions (for 30 minutes each) to learn more about NYWBA Committees. New York Women’s Bar Association Foundation President Gretchen B. Schumann will also speak about the Foundation. Choose from the following Breakout Rooms: Session I Breakout Rooms Alternative Dispute Resolution Children’s Rights Civil Courts Criminal Law Domestic Violence Elder Law Employment & Equal Opportunity for Women Federal Practice Immigration Working Parents Session II Breakout Rooms Advance the Status of Women Human Trafficking International Women’s Rights LGBT Litigation Matrimonial & Family Law Reproductive Rights and Women’s Health Solo & Small Practice Students & New Lawyers Trusts & Estates Date Thursday, September 24, 2020 Time 6:00 7:30 p.m. Place Via Zoom Conference. Link will be emailed 24 hours before the event. Please make sure you enter your email address correctly. Cost Free Info Email [email protected] RSVP https://www.nywba.org//2020-annual-membership-/1600970400/

August 26 is Women’s Equality Day! A monument was unveiled today in Central Park to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the adoption of the 19th Amendment to the United States Constitution, which prohibits denying the right to vote on the basis of sex. The statue depicts Susan B. Anthony, Sojourner Truth, and Elizabeth Cady Stanton, three prominent leaders in the movement for women’s right to vote. The Women’s Rights Pioneers Monument is the first and only statue in Central Park honoring real women.

The NYWBA was proud to partner with WBASNY and our sister chapters of the Bronx Women’s Bar Association, Brooklyn Women’s Bar Association, Queens Women’s Bar Association, and Staten Island Women’s Bar Association to celebrate the 100th Anniversary of the 19th Amendment with an EqualiTEA event discussing the history of the women’s suffrage movement and voting rights issues. https://brooklyneagle.com//six-womens-bar-association-pre/

The NYWBA congratulates our member, Justice Sonia Sotomayor, on her 11th anniversary as a United States Supreme Court Justice. On August 8, 2009, Justice Sotomayor was sworn in as the first Hispanic and Latina member of the Court.

There is still time to spill some tea with the Presidents this Saturday and celebrate the history of the women’s suffrage movement. You don’t have to be a member to participate. All are welcome!

Join WBASNY President Joy A. Thompson and the New York City Chapter Presidents as they celebrate 100 years of the 19th Amendment Date/Time Saturday, August 8, 2020, 1:00 p.m. 4:00 p.m. Location via Zoom Conference https://www.eventbrite.com/e/equalitea-with-the-presidents-

Here is the latest message on the status of the court system from Chief Judge Janet DiFiore. http://wowza.nycourts.gov/vod/WowzaPlayer-CJ.php

Chief Judge Janet DiFiore’s latest message, regarding the latest developments on the COVID-19 pandemic and the New York State Courts, is available at: http://wowza.nycourts.gov/vod/WowzaPlayer-CJ.php For a transcript of the Chief Judge’s message, go to:... www.nycourts.gov See more

We value the health of our members. In July 2020, the NYWBA will be introducing Wellness Wednesdays - scheduled for July 8, 15 and 22 at 6pm. Organized by the The Reproductive Rights and Women’s Health Committee, these events will feature Shannon McNally (certified in various wellness and holistic health areas such as yoga, meditation, reiki and nutrition). More details to follow. Mark your calendars!

New York Governor Andrew Cuomo issued an Executive Order on Wednesday recognizing Juneteenth a day that commemorates the end of slavery in America as a holiday for state employees. The holiday is celebrated on June 19. It commemorates the Union Army's General Gordon Granger announcing federal orders in Galveston, Texas, on June 19, 1865, proclaiming that all slaves in Texas were free. Traditional celebrations of Juneteenth may include singing "Lift Every Voice and Sing." The NYWBA wishes all its members well on this important day.

Our NYWBA website has a new feature for our renewing members who do not need to change their contact information or areas of practice from last year: a payment only link! Renewing your membership is easier than ever. Our new membership year began on June 1st. Make sure to renew your membership so you can take advantage of all of the great CLEs and other programs being offered this year. Here is the link: https://www.nywba.org/membership-payment/

Chief Judge Janet DiFiore gave another update on the status of the court system on Monday. In the same video, Hon. Edwina Mendelson introduced a tutorial on how to do your court appearances via Skype. It is a must-watch for anyone with pending cases in the state court system in New York City. Here is the link: http://wowza.nycourts.gov/vod/WowzaPlayer-CJ.php

June 12 is Loving Day! On June 12, 1967, the United States Supreme Court issued a unanimous decision in Loving v. Virginia, 388 U.S. 1 (1967), striking down laws that banned interracial marriage as violations of the Equal Protection and Due Process Clauses of the Fourteenth Amendment to the U.S. Constitution.

Here is the link for Chief Judge Janet DiFiore’s latest update on the court system’s resumption of in-person services: http://wowza.nycourts.gov/vod/WowzaPlayer-CJ.php

If you have not already registered for our 85th Anniversary Virtual Award and Installation Ceremony, scheduled for Tuesday, June 9th at 6:00pm, please go to the website and do so as soon as possible. Registration will close on Sunday. Here is the link to register: https://www.nywba.org//nywbas-85th-anniversary/1591725600/

NYWBA, as a chapter of WBASNY, stands with WBASNY President Joy Thompson's statement on the recent deaths of George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, and Ahmaud Arbery . We will continue to support each other against injustice and inequality.

June is LGBTQ Pride month. Our city is usually alive with inspiring Pride events, including the annual Pride March, which was scheduled to celebrate its 50th anniversary this year. It has been postponed due to COVID-19, but it is important for us to recognize the historical significance of this celebration. Did you know that Pride began because of a riot sparked by police violence? On June 28, 1969, when police raided the Stonewall Inn, resistance to laws discriminating aga...inst LGBTQ people was ignited in a way that began to galvanize a movement here in New York and beyond. On June 28, 1970, on the first anniversary of the police raid on the Stonewall Inn, gay rights activists organized the first Gay Pride Week capped off with a march that inspired gay pride celebrations around the country. NYWBA stands with all of its members who seek equality under the law. To read more about LGBTQ legal issues, trailblazers, and opportunities to volunteer, check out our latest newsletter at https://www.nywba.org/cont/uploads//06/June-2020_FINAL.pdf See more

Chief Judge Janet DiFiore's update regarding the latest developments on the COVID-19 pandemic and the New York State Courts, is available at: http://wowza.nycourts.gov/vod/WowzaPlayer-CJ.php