APRIL 6, 2022 | ISSUE 9
The Greater Washington Area Chapter, Women Lawyers Division, National Bar Association
GWAC GAZETTE "Living Our Mission, Empowering Our Community, Building Our Legacy"
Choose Joy.
Greetings GWAC Members, Friends and Supporters,
Happy Spring! This past month has been a particularly exciting and busy time for GWAC as we participated in several events celebrating the history, impact, and achievements of women, including Judge Ketanji Brown Jackson's well-deserved nomination to the U.S. Supreme Court. Many attended, watched, or heard about Judge Jackson's Senate confirmation hearing that took place over several days. There were moments of absurdity and moments that filled your heart and spirit with joy. Through the series of questions and disrespect she endured, Judge Jackson remained steadfast and unwavering. She didn't allow the antics of the day to steal her joy or take away from her very special moment and rightful place in history. For this month, remember to embrace and make time for joy.
OTHER STORIES INSIDE THIS ISSUE: Events Save The Date
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GWAC's Statement in Support of Judge Ketanji Brown Jackson's Confirmation to the U.S. Supreme Court 8 GWAC Foundation, Inc. News ICYMI
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Member Spotlight Something We Call Our Own
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#SelfCareSunday Business of the Bars, Division and Region GWAC Cmte. Mtg. and GBM Calendar
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Job Postings
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Highlights GWAC Foundation, Inc. A Woman's Work Fundraiser, 3/27-4/9/22
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Judicial Clerkship/Internship Panel 4/16/22 2 Virtual High Tea with Chief Judge Anita Josey-Herring Women in Law
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How a Black Woman Jurist Will Impact The Supreme Court & Our Country 14 NBA WLD 40th Anniversary Supreme Court Swearing-In Ceremony 18
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EVENTS
Saturday, April 16, 2022, 10am EST to 12pm EST: Judicial Clerkship & Internship Panel (Virtual) Please Join GWAC for a panel discussion to learn how to obtain a judicial clerkship, hear the benefits of a judicial clerkship or internship and how to navigate the application and interview process from judges, former/current clerks, and interns.This event has been rescheduled from the original date of March 26, 2022.
CLICK HERE TO RSVP
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EVENTS
Wednesday, April 27, 2022, 7pm EST to 8pm EST: GWAC Dinner Series featuring Magistrate Judge Robin M. Meriweather Our featured guest for the month of April is Magistrate Judge Robin M. Meriweather. Magistrate Judge Meriweather sits on the United States District Court for the District of Columbia and was appointed as a United States Magistrate Judge on January 10, 2017. As an Assistant United States Attorney in the Civil Division, she represented the United States and federal officials in civil cases involving claims under the Constitution, Administrative Procedure Act, Federal Tort Claims Act, Freedom of Information Act, Immigration and more. Location: Central Michel Richard, 1001 Pennsylvania Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20004. Registration is limited to the first 10 members for sign up. CLICK HERE TO REGISTER
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SAVE THE DATE
CLICK HERE TO EMAIL COMMUNITY OUTREACH CHAIR
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SAVE THE DATE May 2022: Food From The Bar Events During the month of May, GWAC will host several programs to combat hunger in the District, in partnership with the DC Bar's Food From The Bar Campaign. GWAC will host the following programs in its "GWAC Ends The Hunger Games" events: 1. "Cereal Wars," May 1-27, 2022 "2. GWAC Food From The Bar Bingo," May 1-31, 2022 (For every person who gets bingo, GWAC will donate $5 up to $500 to the Campaign!) 3. "Step Out Hunger," May 9-13, 2022.
Stay tuned for additional details
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SAVE THE DATE
Spring 2022: NBA and NBI Martin Luther King Jr. Drum Major for Justice Advocacy Competition The Martin Luther King, Jr. Drum Major for Justice Advocacy Competition is an annual oral and written advocacy program sponsored by the National Bar Association and the National Bar Institute designed to motivate high school students to excel in education. The Competition encourages students to express their views on a pre-selected topic and focuses on the ability of the students to communicate orally and in writing. The contest is also designed to give young people experience in public speaking and reviewing legal documents as well as provide an opportunity for them to obtain some financial support to continue their education. Winners will be chosen at the national Competition during the 97th Annual Convention taking place July 24-29, 2022 in Memphis, Tennessee. Stay tuned regarding additional details.
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SAVE THE DATE Thursday, May 5, 2022, 6:30PM-8PM EST: Attorney General Democratic Primary Candidate Forum, in Cosponsorship with the Washington Council of Lawyers
CLICK HERE TO REGISTER
Learn more about each candidate's stance on civil access to justice issues before you cast your vote at the date democratic primary. This event will take place in person at the University of the District of Columbia David A. Clarke School of Law, 4340 Connecticut Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20008
Monday, May 9, 2022, 7PM-8PM: GWAC Dinner Series featuring Author and Professor Kristin Nicole Henning *in person* REGISTRATION LINK TO BE SENT
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SAVE THE DATE Friday, May 13, 2022, 12PM1:30PM EST: Crypto Goes Escrow (virtual) Join us for a lunchtime conversation about using cryptocurrency for real estate transactions: advantages, limitations, legal implications, and future possibilities. This program will be in cosponsorship with several organizations including the American Bar Association's Real Estate, Condemnation & Trust Litigation Committee.
Organizer/Moderator: LaFonda Willis, Young Lawyers Chair for ABA Real Estate and Trust Litigation Cmte., Blockchain & CLICK HERE TO REGISTER Cryptocurrency Enthusiast/Investor
Panelists: Maureen Murat, Blockchain & Crypto Lawyer, Principal of Crowdie Advisors; Tayson Gains, Real Estate Lawyer, Founder of The Gains Firm; Will Wenzel, Blockchain and Crypto Lawyer, Founder of Red Road Legal, PC; and Susan Wang, Real Estate Lawyer, Founding Member of Women in Blockchain.
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GWAC FOUNDATION, INC. NEWS
March 27, 2022 through April 9, 2022: GWAC Foundation Hosts A Woman's Work Campaign March 2022 marks two years since the start of the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. Among other things, COVID-19 has disproportionately impacted Black-owned businesses and serviceoriented organizations, with Black women business owners taking the hardest hit. The GWAC Foundation, Inc. recognizes the power of black women supporting black women. Accordingly, for Women’s History Month, from March 27 through April 9, 2022, the GWAC Foundation will host “A Woman’s Work” Campaign, in an effort to galvanize support for Black women-owned, businesses in the Washington, DC area and to provide scholarships to Black women law students and alumni.
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GWAC FOUNDATION, INC. NEWS
March 27, 2022 through April 9, 2022: GWAC Foundation Hosts A Woman's Work Campaign Select Business Partners 1. Batax: https://www.bataxbule.com/ 2. Bermuda Triangle Vintage Clothes: https://www.btvintageclothes.com/ 3. The Elm Shop: https://www.theelmshop.com/ 4. Hunny Bunny Boutique: https://hunnybunny.boutique/ 5. MDOTROSS: https://mdotross.com/ 6. Natasha's Just Brittle: https://www.justbrittlez.com/ 7. Oasis Soul Scent Co.: https://oasissoul.com/ use code "GWAC" at checkout 8. Paris Alexander Day Spa: http://www.parisalexander.com/ 9. Sepia Soul: https://www.sepiasoul.com/ 10. Southern Lotus Naturals: https://southernlotusnaturals.com/
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ICYMI GWAC served as a co-host for "Understanding the Senate SCOTUS Confirmation Process" on March 3, 2022, which featured John Amaya, Counsel, Harris, Wiltshire & Grannis LLP; Christopher Kang, Cofounder and Chief Counsel, Demand Justice; Ajay Kundaria, Former Chief Counsel to Senator Amy Klobuchar; and Erinn D. Martin, Director of Nominations & CrossCutting Policies, National Women’s Law Center and GWAC Immediate Past President. The moderator was Shirin Afsous, Litigation Associate, Greenberg Traurig, LLP and President of IABA DC (pictured below from left to right, J. Amaya not pictured). Each panelist spoke from their unique experience gave predictions on what topics would be covered at Judge Ketanji Brown Jackson's Senate confirmation hearing.
On March 9, 2022, GWAC kicked off its "Dinner Series with DC Councilmember Christina Henderson." Attendees learned more about Councilmember Henderson's career path and personal triumphs.
GWAC in collaboration with fellow NBA Region XII affiliated hosted Virtual High Tea with Chief Judge Anita Josey-Herring of DC Superior Court on March 12, 2022 in recognition of Women's History Month. Attendees learned more about Chief Judge Josey-Herring's life on and off of the bench and her vision for the future of DC's trial court. Attendees also enjoyed tea over the relaxing sounds of The Willard Hotel's Afternoon Tea Playlist.
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ICYMI GWAC held its "Spring General Body Meeting" on March 16, 2022, where a presentation was given on DC Refers by DC Refers Board member and GWAC member, Rhonda Cunningham Holmes. DC Refers provides an online directory of pre-screened attorneys willing to accept modest-means clients (incomes within 200-400% of the federal poverty guidelines) who will agree to pay legal fees of between $75-150 per hour. Practice areas include business law and civil rights law.
On March 21, 2022, GWAC, as a Core Partner alongside lead organizers the National Women's Law Center Action Fund, Black Women's Roundtable, and She Will Rise, along with many other Black women-led organizations participated in a "Rally in Celebration of Judge Ketanji Brown Jackson" at the U.S. Supreme Court, on the first day of her Senate confirmation hearing.
GWAC held its program "Career Transitions: Practitioner Turned Professor" on March 22, 2022. Speakers included Professor Carliss Chatman of Washington and Lee University School of Law, Professor Etienne Toussaint of the University of South Carolina School of Law, and Professor Jazzirelle Hill of Loyola Law School (pictured below from left to right). Professor Chatman shared that there is no one path to being a professor and discussed experiences to gain now such as fellowships and law review. While Professor Toussaint told attendees that there is room for their gifts, experiences and interests in academia. Click here to listen to Professor Chatman's podcast "Getting Common."
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ICYMI GWAC along with Thursday Network hosted "Women in Law: Views From Both Sides of the Bench" on March 24, 2022, in celebration of Women's History Month. Guest speakers included GWAC member Judge Sherri Beatty-Arthur (DC Superior Court), GWAC member Judge Claudia Crichlow (DC Office of Administrative hearings), and Professor Tiffany Jeffers (Georgetown University Law Center). This event was moderated by GWAC member and NBA Past President, Dean Alfreda Robinson. The evening was empowering, engaging and inspiring. At the conclusion of the program, the speakers and moderator were each presented with a bouquet of flowers.
GWAC hosted "Q2 Money Management Reset featuring Rho Thomas" on March 25, 2022. Rho Thomas provided several tools and resources were provided to do a money management evaluation to determine how much progress was being made toward financial goals. Rho shared her personal budget template and several episodes from her podcast, Wealthyesque. For those looking to start investing, Rho suggested the Ally app.
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ICYMI The Office of DC Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes Norton, GWAC and the Women's Bar Association of DC hosted “How a Black Woman Jurist Will Impact The Supreme Court & Our Country: A Conversation with Women Lawyers and the D.C. Community” on March 29, 2022, in honor of Women's History Month and Judge Ketanji Brown Jackson's nomination to the Supreme Court. Among the panel of speakers were Professor Lisa A. Crooms-Robinson of Howard University School of Law, GWAC Immediate Past President and Director of Nominations and Cross-Cutting Policies at the National Women's Law Center, Erinn D. Martin, GWAC member Attorney Patricia Donkor, and Chief Judge Anita Josey-Herring of DC Superior Court.
On March 31, 2022, GWAC co-sponsored "Honoring The Legacy of Justice Stephen Breyer" alongside the South Asian Bar Association of DC and several other affinity bars. Attendees heard from several past law clerks of Justice Breyer's including, Neal Katyal, Partner at Hogan Lovells and Former Acting Solicitor General of the United States; Dahlia Mignouna, Associate at Munger, Tolles & Olson; and Janine M. Lopez, Senior Associate at Arnold & Porter (pictured below from left to right). They discussed experiences of interviewing, Justice Breyer's interests outside of law, including that of French literature and art, his authentic personality, diversity in hiring, among other things. During his time on the Supreme Court, 50% of Justice Breyer's law clerks have been women.
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MEMBER SPOTLIGHT
tra No ns itio table Ne n/ j wp pro ob ub mo lic tio ati n? on ?
Do you know of or are you a phenomenal GWAC member who should be recognized? Please submit information here for the GWAC Newsletter Member Spotlight. GWAC wants to celebrate and share your accomplishments! We will select new members each month to acknowledge in the monthly newsletter and on social media. Check out this month's GWAC members who are making waves both locally and nationally! CONGRATULATIONS to our outstanding members for the month of April!
Dionne Dillard Scholarship Winner, , Washington Bar Association Education Foundation's Charles Hamilton Houston Scholarship
GWAC Membership Chair Patricia-Joy Mpasi, Nominated for the NBA Women Lawyers Division's 2022 Outstanding Young Lawyer Award
Jenn Ubiera Recently hired Senior Policy Counsel, Council for Court Excellence
GWAC President Renee Mims, Nominated for the NBA Women Lawyers Division's 2022 Outstanding Young Lawyer Award
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SOMETHING WE CALL OUR OWN: BLACK-OWNED BUSINESS SHOUTOUT
#SelfCare Sunday Podcasts by Black
M DOT ROSS, is owned by entrepreneur, mother, wife and fashionista, Monique Ross. It is an online contemporary women’s boutique. Monique is also the curator of a women’s empowerment event series, called “A Chic Social,” which hosts various lifestyle events for women. Words to describe M DOT ROSS creations: timeless, effortless and chic. In addition to offering chic and timeless clothing, M DOT ROSS also provides style and wardrobe services. Services Offered In-person Shopping Brand Shoot Closet Edit Shop Your Closet Creative Direction Projects Creative Consulting Client Shopping & Staging
women that focus on self-care: Affirm
The Happy Black Woman Podcast
Black Girl Finance
The Faith & Mental Wellness Podcast with Brittany Moses
Monique's goal is to "curate timeless, affordable, effortless closet capsules of quality that women can incorporate into their everyday wardrobe." M DOT ROSS is the featured business partner today for the GWAC Foundations' "A Woman's Work" Campaign.
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BUSINESS OF THE BARS, DIVISION AND REGION Stay up to date with with the National Bar Association, Region XII, and fellow affiliate bar.
National Bar Association July 24-29, 2022: 97th Annual NBA Convention The National Bar Association is so excited to announce the NBA's 97th Annual Convention and Exhibits in Memphis, Tennessee. Join us July 24-29, 2022 as we assemble the nation's oldest and largest national association of predominantly African American lawyers, judges, educators and law students as the legal voice of the African American community. You don't want to miss an action packed five (5) days of speakers, panels, entertainment, networking, and education! CLICK HERE TO REGISTER
Monday, April 11, 2022: Deadline to Submit Application for NBA WLD 40th Anniversary of the US Supreme Court Swearing-In Ceremony
April 12-13, 2022: NBA Days on the Hill
The National Bar Association (NBA) Women Lawyers Division (WLD) invites all members of the NBA not already admitted to the Bar of the United States Supreme Court to participate in its Annual Supreme Court Swearing-in Ceremony. This ceremony, held annually, enhances the posture of African American lawyers as legal advocates and increases the number of minority lawyers who can represent clients before the nation’s highest court. The cost of participation in this group swearing-in event is $350.00. Completed applications are due no later than April 11, 2022. Every participant to provide proof of being fully vaccinated and provide proof of a negative test 72 hours prior to the start of the event. Every attendee will be required to sign a waiver upon arrival to the event certifying a negative COVID-19 test within 72 hours of the event. CLICK HERE TO LEARN MORE
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COMMITTEE/GB MEETINGS GWAC End of Year General Body Meeting &
MEMBERSHIP Benefits of Membership
Elections - June 15, 2022, 6pm-7:30pm EST -Register here
1. Sharpen your skills 2. Stay informed 3. Expand your client base 4. Obtain help finding a job or changing careers 5. Help improve the Washington DC metro area
JOB ALERT
Nixon Peabody LLP Corporate Associate Tax Team Location(s): Washington, DC
If you have yet to join or to renew your membership, now is the time! Click here to get started.
CONNECT To learn more about GWAC, visit our website www.gwacbar.org. You can also follow us on social media: @GWACBar
Justice Catalyst Law Senior Counsel Location(s): Preference for being based in New York City
To learn more about the GWAC Foundation, Inc., GWAC's charitable arm, visit http://gwacdc.org/
Davis Wright Tremaine LLP Employment Benefits Associate – Senior-Level Location(s): Seattle, Portland, San Francisco, Los Angeles, or New York
To learn more about the National Bar Association, visit http://www.nationalbar.org/
Managing Attorney Location(s): New York
**GWAC's monthly newsletter is distributed on the first Wednesday of each month**
GWAC's monthly newsletter will also be available on our website.
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