JUNE 1, 2022 | ISSUE 11
The Greater Washington Area Chapter, Women Lawyers Division, National Bar Association
GWAC GAZETTE "Living Our Mission, Empowering Our Community, Building Our Legacy"
Greetings GWAC Members, Friends and Supporters, Over the past weeks, America experienced not one but two heinous acts of gun violence, racism, and hatred in Buffalo, New York and Uvalde, Texas, that took several lives including the lives of children. The demonstration of sheer ruthlessness and utter disregard for human life formed a mix of emotions from being enraged to heartbroken. What should have been an ordinary day of running errands and a day spent with friends and classmates took fatal and devastating turns. These tragedies further drive home the points that racism and hatred are both alive and well, and again highlights the need to re-examine and reform gun policies in America. Our work as attorneys, advocates, and policymakers continues. As Sherrilyn Ifill, President and Director-Counsel of the NAACP Legal Defense Fund, said, “I don’t have a lot of words today, except to say that there is a concerted effort right now to convince you that “nothing can be done.” It is designed to make you give in to the exhaustion of this moment. Don’t believe it. It’s a lie. We have power if we mobilize it.”
OTHER STORIES INSIDE THIS ISSUE: Events Caribbean Heritage Month Save The Date GWAC Foundation, Inc. News ICYMI Something We Call Our Own #SelfCareSunday Member Spotlight Business of the Bars, Division and Region Reminders Job Postings
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Highlights GWAC GBM and Annual Elections 6/15/22 Annual Judicial Reception, 6/16/22 GWAC June Dinner Series 6/22/22 Food From The Bar Events Recap 2022-23 Installation Ceremony 6/29/22 End of Year Reception 6/24/22 NBA DC Days
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EVENTS
Monday, June 13, 2022, 6:30PM-8PM EST: Crafting Your Financial Transition Plan One of the biggest hurdles to making a confident career transition is often the money. Our dream job may not always have our dream salary, and that can stop us from doing what we were meant to do. But what if you knew exactly how to approach crafting your financial plan for your next move? Wouldn't you feel better about stepping into something greater if you really knew all the factors to consider when deciding when and how to make a transition? Jessica Medina, former lawyer turned Accredited Financial Counselor, is going to walk us through how she approaches building an exit plan for her own clients, so you can do it yourself. CLICK HERE TO RSVP
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EVENTS Wednesday, June 15, 2022, 6PM-7:30PM: GWAC End of Year General Body Meeting and Annual Elections It's that time of year for GWAC to host its last General Body Meeting of the year and to hold annual elections. Join us for a yearly recap, learn more about joining GWAC leadership for the 2022-23 Bar Year. GWAC is committed to continuing its legacy of electing effective and promising leaders to build upon the solid foundation of the organization. As an active GWAC member, you are encouraged to answer the call to leadership for our organization for the 20222023 term by either identifying and recommending qualified candidates or applying to participate in the upcoming election. The self-nomination period will run from May 27, 2022 through June 6, 2022 at 11:59pm ET. CLICK HERE TO REGISTER
GWAC Elections for the 2022-2023 term are taking place online from Wednesday, June 8, 2022 through Wednesday, June 15, 2022, and via Zoom on Wednesday, June 15, 2022 during the General Body Meeting. For additional information about committees, whose chairs are appointed, not elected, please click HERE. Please contact GWAC President-Elect Bayliss Fiddiman if you are interested in serving as a committee chair.
CLICK HERE TO LEARN MORE ABOUT ELECTIONS
CLICK HERE TO ACCESS APPLICATION
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EVENTS
Thursday, June 16, 2022, 6PM-8PM: Annual Judicial Reception You are cordially invited to GWAC's Annual Judicial Reception on June 16, 2022 at The Cochran Firm. GWAC will recognize and celebrate our women judges in D.C., acknowledge the members of the local judiciary for their commitment to justice, community service, and upholding the embodiment of GWAC’s mission and purpose, and hear from our speaker for the evening, Fatima Goss Graves, President and CEO of the National Women's Law Center. She will speak about the importance of diversity of the judiciary. Please RSVP by Monday, June 13, 2022. If you have any questions, please email president@gwacbar.org. Location: The Cochran Firm 1666 K Street NW, Ste. 1150, Washington, DC 20006 CLICK HERE TO RSVP
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EVENTS
Wednesday, June 22 2022, 7pm EST: GWAC Dinner Series featuring India Pinkney Our featured guest for the month of June is India Pinkney, General Counsel for the National Endowment for the Arts. Ms. Pinkney is the first Black woman to be general counsel at the National Endowment for the Arts. Adding to her barrier-breaking career, Ms. Pinkney also served as the first U.S. attorney in the Legal Bureau of the United Nations' International Civil Aviation Organization. Ms. Pinkney earned her BA in Foreign Affairs and Middle Eastern Studies and her JD from the University of Virginia. *Each person who registers will be responsible for their own meal* Location: Zaytinya 701 9th Street NW, Washington, DC 20001. Participation will be limited to the first 10 members who RSVP. CLICK HERE TO REGISTER
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CARIBBEAN HERITAGE MONTH June 1-30, 2022: Caribbean Heritage Month: Caribbean Corner Social Media Campaign In 2005, June was designated as Caribbean Heritage Month with the help of Congresswoman Barbara Lee, noting the need to recognize the significance of Caribbean people and their descendants as well as their history, culture, and impact in the U.S. Visit GWAC's social media accounts to learn more the contributions of Caribbean Americans along with GWAC members of Caribbean descent, and more. Follow us: @gwacbar.
Monday, June 27, 2022, 6PM-8PM EST: Caribbean Heritage Month Mixer, Toast to 2022 During the month of June, Caribbean Heritage Month, GWAC will feature a social media campaign that will highlight accomplishments and contributions of Caribbean descendants along with a spotlight on GWAC members of Caribbean descent, and DMV based Caribbean owned businesses to support. To end the month, all are invited to join us for yummy eats and drinks at Tortuga Caribbean Bar & Grille. For more information contact GWAC's Law Firm & Corporate Counsel Chair, Bianca Pinnock at lfcc@gwacbar.org. Location: Tortuga Caribbean Bar & Grille 514 8th Street SE Washington, DC 20003
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SAVE THE DATE
Wednesday, June 29, 2022, 6PM EST: 2022-23 GWAC Annual Installation Ceremony Join GWAC to welcome the 2022-23 Executive Board. Additional details and the registration link will be emailed. during the week of June 6th.
Friday, June 24, 2022: End of Bar Year Celebratory Reception To wrap up the 2021-22 Bar Year, GWAC will host an in person end of year reception. Please stay tuned for additional details. The registration link to be sent through email.
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GWAC FOUNDATION, INC. NEWS
GWAC Foundation Annual Meeting and Elections on June 22, 2022 Do you have fundraising experience? Are you passionate about improving the lives of minority law students? Looking for a way to serve in a manner that will combine the two? If so, click HERE to submit your application for a GWAC Foundation, Inc. Board Director position today! We are looking for dedicated, active, and creative board members. If you have great fundraising ideas (both in-person and virtual), knowledgeable about social media, and the energy to work on our efforts, we are looking for you!! We have multiple openings for multi-year terms for attorneys and one opening for a law student. Eligible candidates must be a current GWAC member, have been a financial member in GWAC for the past two years, and be present at the Foundation’s Annual Meeting on Tuesday June 22, 2022 at 6:30 PM. Please click HERE for meeting details. Should you have any questions or concerns, please contact GWAC Foundation Chair, Ashley E. McFarland at ashleyemcfarland@gmail.com or gwacscholarship@gmail.com. In 1993, GWAC established GWAC Foundation, Inc. Run entirely by volunteer efforts, over the years the Foundation has supported numerous community initiatives and service projects. The Foundation has also consistently awarded scholarships to minority women law students, most recently, $1,000 in January 2022 and gearing up to provide $1,500 in bar preparation assistance in June 2022.
CLICK HERE TO COMPLETE APPLICATION
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ICYMI GWAC was a cohost for "DC Democratic Attorney General Candidate Forum" led by the Washington Council of Lawyers on May 5, 2022. The featured candidates included Ryan Jones, Esq., Bruce Spiva, Esq., and Brian Schwalb, Esq. (pictured below from left to right). Topics addressed by the candidates included restorative justice, the housing moratorium, and antitrust practices in the District. Click here to watch the recording of the forum.
From May 1-31, 2022, GWAC hosted several initiatives and programs in line with Food From The Bar, a campaign to battle hunger in D.C., which is led by Capital Area Food Bank. These efforts included "Cereal Wars," "Bingo," and "Step Out Hunger," a spring steps challenge. We raised 23 boxes of cereal that were distributed to local residents on May 28, 2022. Impact One Church which partners with the Capital Area Food Bank served over 175 families. Thank you, GWAC for your donations!
On May 11, 2022, GWAC hosted "Pathways to Practice," which was moderated by GWAC's Membership Chair, Patricia-Joy Mpasi and was kicked off by Chief Judge Anna Blackburne-Rigsby of the D.C. Court of Appeals. Our diverse panel of speakers spoke about their areas of expertise, expectations, and how to gain experience. Speakers included Cadene Russell Brooks, Esq., Counsel at WilmerHale and GWAC's Employment & Professional Development Chair (big law and clerkships); Jessica T. Ornsby, Esq. (family law); Jeanine Howard, Esq., Assistant Attorney General at the DC Office of the Attorney General and GWAC's Charlotte E. Ray Chair, (prosecution); and Robin Earnest, Esq., Founder of Earnest Attorney at Law, LLC (appellate law) (pictured below from left to right).
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ICYMI On May 13, 2022, GWAC was one of the cohosts for "Crypto Goes Escrow," This event, led by the American Bar Association's Litigation Section, was moderated by GWAC member LaFonda Willis, Young Lawyers Chair of the ABA Real Estate and Trust Litigation Committee. Featured speakers included Tayson Gaines, Esq., founder of The Gains Firm; Susan Wang, Esq., Founding Member of Women in Blockchain; Maureen Murat, Esq., principal of Crowdie Advisors; and Will Wenzel, Esq., founder of Red Road Legal, PC (pictured below from left to right). The emergence of cryptocurrency and its impact in real estate was the overarching point of conversation.
GWAC hosted its "SCOTUS Trivia Night" on May 19, 2022, contestants shared their knowledge of the U.S. Supreme Court, and also learned some fun facts. Congrats to our top three winners, Shawnell Barnett, Knia Tanner, and Shantrell Lewis. Congratulations, ladies!
On May 21, 2022, the "NBA Region XII Martin Luther King, Jr. Drum Major for Justice Oral Advocacy Competition" was held virtually. The Region XII winner was high school senior Blaire Batista who will go on to compete at the National MLK Oral Advocacy Competition during the NBA's annual convention in Memphis this July, and will be attending Northwestern University in the fall. On May 12, 2022, GWAC also participated in one of the "NBA DC Days," an opportunity to meet with Members of Congress and their staff, and Administration and agency officials to share the NBA's position on a variety of issues. Legislators whom the NBA delegate met with included Rep. Colin Allred (TX-32) (pictured below).
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SOMETHING WE CALL OUR OWN: BLACK-OWNED BUSINESS SHOUTOUT
#SelfCare Sunday Summer Self-Care: Make a summer feel-good playlist
As the summer temperatures begin to rise, treat yourself to a cool and sweet scoop (or bowl) of ice cream at Here's The Scoop! Owner, Ms. Karin Sellers opened up shop in 2019 across the street from Howard University in the Georgia Avenue corridor. Though Here's The Scoop! only opened recently, Ms. Sellers held onto the dream of opening her business for 14 years. Here's The Scoop! proudly partners with local black owned businesses to bring you the best ice creams and desserts, including vegan options. Here's The Scoop! prides itself on being engaged in the DC community and seeks out ways to give back. "Bringing the Community Together One Treat At a Time," isn't just their motto but their mission. Ice cream flavors include: Salted Caramel Pretzel Birthday Cake Cinnamon Churro Blueberry Cheesecake Passionfruit Sorbet
Plan and go on a summer vacation
Read a personal development book
Summer cleaning (home, social media, etc.) Visit www.theresetritual.co m for other ideas
Location: 2824 Georgia Ave NW Washington, DC 20001
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MEMBER SPOTLIGHT
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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 June!
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Cadene Russell Brooks, GWAC Employment & Professional Development Chair, Counsel at WilmerHale
Robin Earnest, NBA Women Lawyers Division 2022 Outstanding Woman Lawyer In A Solo/Small Firm Practice Award Nominee
Imani Brooks, Summe Associate, Woods Rogers PLC
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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
Due June 30, 2022, 11:59PM EST: NBA Young Lawyers Division Award Nominations The NBA YLD is seeking nominations for its 202122 awards! Nominations are due Sunday, June 26, 2022 at 11:59 PM PT. Self-nominations are allowed. Please submit one form per each award nomination. All nominees, except those for the A. Leon Higginbotham Award, must be either under 40 years of age or have been licensed to practice law for 10 years or less (whichever is more inclusive). The 2021-22 NBA YLD Awards will be presented during the 34th Annual Junius W. Williams Awards Soiree on Monday, July 25, 2022. If you have questions, please email the NBA YLD Awards at awards@nbayld.org.
CLICK HERE TO ACCESS NOMINATION FORM
CLICK HERE TO REVEW AWARD DESCRIPTIONS
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REMINDERS The Food from the Bar Campaign is ending soon. If you would like to donate, please go to the GWAC
MEMBERSHIP Benefits of Membership
fundraiser page by clicking here. The last day to
1. Sharpen your skills
give is June 6, 2022.
2. Stay informed 3. Expand your client base 4. Obtain help finding a job or changing careers
JOB ALERT Nixon Peabody LLP Real Estate – Project Finance Associate Location(s): DC ERISA Litigation Attorney Location(s): San Francisco, Los Angeles, Remote
Legal Aid Society of the District of Columbia Supervising Attorney, Public Benefits Unit Location(s): D.C.
5. Help improve the Washington DC metro area 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
Staff Attorney, Consumer Law Unit Location(s): D.C.
Washington Lawyers' Committee for Civil Rights and Urban Affairs
To learn more about the GWAC Foundation, Inc., GWAC's charitable arm, visit http://gwacdc.org/
Education Justice Organizer/Advocate Location(s): D.C.
Georgetown University Health Justice Alliance Staff Attorney, Perinatal Legal Assistance & Wellbeing (LAW) Project Location(s): D.C.
**GWAC's monthly newsletter is distributed on the first Wednesday of each month**
GWAC's monthly newsletter will also be available on our website.
To learn more about the National Bar Association, visit 14 http://www.nationalbar.org/