MAY 4, 2022 | ISSUE 10
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, May marks the start of Mental Health Awareness Month (MHAW). May was designated as MHAW in 1949 by Mental Health America with the intended purpose of bringing awareness and providing education on mental illness. Mental health encompasses our overall well-being, emotional well-being, and psychological well-being. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, more than 50% of Americans will be diagnosed with a mental illness or disorder at some point in their life; 1 in 5 children, either currently or at some point during their life, have had a seriously debilitating mental illness; and 1 in 25 Americans lives with a serious mental illness, such as schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, or major depression. Ways to engage on the point of mental health can include sharing your story, supporting those around you, learning more about the topic, and being intentional about doing more to support your mental health wellness. Mental health just like physical health, is a crucial part of selfcare. How are you improving your mental wellness?
OTHER STORIES INSIDE THIS ISSUE: Events Save The Date GWAC Foundation, Inc. News ICYMI Member Spotlight What's New? #SelfCareSunday Business of the Bars, Division and Region GWAC Cmte. Mtg. and Job Postings Highlights Pathways to Practice, 5/11/22 Food From The Bar Events Annual Judicial Reception, 6/16/22 Working, Succeeding, and Excelling in Corporate America, 6/23/22 GWAC Foundation Seeking Board Members GWAC Foundation, Inc. Bar Scholarship NBA DC Days
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MAY 4, 2022 | ISSUE 10
EVENTS
Tomorrow, May 5, 2022, 6:30PM-8PM EST: Attorney General Democratic Primary Candidate Forum, in Cosponsorship with the Washington Council of Lawyers 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 will be virtual. Attendees will have the opportunity to submit questions when they register. We will try to incorporate as many audience questions as possible. You can also tweet questions and comments before or during the forum using the hashtag #DCAGForum22. Candidates: Ryan Jones, Esq., Kenyan R. McDuffie, Esq., Brian Schwab, Esq., Bruce Spiva, Esq. Moderators: Colby King, Columnist for the Washington Post, Deputy Editor of the Post’s editorial page and Shelley Broderick, Dean Emerita and Joseph L. Rauh, Jr. Chair of Social Justice at UDC David A. Clarke School of Law CLICK HERE TO RSVP
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EVENTS
Monday, May 9, 2022, 7pm EST: GWAC Dinner Series featuring Author and Professor Kristin Nicole Henning Professor and Author Kristin Nicole Henning. Professor Henning is the Blume Professor of Law and Director of the Juvenile Justice Clinic and Initiative at Georgetown Law, where she supervises law students and represents youth accused of delinquency in the D.C. Superior Court. She is also the author of The Rage of Innocence: How America Criminalizes Black Youth. Professor Henning has trained state actors across the country on the nature and scope of racial bias and how it operates in the juvenile and criminal legal systems. RSVP by tomorrow, May 5, 2022. *Each person who registers will be responsible for their own meal* Location: Farmers Fishers Bakers, 3000 K Street NW, Washington, DC 20007. Participation will be limited to the first 10 members who RSVP. CLICK HERE TO REGISTER
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EVENTS May 1-31, 2022: GWAC Ends The Hunger Games In support of the Food From The Bar Campaign hosted by the Capital Area Food Bank, GWAC will be collecting donations through the end of the month to help combat hunger in DC. Last year, GWAC raised $1,179 toward the Campaign. Let's se if we can't double that this year! CLICK HERE TO DONATE
Thursday, May 5, 2022: Food From The Bar Kickoff Happy Hour The coordinators for Food From The Bar will host a kickoff happy hour at Continental Beer Garden in Rosslyn. This is not exclusive to FFTB coordinators, all are invited. Food will be provided by Planet Depos and DC Road Runners, with raffle prizes donated by local businesses and sports teams—everyone who donates automatically receives a raffle ticket. Location: Continental Beer Garden 1901 Fort Myer Dr, Arlington, VA 22209
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EVENTS
Wednesday, May 11, 2022, 2PM-3:30PM EST: Pathways to Practice Learn about different pathways in the field of law, including criminal law, family law, appellate practice, intellectual property, clerkships, etc. We will be joined by several speakers who will speak about their respective areas of expertise. Speaker details will be emailed.
CLICK HERE TO REGISTER
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MAY 4, 2022 | ISSUE 10
EVENTS 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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MAY 4, 2022 | ISSUE 10
EVENTS 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. Donations will go to an area food pantry. If you'd like to make a cereal donation, please contact GWAC's Community Outreach Chair, Knia Tanner at communityoutreach@gwacb ar.org. CLICK HERE TO EMAIL CHAIR TANNER
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! Winners will be announced each week. CLICK HERE TO ACCESS BINGO CARD
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EVENTS May 9-13 2022: Step Out Hunger in Support of Food From The Bar This year, GWAC will again host its spring step challenge but will be in theme with the Food From The Bar campaign, which is the legal community’s response to hunger in the DC metro area. As the weather continues to warm up, all are encouraged to get their steps in! The top 3 GWAC members who log the most steps will each receive a prize and be spotlighted in the June 2022 newsletter!
SAVE THE DATE
CLICK HERE TO LOG STEPS
Wednesday, June 15, 2022: GWAC End of Year Meeting and Elections
Stay tuned for additional details and election information. This meeting is anticipated to be virtual.
CLICK HERE TO REGISTER
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SAVE THE DATE
Thursday, June 16, 2022, 6PM-8:30PM EST: Annual Judicial Reception Mark your calendar for GWAC's Annual Judicial Reception and stay tuned for additional details. This event will take place in person.
Thursday, June 23, 2022, 6:30PM-8PM EST: Working, Succeeding, and Excelling in Corporate America Hear from several women attorneys with successful careers at various Fortune 100 companies who have made a name for themselves in the corporate space. Stay tuned for additional details. This event will take place in person.
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MAY 4, 2022 | ISSUE 10
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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MAY 4, 2022 | ISSUE 10
GWAC FOUNDATION, INC. NEWS
GWAC Foundation to Award $1,500 Financial Award for Bar Studies in June 2022 In June 2022, GWAC Foundation, Inc. will present a $1,500.00 financial award to a recent law school graduate preparing for the Bar exam. Applications for this year’s annual Barbara E. Whiting-Wright Bar Assistance Award will open on May 6, 2022. Among other requirements, applicants must complete an on-line application and submit short essay responses. All applications and materials must be submitted and received no later than May 27, 2022 at 5:00 PM (ET). To access the application, please click HERE. Congratulations to the Class of 2022! We look forward to receiving your applications.
CLICK HERE TO COMPLETE APPLICATION
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MAY 4, 2022 | ISSUE 10
ICYMI GWAC hosted its "Judicial Clerkships and Internships" panel on April 16, 2022, which featured Danielle Smart, Judicial Law Clerk at the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Michigan. This panel was moderated by GWAC's Judicial Liaison, Judge Tanya M. Jones Bosier.
On April 23, 2022, GWAC conducted a "Bar Prep Information Session." Attendees heard from Joni Wiredu, Director of Academic Excellence at American University Washington College of Law and Caroline Vickers, Founder and Owner of Bar Prep Champs (pictured below from left to right). Attendees learned several strategies and tips the prepare and succeed on the bar exam.
On April 27, 2022, GWAC hosted "GWAC Dinner Series featuring Magistrate Judge Robin M. Meriweather." Attendees engaged in candid conversations about professional and personal paths while enjoying a great dinner at Art and Soul, located in DC. On April 30, 2022, GWAC hosted its "5K Your Pace, Your Place Race/Walk," which members participated in virtually and in person.
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MAY 4, 2022 | ISSUE 10
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MEMBER SPOTLIGHT
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 May!
Patrice Sulton, 2022 Echoing Green Fellow ,
Bridget Bailey Lipscomb, Chief Judge Anna Blackburne-Rigsby Recipient of the Attorney General's Excellence In The Judiciary Award for Distinguished Service to the Civil Award Nominee Division and the U.S. Dept. of Justice. Dept. of Justice, and NBA Women Lawyers Division 2022 Outstanding Woman Lawyer in Public Service Award Nominee
Chief Judge Anita Josey-Herring, DCSC 2022 Woman Lawyer of the Year, Women's Bar Association of DC and 2022 Excellence In The Judiciary Award Nominee
Robin Nunn, NBA Women Lawyers Division 2022 Outstanding Minority Partner In A Majority Award Nominee
Robin Earnest, NBA Women Lawyers Division 2022 Outstanding Woman Lawyer In A Solo/Small Firm Practice Award Nominee
GWAC Corresponding Secretary and Judicial and Executive Appts. Chair, Dr. Tracey G. Jackson, Committee Director, Committee on Recreation, Libraries and Youth Affairs Office of Councilmember Trayon White, Sr.
Ashlei Ferguson NBA Women Lawyers Division 2022 Outstanding In House Counsel Award Nominee
GWAC President-Elect Bayliss Fiddiman, NBA Women Lawyers Division Outstanding Woman Lawyer In Public Service Award Nominee
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MAY 4, 2022 | ISSUE 10
WHAT'S NEW?
#SelfCare Sunday Black-owned therapy resources and wellness businesses: Onyx Therapy Group
Black Girls Breathing
Therapy for Black Men My Therapy Cards
GWAC along with the National Bar Association's Appellate Section and several affinity bars will be creating an Appellate Practice Directory. ARE YOU INTERESTED in: tips on strong brief writing and oral advocacy, moot court opportunities, information on judicial clerkships, and/or connecting with fellow attorneys? If so, click the link below to join our bank of lawyers who practice, or are interested in, appellate law.
In recognition of May being Mental Health Awareness Month, GWAC will share tips and resources as part of #MentalHealthMonday s on our social media: @gwacbar.
You will be connected with experienced appellate lawyers who can assist you in developing your moot court panel, provide oral argument and briefing writing tips, and/or just join the growing conversation around concerns for diversity and inclusion in appellate practice. Members of affinity bars, including the National Bar Association's Appellate Section, have been invited to join in order to provide a greater bank of appellate attorneys practicing at all levels. We hope the conversation will develop into discussions and presentations relevant to area practicing appellate attorneys. CLICK HERE TO BE ADDED TO THE DIRECTORY AND RECEIVE NOTICES FOR UPCOMING EVENTS AND DISCUSSION OPPORTUNITIES
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MAY 4, 2022 | ISSUE 10
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
May 8, 2022: Applications are Due; May 21, 2022: Region XII MLK Drum Major for Justice Advocacy Competition The Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Drum Major for Justice Advocacy Competition provides high school juniors & seniors an opportunity to win a $5,000 college scholarship by expressing their views, both orally and in writing, on a pre-selected topic. Students submitting an essay responding to the question below may be invited to compete in the National Bar Association Region XII oral advocacy competition, held virtually on May 21, 2022. For more details, email nbaregion12dc@gmail.com. 2022 MLK Oral Advocacy Competition Question: If Dr. King were alive today, would he support canceling student loan debt in hopes of giving Blacks financial freedom and a better quality of life? Would Dr. King support student loans or tuition-free colleges? If so, explain why? If not, explain why not? CLICK HERE TO LEARN MORE
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MAY 4, 2022 | ISSUE 10
BUSINESS OF THE BARS, DIVISION AND REGION May 10-14 2022: NBA DC Days, Register by Sunday, May 8, 2022
CLICK HERE TO REGISTER
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MAY 4, 2022 | ISSUE 10
COMMITTEE/GB MEETINGS Legislative Affairs Committee Meeting- June 6,
MEMBERSHIP Benefits of Membership
2022, 6pm-7:30pm EST, all are invited to join and learn more about the Committee's agenda and
1. Sharpen your skills
upcoming events.
2. Stay informed
-Meeting link
3. Expand your client base 4. Obtain help finding a job or changing careers 5. Help improve the
JOB ALERT
Washington DC metro area If you have yet to join or to renew your membership, now is the time! Click here to get started.
Nixon Peabody LLP Trademark Associate Location(s): DC, Chicago, and Rochester
CONNECT
Finance Associate Location(s): Any U.S. Office Global Finance Associate Location(s): Any U.S. Office
To learn more about GWAC, visit our website www.gwacbar.org. You can also follow us on social media: @GWACBar
To learn more about the GWAC Foundation, Inc., GWAC's charitable arm, visit http://gwacdc.org/
Dept. of General Services Real Estate Attorney Advisor (16523) Location(s): DC Energy Attorney Advisor (16426) Location(s): DC
**GWAC's monthly newsletter is distributed on the first Wednesday of each month**
To learn more about the National Bar Association, visit http://www.nationalbar.org/
GWAC's monthly newsletter will also be available on our website.
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