Member Login

Who We Are

Since its formation in 1979, the National Association of Women Judges (NAWJ) has inspired and led the American judiciary in achieving fairness and equality for vulnerable populations. NAWJ’s mission is to promote the judicial role of protecting the rights of individuals under the rule of law through strong, committed, diverse judicial leadership; fairness and equality in the courts; and equal access to justice.

Background & History

Led by two visionary women — Justice Joan Dempsey Klein and Justice Vaino Spencer — 100 brave and intrepid women judges met and formed an organization dedicated to the following ideals. NAWJ was at the forefront in the establishment and implementation of gender bias task forces in both federal and state courts. We have greatly advanced the administration of justice in areas of domestic violence, child support and child custody, and the treatment of women in the courts of America.

What We Do

We advance our mission by celebrating the accomplishments of our members, delivering engaging educational programming, leading impactful committee initiatives, and championing the principles of fairness, access, and equal justice.

Equal justice and court access

We champion fairness and equal access to justice for all people, especially historically underrepresented groups such as women, youth, the elderly, minorities, and people with disabilities.

We provide judges with ongoing education on pressing legal and societal issues, offering groundbreaking programs and resources that deepen understanding and enhance judicial decision-making across a wide range of topics.

We promote greater representation of women on the bench so that the judiciary more accurately reflects the role of women in society, expanding opportunities and pathways for women to serve at all judicial levels.

We cultivate strong, committed, and diverse judicial leaders by supporting professional growth, leadership skills, and networks that empower judges to shape a fair and equitable justice system.

We work to strengthen the overall administration of justice by promoting policies, best practices, and systemic improvements that enhance efficiency, fairness, and public trust in the courts at every level.

Our Members

From the day it was founded, NAWJ has been committed to diversity in our membership. Our organization welcomes both men and women. Our membership includes trial and appellate, administrative, tribal and military judges, on federal, state and tribal courts at every level of the judiciary, from throughout the country, and international tribunals, as well as attorneys, law clerks, law students and law professors committed to our mission. As members of the International Association of Women Judges (IAWJ), which NAWJ founded, we meet and interact with judges from all over the world.

When I was elected to my court there was a total of zero women out of sixty-five judges on the court. It was exhilarating to enter a ballroom in which two hundred women judges were seated together.
Judge Carolyn Temin

Recent Highlights

Lead Beyond the Bench with NAWJ

NAWJ offers a unique space to connect, learn, and take part in forward-looking conversations that influence the direction of the judiciary.
BECOME A MEMBER