National Association of Women Judges
The Honorable Diana Becton
NAWJ President |
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PRESIDENT'S MESSAGE
Greetings!
I hope to see you in Beverly Hills, California for the 2017 Midyear Meeting/Leadership Conference, and the Inaugural Lady Justice Awards Gala on June 7-8, 2017.
Dazzling events and memorable moments etched in history… everything happens at The Beverly Hilton. Join NAWJ for this once-in-a-lifetime occasion, filled with friendly meal gatherings, evening receptions, educational sessions, and the Lady Justice Awards Dinner. The Beverly Hilton, a Forbes Four-Star hotel, combines the excitement and entertainment of Hollywood, with the history of Beverly Hills. It provides the perfect location for the dynamic energy of our members and friends, as we gather to take up the issues of the day, reconnect, build relationships, and recognize the pioneering and impactful achievements of our heroes.
The Midyear Meeting will convene for two days of educational sessions, strategic planning, and networking gatherings. After NAWJ business, law students will join us to 'Meet the Judges', and the gathering will officially open with a lovely welcome reception, featuring new judges and first-time attendees.
On Thursday morning, the Chief Justice of the State of California, The Honorable Tani Cantil-Sakauye will provide words of inspiration, which will be followed by greetings from The Honorable Virginia Phillips, Chief Judge of U.S. District Court's Central District. Attorney and author Pamela Samuels, our luncheon's keynote Speaker, will share her thoughts relevant for our work today. The conference's programs include leading thinkers on the topics of elder drug safety, entertainment, media's intersection with the Internet age, and diversity in the entertainment industry.
 Our fabulous Gala Reception begins with a red carpet entrance, where we will proudly honor California Law School Deans, before the rest of our magical evening begins. The Gala Reception and Dinner personifies the spirit of celebrating and uplifting outstanding professionals who promote justice. For the first time, NAWJ will honor a selection of exceptional individuals, with NAWJ Lady Justice Awards. The Guest Host, Giselle Fernandez, Emmy, an award-winning journalist, producer and media marketing entrepreneur, will bound our affair in delight and elegance. Congratulations to all of our honorees: Justice Sandra Day O'Connor (Retired), United States Supreme Court; Justice Joan Dempsey Klein, California Court of Appeal (Retired); Justice Vaino Hassan Spencer (posthumously), California Court of Appeal; Senior Judge Dorothy W. Nelson, United States Court of Appeals, Ninth Circuit; Jackie Lacey, Los Angeles County District Attorney; Janet Langhart Cohen, Emmy-Nominated journalist and playwright; Nina Shaw, Esq., entertainment attorney and activist; and Sharon Stone, actress and activist.
NAWJ is extremely grateful for the generous support of our sponsors and our Resource Board members. Without your commitment and care, this special occasion would not have been possible. Thank you to the Friends Committee, Midyear Committee, and NAWJ staff for your hard work and support. I also extend many thanks to the NAWJ 2016-2017 Board for your tireless efforts in furtherance of the NAWJ mission of access, fairness and diversity.
I can't wait to see you in Beverly Hills.
Honorable Diana Becton
Contra Costa Superior Court President, National Association of Women Judges
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National Association of Women Judges
2017 Midyear Meeting and Lady Justice Gala
June 7-8 • The Beverly Hilton, Los Angeles |
LADY JUSTICE AWARD HONOREES
LADY JUSTICE LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARD
Justice Sandra Day O'Connor (Retired), United States Supreme Court
LADY JUSTICE FOUNDERS AWARD
Justice Joan Dempsey Klein, California Court of Appeal (Retired)
Justice Vaino Hassan Spencer (posthumously), California Court of Appeal
LADY JUSTICE PUBLIC SERVICE AWARD
Senior Judge Dorothy W. Nelson, United States Court of Appeals, Ninth Circuit
LADY JUSTICE COMMUNITY LEADERSHIP AWARD
Jackie Lacey, Los Angeles County District Attorney
LADY JUSTICE ARTISTIC INTEGRITY AWARD
Janet Langhart Cohen, Emmy-Nominated Journalist and Playwright
LADY JUSTICE CAREER ACHIEVEMENT AWARD
Nina Shaw, Esq., Entertainment Attorney & Activist
LADY JUSTICE SOCIAL JUSTICE AWARD
Sharon Stone, Actress & Activist
REGISTRATION FEES:
$545 First-Time Member Attendee
$695 for NAWJ Members
$745 for Non-Member Attendees
$350 for Lady Justice Awards Gala Only (limited)
Register online here, or download and mail this registration form.
ROOM RESERVATIONS: Call (310) 274-7777
NAWJ Rate: $299 night, plus state and local taxes, single or double occupancy
SCHEDULE
| WEDNESDAY, JUNE 7, 2017 |
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| 8:30 am - 12:00 pm |
NAWJ Strategic Planning Committee Meeting |
| 12:00 pm - 2:30 pm |
NAWJ 2016-17 Board of Directors Meeting |
| 3:00 pm - 4:30 pm |
NAWJ 2016-17 District Directors Meeting |
| 3:00 pm - 4:30 pm |
NAWJ Resource Board Meeting |
| 3:00 pm - 4:00 pm |
Meet the Judges |
| 5:00 pm - 6:30 pm |
WELCOME RECEPTION |
| 6:00 pm - 9:30 pm |
DINE-AROUND |
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| THURSDAY, JUNE 8, 2017 |
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| 8:00 am - 8:30 am |
A CONVERSATION with the CHIEF JUSTICE of the STATE OF CALIFORNIA, HONORABLE TANI CANTIL-SAKAUYE |
| 8:30 am - 8:45 am |
WELCOME ADDRESS by HONORABLE VIRGINIA A. PHILLIPS
Chief Judge, United States District Court, Central District of California |
| 8:45 am - 10:15 am |
SAFETY AND THE AGING POPULATION: NAVIGATING MEDICATION USE
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| 10:30 am-12:00 pm |
HOORAY FOR HOLLYWOOD - PART 1
LEGAL IMPLICATIONS OF ENTERTAINMENT AND MEDIA IN THE INTERNET AGE |
| 12:25 pm - 1:45 pm |
KEYNOTE LUNCHEON - PAMELA SAMUELS YOUNG, ESQ. |
| 2:00 pm - 3:30 pm |
HOORAY FOR HOLLYWOOD - THE SEQUEL
DIVERSITY AND THE ENTERTAINMENT INDUSTRY |
| 6:00 pm - 7:30 pm |
RED CARPET ARRIVAL |
| 6:00 pm - 7:30 pm |
GALA RECEPTION HONORING LAW SCHOOL DEANS |
| 7:30 pm - 9:30 pm |
INAUGURAL LADY JUSTICE AWARDS GALA |
| 9:30 pm - 11:00 pm |
GALA AFTER PARTY |
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Remembering
HONORABLE SHEILA ABDUS-SALAAM
Associate Judge of the New York Court of Appeals |
 It is with great sadness that the National Association of Women Judges reports the passing of Honorable Sheila Abdus-Salaam, long-time member, supporter, and dear friend. Throughout her career, Judge Abdus-Salaam's colleagues have hailed the judge for her clarity as a writer and fairness as a decision-maker. Judge Janet DiFiore, Chief Judge of the New York State Court Appeals, said in a statement that her "personal warmth, uncompromising sense of fairness, and bright legal mind were an inspiration to all of us who had the good fortune to know her." "Sheila's smile could light up the darkest room," DiFiore added.
Judge Abdus-Salaam rose from a working-class childhood in Washington, D.C. to attend Barnard College and Columbia University School of Law. She started her legal career as a legal services attorney, served as an Assistant Attorney General for New York State, and served as General Counsel of the New York City Office of Labor Services. In 1991, she was elected a Judge of the New York City Civil Court. She was later elected and re-elected as a Justice of the New York State Supreme Court. In 2009, she was appointed as an Associate Justice of the Appellate Division, First Department. In 2013, Governor Andrew M. Cuomo appointed Judge Abdus-Salaam as Associate Judge of the New York State Court of Appeals, the state's highest court, becoming the first black woman to serve on that court.
Judge Abdus-Salaam was a gifted jurist who dedicated her life to public service. Judge Abdus-Salaam was described by Mayor Bill de Blasio as a "humble pioneer," and by Governor Cuomo as a "trailblazing jurist whose life in public service was in pursuit of a more fair and more just New York for all." "Through her writings, her wisdom, and her unshakable moral compass, she was a force for good whose legacy will be felt for years to come," Cuomo, who appointed her to the state's Court of appeals, said in a statement.
We want to celebrate her extraordinary life, intelligence, wit, and kindness. She will be terribly missed by all.
A public memorial service for Judge Sheila Abdus-Salaam will be held on Friday, May 26, 2017 at 11:00 a.m., at the Cathedral of St. John the Divine, 1047 Amsterdam Avenue in New York City. The church has more information on flowers and memorial gifts here.
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Judge Laura Halgren Chairs San Diego County Superior Court's
Second Biennial Court-Clergy Conference
Joining Faith Leaders with Judicial Leaders |
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Thank you for this dispatch from conference attendee Judge Tamila Ipema:
On April 27, 2017, San Diego County Superior Court presented its Second Biennial Court-Clergy Conference with the theme "Building Community Through Justice." Approximately 100 clergy members attended and 23 San Diego Superior Court judges participated, either as speakers or lunchtime table discussion leaders.
Conference Chair, Honorable Laura Halgren, a longtime NAWJ member, welcomed the participants, who then had the opportunity to attend two plenary sessions and two breakout sessions during the day. Speakers included NAWJ members Judges Laura Birkmeyer, Desiree Bruce-Lyle, Carolyn Caietti, Cindy Davis, Patricia Guerrero, Tamila Ipema, Julia Kelety, and Lisa Rodriguez, as well as several other judges from the San Diego County Superior Court.
A wide variety of faiths were represented, including clergy from the Baha'i Faith, Buddhist, Catholic, Hindu, Islam, Jewish, Protestant, Unitarian Universalist and other religions. The response from the attendees was enthusiastic, with 97 percent rating the conference "very useful" or "useful" to their work as a religious leader. The clergy greatly appreciated the opportunity to learn about the justice system and to visit with judges throughout the day. Additional judges joined the speakers during lunchtime, sitting at tables throughout the room to answer questions and hear from the clergy members about their experiences with the courts. Twenty judges participated in this segment. The lunch hour was quite lively, generating a lot of energy from the conversations.
More can be read about this conference here and in the upcoming Summer issue of Counterbalance.
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District Court Judge Patrice E. Lewis
Honored with the Glenn T. Harrell, Jr. Award
for Judicial Excellence by the
Maryland State Bar Association Litigation Section
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On April 27, 2017, longtime NAWJ member Judge Patrice Lewis was recognized by the Maryland State Bar Association Litigation Section's dinner with their Honorable Glenn T. Harrell, Jr. Award for Judicial Excellence. Judge Lewis is a District Court Judge for Prince George's County, Maryland. Judge Lewis' contribution to Maryland are numerous, but perhaps the most enduring are her efforts lay with the Prince George's County Mental Health Court and her role in the Judicial Institute of Maryland where she was Co-Dean of the New Trail Judges Orientation from 1994 through 2016. NAWJ Past President Judge Brenda Murray, who organized NAWJ's first Re-Entry Conference for women incarcerated at Maryland's Institute for Women and who was on hand for the event, recalled the scene from that night:
The Maryland judiciary is a close knit group of a wonderful variety of people and they come out to support one another. The hotel room was full of Judge Lewis's friends and supporters. The announcer said she thought it was the biggest turnout they had had for this ceremony. I think Judge Lewis might have trained half the judges in the room.
Judge Lewis, has been District 4 Director and served on the organizing committee for NAWJs annual meetings held in D.C., mentioned NAWJ in her remarks.
Judge Lewis has been a member of the Maryland Bar since 1982. She has served on the District Court of Maryland since 1990. She has also taught Business Law at the University of Maryland, College Park from 2002 to 2005. Judge Lewis served on the Board of Directors for the Judicial Institute of Maryland from 1992 to 2015.
She currently serves as the Coordinating Judge for the Mental Health Court in Prince George's County, and chairs the Prince George's County Mental Health Advisory Coordinating Council. More on Judge Lewis's service may be found here.
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NAWJ Past President Justice Dana Fabe Named Recipient of
NCSC's Sandra Day O'Connor Award for the Advancement of
Civics Education
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NAWJ Past President Justice Dana Fabe Named Recipient of NCSC's Sandra Day O'Connor Award for the Advancement of Civics Education Former Alaska Supreme Court Chief Justice Dana Fabe has been named recipient of the 2017 Sandra Day O'Connor Award for the Advancement of Civics Education, presented annually by the National Center for State Courts. Justice Fabe was President of NAWJ for the 2009-2010 year.
The award honors an organization, court, or individual who has promoted, inspired, improved, or led an innovation or accomplishment in the field of civics education related to the justice system.
The award will be presented August 8, 2017 in Philadelphia during the Annual Meeting of the Conference of Chief Justices and Conference of State Court Administrators.
Justice Fabe was selected for her decades-long commitment to promoting, inspiring, nurturing, and leading countless efforts in civics education. One of her most notable achievements was her role in supporting and expanding the Supreme Court LIVE program, which brings oral arguments in actual cases to high school students in various parts of the state. In the past seven years, 55 volunteer attorneys, 63 teachers, and thousands of Alaskan students have participated in this program.
Read more here.
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National Association of Women Judges
presents
CAMPUS SEXUAL ASSAULTS AND THE FIRST AMENDMENT
A SPECIAL CRUISE PRE-BOARDING PROGRAM
Boston • May 20, 2017 • 11am - 12:30pm
Open to Cruise and Non-Cruise Participants |
Award winning documentary film maker, Liz Canner will share the story of her request for public documents about an acquitted rape defendant. This request turned into a landmark decision last August by the New Hampshire Supreme Court. Ms. Canner's made her request in connection with researching for a documentary film on campus assaults.
Attorney Robert A. Bertsche, media lawyer with Prince Lobel, Tye, LLP representing Ms. Canner, will describe the issues and arguments he made in the case, GRAFTON CO. ATTORNEY'S OFFICE v ELIZABETH CANNER & et al. (NH Sup Ct, 8/23/16)
Location:
Prince Lobel Tye LLP, Boston Harbor, One International Place, Suite 3700, Boston, 02110.
A light brunch will be served.
This education program and brunch is being sponsored by the law firm of Prince Lobel Tye LLP. All NAWJ members and guests are welcome.
There is no charge to attend if reserve in advance by noon May 18. To reserve in advance, send RSVP to Judge Joan Churchill: CHURCHIL@EROLS.com Walk-ins are welcome with $20 cash or check payment at the door
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Vice President of Publications Judge Jane Craney
Calls for Submissions for the Next Issue of Counterbalance
Deadline: July 1, 2017 |
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Counterbalance informs and connects our members around the country by featuring news and information which highlights NAWJ's educational programs and activities. Consider sharing news from your jurisdiction with fellow colleagues in the newsletter. If you know of women judges in your state who have been recently elected, appointed, promoted or honored, let us know. If you have articles, announcements, book reviews, or events that you would like included in Counterbalance, please pass them along as well. NAWJ will also publish essays and articles of interest which are in accord with our mission.
The deadline for submitting information for the next issue of Counterbalance is JULY 1, 2017. Look for the spring issue to arrive in your mail boxes soon,if it hasn't already. Those interested in submitting material should do so by emailing all text and picture files to Lavinia Cousin at lcousin@nawj.org.
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CAJO 2017 5th Biennial Conference
Caribbean Association of Judicial Officers
September 28-30, Curaçao
Renaissance Curacao Resort and Casino |
HIGHLIGHTS
Innovative, Independent, Responsive – The Modern Court
Cybercrime
Responsive Approaches to Sexual Offences
Appropriate Standards of Behavior in a world of social media
Life and Work Balance
Ethics
Speakers: Professor Hilary Beckles • Dr. Dianne Douglas
More to come.
CAJO hopes to attract participation from our brothers and sisters in the non–English speaking Caribbean – Dutch West Indies and Haiti and from Latin and North America.
There is an afternoon of networking for Registrars and Court Administrators, Magistrates and Judicial Officers and some entertainment for those so inclined!
Should you wish more information please visit the CAJO website.
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President and First Lady Jimmy Carter, Sally Yates
Access to Justice: Past, Present and Future
NAWJ 39th Annual Conference
October 11-15, 2017
Sheraton Atlanta Hotel |
The 39th NAWJ Conference in Atlanta, Georgia will feature vibrant and interactive programs. Our theme, Access to Justice: Past, Present, and Future, will allow attendees to explore historical lessons about justice from the Civil Rights movement; discuss present justice changes such as criminal justice reform, and envision justice initiatives for years to come.
CONFERENCE REGISTRATION FEES:
$525 for members who are First-Time Attendees until June 30, 2017
$595 for NAWJ Members until June 30, 2017
$695 for Non-Member Attendees until June 30, 2017
Register online here, or download and mail this registration form.
ROOM RESERVATIONS:
The conference host hotel is the Sheraton Atlanta Hotel. Call (866) 716-8134 • NAWJ Rate: $199/night, plus applicable taxes, single or double occupancy.
For more information, contact: Anne Mercer, amercer@colliegorg.com.
CONFERENCE HIGHLIGHTS
New Judges and First-time Attendees Meeting
International Judges Meeting
Welcome Reception
Labor Trafficking
Criminal Justice Reform
Conversation with President and First Lady Jimmy Carter
A View from Georgia's Federal Judges
International Tea and Ethics
Reception at the Elbert P. Tuttle U.S. Court of Appeals Building
Judicial Ethics and Implicit Bias
Immigration
Law in the LBGTQ Issues
Emerging Issues in Elder Law
Sally Yates
Judge Patricia Banks on Elder Law
Lessons from the Civil Rights Movement for Today's Judges
Bar Associations Reception
Professionalism for Judges and Attorneys
Law School Incubator Project
Attorney Ethics
Trauma Informed Courts
Optional Tours: Local Jail Facility, Civil Rights, Carter Presidential Library
Community Service
Annual NAWJ Banquet
Lisa Foster
Explore optional social activities such as a Dine Around, a civil rights tour, excursions to the Carter Presidential Library and Museum, and a visit to a local jail or prison.
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Landmark Sponsor GEICO |
 Part of NAWJ and GEICO's partnership provides insurance discounts to NAWJ members. Contact GEICO for a free quote on auto insurance to see how much you could be saving. And, don't forget to mention your NAWJ affiliation; you could qualify for an exclusive member savings opportunity. Visit www.geico.com/disc/nawj (special portal here) or call 1-800-368-2734 for your free rate quote. GEICO can also help you find great rates on homeowners, renters, motorcycle insurance, and more.
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Calendar of Events |
2017
May
Superior Court Judge Jan R. Jurden will lead the Delaware Chapter of NAWJ as co-sponsors of the 5th Annual Sisters in Success Program at Baylor Womens' Correctional Institution in Wilmington, DE on May 15, 2017. This program is modeled after the Success In & Out Program put on at Riverside Correctional Facility sponsored by the Philadelphia Chapter of NAWJ back in 2011. After Judge Jurden saw those judges present on the program at one of our NAWJ meetings, she took the concept to the Warden at Baylor, Wendi Caple, known for her care ensuring the women are prepared for their reentry. The Women and the Law Section of the Delaware Bar joined in support and the partners launched Sisters in Success. Click here to review last year's program.
On May 20, 2017 NAWJ will present Campus Sexual Assaults and the First Amendment. Documentary film-maker Liz Canner and Attorney Robert Bertsche will share their story leading to the landmark First Amendment decision by the New Hampshire Supreme Court. Location Law Offices of Prince Lobel Tye, LLP, One International Place, Suite 3700, Boston, MA. Contact Judge Joan Churchill for more information, Churchill@erols.com.
Join NAWJ on Holland America's ms Maasdam that will sail from Boston to Montreal, May 20-27, 2017.
June
NAWJ Midyear Meeting and Lady Justice Awards Gala will take place in Los Angeles, California from June 7-8, 2017 at The Beverly Hilton Hotel.
October
NAWJ 39th Annual Conference will take place in Atlanta, Georgia from October 11-15, 2017 at the Sheraton Atlanta Hotel.
2018
October
NAWJ 40th Annual Conference will take place in San Antonio, Texas from October 3-7, 2018 at the Hyatt Regency Riverwalk. |
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