Joining the Metropolitan Richmond Women’s Bar Association will enhance your life as a female attorney! Members enjoy the camaraderie of fellow women attorneys from all facets of legal practice (expand your horizons!).  We offer our members monthly luncheon programs, which include at least two CLE programs for the member rate of $20.  AWARD-WINNING ON-LINE PROCESS: We offer on-line registration for new and renewing members, plus the option to pay on-line via PayPal. With our password-protected on-line database, members can update their contact information at any time (which immediately is uploaded into our membership directory) or access the on-line directory or the member to member networking services. Last but not least, Members have so many opportunities for professional and personal growth by participating in one of our numerous working committees, such as the mentorship program and/or public service projects. Come make a difference in the MRWBA and the community! We look forward to having you and your input!

PROGRAMS:

Starting in September until May, we host monthly luncheon programs at the Bull & Bear Club located in downtown Richmond. While enjoying a tasty lunch with old friends and new acquaintances, members get to hear about a variety of topics from the hottest legal issues to ways to improve (or even change!) your career and quality of life!

For 2008-2009, we started off with the Richmond Mayoral Debate featuring candidates Del. Dwight Jones, Robert Grey, Paul Goldman, Lawrence Williams, and Bill Pantele. Sabrina Squire was the moderator and Channel 12 news covered the event. In October, we hosted a CLE "Electronic Evidence—Sherlock Homes Goes Digital “presented by Sharon Nelson and John Simek from Sensei Enterprises. They provided our members with useful information on methods of uncovering electronic evidence to help our clients. In November, we held our Public Service Luncheon, which featured inspiring speakers on the topic of domestic violence and kicked off our year-long commitment to Safe Harbor, a local domestic violence shelter.  The speakers included Diane Abato, the domestic violence prosecutor for Caroline County, and Mary Maupai, the Director of Development for Safe Harbor, along with women whose lives have been changed forever by domestic violence.   In December, we held our annual awards luncheon and recognized The Honorable Audrey J. Franks (Ret.) and Maya Eckstein as our deserving recipients of the 2008-2009 MRWBA Woman of Achievement Award. 

In January, we kicked off the new year in style with Lauren Deloach of D&R Style Consulting. She taught us how to identify our body shapes and reviewed the major fashion faux pas for each body type.  In February we focused on outstanding women in the media and hosted Lisa Shaffner and Susan Winiecki as our guest speakers.  Lisa, formerly of Channel 8 News, shared with us the daily schedule and challenges that she faced as an anchor woman and how she found work/life balance in her new role as Director of Public Relations and Marketing at the United Network for Organ Sharing.  Susan, editor-in-chief of Richmond Magazine, described her days as a reporter for The Richmond Times Dispatch and the risk she took when she assumed her position at the magazine. 

In March, we held our annual Legislative Luncheon with a panel of both senior and junior state legislators who spoke about bills from this year’s General Assembly and the legislative process (members received CLE credit at the member luncheon rate, which will be $20.00 this year). In April we were honored to have Judge Johanna L. Fitzpatrick as our featured luncheon speaker.  Judge Fitzpatrick was a member of the Court of Appeals of Virginia from 1996 until 2006 and she served as Chief Judge of the Court of Appeals of Virginia from 1997 until her retirement in 2006. Currently, she provides mediation services through the McCammon Group.  Judge Fitzpatrick taught us about the mediation process and the unique negotiation styles that women use. 

Finally, we ended the year in May with our annual business luncheon. The Public Service Committee reported on their year-long project in support of Safe Harbor, a local domestic violence shelter and resource center.  In cash and supplies, the MRWBA raised over $2,500 for Safe Harbor. The first annual MRWBA Public Service Award was presented to Virginia Hackney for her support of Safe Harbor.

COMMITTEES:

Even if you cannot make the luncheons regularly, we have opportunities for you to participate in activities that will match your interests!

Like to plan? Then join one or more of our working committees: Awards, CLE, Finance, Legislative, Membership, Mentorship, Programs, Public Relations, and Public Service.

Like to participate in the action? Then choose from the numerous activities these committees arrange…

Mentorship: Take advantage of attorney mentorship where an attorney with 2 years or less of practice experience gets assigned an attorney Mentor to help navigate practicing law in Richmond. Or volunteer to mentor a local female law student.

Public Service: Sign up to volunteer for one of the many opportunities hosted by the Public Service Committee. We have an Award-winning partnership with Thomas Jefferson High School, where we present relevant legal topics to various classes and introduce the students to different aspects of the legal field, e.g. Mock Trials, domestic violence presentations or tours of the local courts. Help assist with our Award-winning Domestic Relations booklet that is published and distributed across the state to local courts, social service agencies and nonprofits. Or simply participate in our charitable fund-raising and item drives for local organizations in need.

Legislation: Help organize the annual Legislative luncheon which hosts our State Senators and Representatives as speakers about their sponsored bills and insider glimpses at what happened on the floor and committees.

As you can see, whether you are a new or more seasoned attorney, membership in the MRWBA will be a rewarding endeavor. We all struggle to balance work and personal life, so why walk that tightrope alone? Come join the MRWBA and experience an association that understands and offers a supportive atmosphere where you can develop friendships that will last a lifetime.

Hope to see you soon.

Membership Chair: Sakina Paige

Questions about membership or on-line process?

Please contact me at 868-2822 or sakina.paige@wellsfargoadvisors.com

2009-20010 Membership Application