From the President

Dear MRWBA family,

Did you know that there are several days in September dedicated to celebrating women? September 12 recognized women in law enforcement, September 17 is dedicated to the strong bond of female friendships, September 18 highlights the efforts for equal pay and the fight against workplace discrimination, September 22 celebrates the accomplishments of women in the workforce and business, and September 30 is dedicated to women’s health across all ages. 

At a time when things feel busy and hectic, it is nice to be recognized and to focus on what grounds us – our relationships and our health. 

Our September luncheon highlighted these themes. Miriam Airington-Fisher shared her path to becoming a successful attorney and mother. In her book, Mom’s a Lawyer: How to Start a Firm and Take Control of Your Life, she discussed how you can create a practice you love, while balancing career and family. Miriam shared her own experiences and provided tips for examining your practice, focusing on what you love, and creating a career where you can have it all – even if not perfectly. 

As you reflect on your practice and your career, I’d like to introduce our new fundraising campaign, “51 for the Future.” Many of you generously donated $50 in support of our 50^th year. This year, I am asking that each of you make a donation of $51, in the name of a woman who inspired you or impacted your career, as an investment in our next 51 years together.    

We have an exciting year ahead, and I hope to see you all at our upcoming events.

Cheers,

Katy

Katy Groover
2025-2026 MRWBA President

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51 for the Future: Honoring Women Who Inspire. Investing in the Next 51 Years.

Last year, in celebration of our 50th anniversary, many of you showed your support with a meaningful $50 gift. This year, as we step into our 51st year, I invite you to join our new campaign: “51 for the Future.”

We're asking each of you to donate $51—but this time, make it in honor of a woman who inspired you or impacted your career. This campaign is about legacy, gratitude, and the future.

Your $51 gift will not only honor the trailblazers who shaped our paths, but will also be an investment in the next generation of leaders, changemakers, and visionaries. Together, let’s continue building a future rooted in equity, opportunity, and empowerment.

Honor. Invest. Inspire.

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Member Spotlight

Katherine Yourth

What type of law do you practice? I am an employment law attorney at Isler Dare, P.C.  Previously, I practiced federal sector employment law at the Defense Logistics Agency.

How long have you been a member of MRWBA? About six months.

What have you enjoyed most about your time in MRWBA?  The luncheons! Aside from the good food, the topics are interesting, the presentations are informative, and it’s great to connect with other members.

What do you like most about practicing law? I enjoy helping clients work through difficult situations – no shortage of these in employment law – and figure out the best way(s) to achieve their goals.

What is at the top of your bucket list? A trip to Italy with my family.

What is the one app on your phone you cannot live without? Target!

What book is currently on your bedside table?  None at the moment, but the most recent ones were Pete the Cat: The Perfect Pizza Party, a bedtime favorite in our house, and The Best Time We Ever Had (still need to finish that one).

When I am not at the office, I like to … watch our daughters, who are 5 and 8, practice activities they love like dance and art, and also try new things, like rock climbing and baseball!

If I weren’t practicing law, I would be…taking a food and drink tour around the world or rescuing/caring for animals (or both).

What advice would you give to someone who just passed the bar? As my wonderful husband reminds me, they call it the “practice” of law for a reason.  Working with different attorneys will help you learn the ways you do (and in some cases don’t!) want to practice law.

Board Member Spotlight

Angela MacFarlane, Treasurer

What type of law do you practice? Civil Defense. I represent businesses and individuals in all aspects of civil litigation throughout state courts in Virginia. My practice areas include, but are not limited to auto liability, trucking, premises liability, and products liability.

How long have you been a member of MRWBA? Approximately 5 years.

What have you enjoyed most about your time in MRWBA? Getting to know other women who practice locally.

What do you like most about practicing law? Helping my clients navigate the legal system from our initial conversation through mediation/trial.

What is at the top of your bucket list? Traveling with my husband and our two daughters to Australia (when they’re older) and showing them my favorite places from when I studied abroad.

What is the one app on your phone you cannot live without? Email.

When I am not at the office, I like to …spend time with my family and friends, especially attending live sporting events - predominantly baseball and hockey.

If I wasn’t practicing law, I would be… a social worker.

What advice would you give to someone who just passed the bar? You have decades ahead to work hard, try to find jobs where you like the people just as much if not more than the work. It makes all the difference.