About

Mission

CWL was chartered in 1974. It was organized "to advance women in the profession of law; to improve the administration of justice; to better the position of women in society; to eliminate all inequities based on gender, and to provide an organization for collective action and expression germane to the aforesaid purposes."

Gender Definition Position Statement

Gender for the purposes of the California Women Lawyers' Mission is best described as a spectrum. For many it is fluid. Everyone defines and expresses their gender for themselves.
California Women Lawyers welcomes persons of all gender identities and expressions. 

Who We Are

California Women Lawyers promotes the advancement of women in the legal profession and is an active advocate for the concerns of women in society.

Since 1974, CWL has represented the interests of more than 70,000 women in all facets of the legal profession, influencing lawyers, educators, students, and judges. CWL has consistently provided a high level of support and commitment to their individual career goals and to the collective goals of women in law and society.

As the only statewide bar association for women in California, California Women Lawyers maintains a primary focus on advancing women in the legal profession. CWL provides unique resources and support to its members. Whether it is helping new practitioners expand their client base or assisting experienced attorneys in securing positions on the bench, CWL is an invaluable resource for the professional advancement of women lawyers.

ONE POWERFUL VOICE FOR WOMEN

CWL, with its statewide focus and headquarters in Sacramento, is uniquely well situated to develop and implement an advocacy agenda. Each year we productively engage the courts, the legislatures, and the media.

California Women Lawyers promotes the advancement of women in the legal profession and is an active advocate for the concerns of women in society.

Since 1974, CWL has represented the interests of more than 70,000 women in all facets of the legal profession, influencing lawyers, educators, students, and judges. CWL has consistently provided a high level of support and commitment to their individual career goals and to the collective goals of women in law and society.

As the only statewide bar association for women in California, California Women Lawyers maintains a primary focus on advancing women in the legal profession. CWL provides unique resources and support to its members. Whether it is helping new practitioners expand their client base or assisting experienced attorneys in securing positions on the bench, CWL is an invaluable resource for the professional advancement of women lawyers.

CWL received The State Bar of California's inaugural Diversity Bar Association Award in 2002 and has been recognized twice for its innovative programs by the National Conference of Women's Bar Associations for So, You Want to Be a Judge? (2009); and Elect to Run (2016) 

We are proud to have a robust membership of well-known and respected leaders throughout California, including: 

Justice Ronald M. George (Ret.)
Justice Joyce Kennard (Ret.)
Alameda County District Attorney Nancy O' Malley 
Congresswoman Lynn Schenk (Ret.)