Washington Women Lawyers will present a civil rights symposium from 1:30 to 5 p.m. on January 20 at Seattle University School of Law. The event will feature a keynote address by Seattle attorney Rita Bender, as well as an action plan of next steps.

Attorneys, law professors and others will present a continuing legal education program discussing the current status of civil rights and legal issues in Washing-ton. Topics will include sexual orientation discrimination, environmental justice and restoration of voting rights. The day will conclude with a reception from 5 to 6:30 p.m.

Bender, a principal at the Seattle law firm of Skellenger Bender, P.S., received a B.A. in English from Queens College of the City University of New York in 1964 and her J.D. from Rutgers University School of Law in 1968. Her practice focuses on family law, adoption, assisted reproduction and ethics, and professional discipline for attorneys and mental health professionals.

A former lecturer in law at Rutgers University School of Law and member of the adjunct faculty of the University of Washington School of Law, Bender has lectured to groups of legal, medical and mental health professionals on numerous topics including ethical issues of forensic practice; adoption and assisted reproductive technology; same sex adoption; financial aspects of adoption; negotiation in the practice of law; complex family law issues; and prenuptial and cohabitation agreements.