In the 1970s, a group of pioneering women attorneys in Seattle gathered together and formed the Washington Women Lawyers, an organization dedicated to promoting women's advancement in the legal profession.
The times were different: Women attorneys could not attend firm meetings held in all-male clubs, women rarely presented at CLEs, and not all firms had opened their doors to female attorneys. While we still have a long way to go, thanks to our visionary founders and others devoted to the advancement of women, times truly have changed.
In recognition of the contribution made by our founders, King County Washington Women Lawyers has dedicated 2007 to honoring them. We dedicate the first issue of the KCWWL VOICE, our new newsletter, to these visionaries and will continue to celebrate them throughout the year at several upcoming events.
One tangible example of how far we have come is the number of women judges serving on Washington's trial and appellate courts, both at the state and federal levels. On June 13, KCWWL also will honor members of the King County and Washington judiciary at its annual Judicial Appreciation Luncheon. Each year at this luncheon, members of the legal community gather to recognize the remarkable contributions of the judiciary and to pay tribute through annual awards to particular members and friends of the judiciary who have contributed to access to justice for women and minorities.
Last year's awards recipients included Supreme Court Justice Tom Chambers, King County Superior Court Judge Laura Inveen, KCBA President-Elect Eileen Concannon of Riddell Williams, and June Krumpotick of the Northwest Women's Law Center. This year's recipients will be announced soon.
The luncheon will be held at the Spanish Ballroom at the Olympic Fairmont Hotel. Tickets are $50 for KCWWL members, $60 for non-members and $25 for students. Sponsorship opportunities are available. For more information, please contact Luncheon Chair Becky Andrews at 206-389-1635 or at randrews@riddellwilliams.com.
