ABOUT US

Rhode Island Women's Bar Association promotes the advancement of the status of women in Rhode Island and in the legal profession. RIWBA offers a forum to discuss and address local, national, and international issues of significance to women generally and to female attorneys in particular. RIWBA advocates for the fair and equal administration of justice throughout the state of Rhode Island. Through philanthropy, education, mentoring and connecting people, RIWBA has improved and continues to improve the Rhode Island community as a whole.

RIWBA offers accredited Continuing Legal Education seminars targeted at the needs, challenges and issues facing female attorneys in their practices. In the past, the RIWBA has partnered with female Rhode Island Judiciary members to bring seminars that offer unique insight on the practice of law in Rhode Island state courts. RIWBA has also made significant charitable efforts throughout Rhode Island, including annual holiday gift bag drives, clothing drives to assist women entering the work force, and events to support to local female youth living in group homes. Furthermore, various RIWBA-sponsored networking events have fostered a close-knit relationship among our members, providing our membership with valuable sources of knowledge and contacts.

PRESIDENT'S MESSAGE

It is an exciting time to be a woman in the legal profession in Rhode Island. With a female Presiding Justice of the Rhode Island Superior Court and the first African American woman on the United States First Circuit Court of Appeals, it is clear that we have made significant strides toward equality and representation in this profession, but we have a long way to go.

It is not only this realization of how far we have come, but also the recognition of how much further we can go in order to accomplish our personal goals and carve out a place for women attorneys in Rhode Island. This is where the Rhode Island Women's Bar Association enters the journey.
As the 2009-2010 program year is about to begin, the Board of Directors has planned an interesting calendar of events focusing on the specific challenges of women practicing in Rhode Island. Identifying numerous areas of practice - federal court, civil litigation, family law, corporate and transactional work, alternative legal careers and criminal practice -our presenters will provide you with the skills and behind-the-scenes information that will help you navigate your way to a successful and meaningful practice.

Back by popular demand, RIWBA will be hosting a “Dress for Success” event for our members in the Spring/Summer of 2010. We are also pleased to be co-sponsoring Women's Law Day with RWU Law School in the Spring of 2010.

As your President, I hope to continue the amazing progress from last year. Membership increased exponentially last year and we look to continue that surge this year. We will continue the very successful mentoring program, pairing seasoned women lawyers with law students and our younger members. Both our mentors and mentees found this program to be incredibly rewarding in terms of what was taught and learned by both sides of the relationship. As always, we wish to increase the visibility and increase the voice of the RIWBA in the legal community in Rhode Island.
The RIWBA's mission is to further the advancement of women in the law and the Board takes that duty very seriously. We hope that this year's programming effectively addresses the challenges and experiences common to women in the practice. Moreover, we hope that the RIWBA provides you with the opportunity to network and seek the support, encouragement and guidance of other women in practice. We are continually looking to implement new ideas and programs consistent with our vision and, as always, look for your feedback and participation. We thank you for your continued support and look forward to an exciting year ahead.

Aileen L. Sprague
President
RIWBA