In This Issue:

• Donate to NAWJ's Annual Fund Drive
• Reserve your room at the Surf and Sand Resort in Laguna Beach, California for the Midyear Leadership Conference, March 11-13th
• Past President Justice Fernande R.V. Duffly Nominated to Massachusetts' Highest Court
• NAWJ Member Hon. Linda Dalianis to become New Hampshire's First Female Chief Justice
• Former Board Member Judge Margret Robb Named Chief Judge of the Indiana Court of Appeals
• Past President Judge Sophia Hall Honored with Justice Stevens Award
• Ohio Names First Female Chief Justice of the Supreme Court
• Record-breaking Number of Holiday Gift Bags for Women Inmates Gathered by New York
• Member Publications: Judge Anna Blackburne-Rigsby, Judge Cindy Lederman, Professor Judith Resnik
• Cruise to Alaska with NAWJ, May 22-29, 2011
• Your News in NAWJ's Counterbalance Newsletter: Submission Deadline is March 11, 2011
• NAWJ is Now on Facebook, Click the 'Like' Button on NAWJ's Facebook Page

Happy New Year!

Support NAWJ - Make Your Donations Online!

This year we are pleased to provide an additional incentive that also benefits a worthy program. For donations of $250 or more, you will receive a beautiful NAWJ commemorative clock (pictured below) produced by female inmates in Contra Costa's detention facilities. This creative engraving and sign-making program was designed to provide female inmates with a vocational training and NAWJ was proud to support their efforts.

NAWJ's fundraising drive plays a pivotal role in furthering our work, traditionally collecting close to $20,000 each year. We ask you to make as generous a personal tax-deductible charitable gift to NAWJ as possible, either individually or via a family foundation or other grant-making organization with which you may be involved.

Your strong show of support will help demonstrate the commitment of NAWJ to promoting the judicial role in protecting the rights of individuals under the rule of law through strong, committed, diverse judicial leadership, fairness and equality in the courts, and equal access to justice.

Donate on line at www.nawj.org or by returning the donation form you received in the mail.

Thank you for your generous contributions to NAWJ of time and energy, as well as your financial contributions this year.

NAWJ MIDYEAR MEETING
AND LEADERSHIP CONFERENCE

March 11-13, 2011
Laguna Beach, California

SURF & SAND RESORT
Reservations: 888-869-7569
www.surfandsandresort.com
NAWJ Rate: $199/night, plus applicable taxes

Conference Highlights (subject to change)

Thursday, March 10, 2011
Early arrivals enjoy Newport Beach, and Disneyland!

Friday, March 11, 2011
DISTRICT DIRECTORS MEETING
Time: 9:00 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.

KEYNOTE LUNCHEON
Time: 12:00 p.m. - 1:30 p.m.

EDUCATION PROGRAM
Time: 2:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.

JUDICIAL RECEPTION
Time: 5:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.

Saturday, March 12, 2011
BREAKFAST
Time: 8:00 a.m. - 9:00 a.m.

NAWJ BOARD MEETING
Time: 10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.

Those not attending the Board Meeting - enjoy Newport Beach and Disneyland!
Time: 10:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.

JUDICIAL RECEPTION
Time: 5:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.

Sunday, March 13, 2011
FAREWELL BREAKFAST
Time: 8:00 a.m. - 9:00 a.m.

Hon. Fernande R.V. Duffly Nominated to the Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court

Before 2010 could close, Massachusetts Governor Deval L. Patrick announced the nomination of Appeals Court Justice Fernande R.V. Duffly to serve as Associate Justice on the Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court. Confirmation hearings are expected to begin sometime this month. Justice Duffly was NAWJ President for the 2007-2008 year while Associate Justice of the Appeals Court of Massachusetts.

Justice Duffly has served Massachusetts as a member of the judiciary for 18 years, beginning with her 1992 appointment to Probate and Family Court. She joined the Appeals Court as an Associate Justice in 2000. From 1978 to 1992, Justice Duffly was a litigation attorney at the Boston firm of Warner & Stackpole, now K & L Gates LLP. Governor Patrick recognized Justice Duffly's extensive public interest work and commitment to pro bono matters during her years in private practice, and her many activities as a judge aimed at increasing diversity on the bench and improving access to justice for vulnerable populations already familiar to NAWJ.

Justice Duffly currently serves as a Commissioner on the American Bar Association's Commission on Women in the Profession and currently NAWJ's Delegate to the ABA. She has also served on Boston Bar Association's committees on pro se litigation and attorney volunteerism; the Probate and Family Court's committee on pro se access to the courts; the American Bar Association's subcommittee on representation of children; and the Supreme Judicial Court's Standing Committee on substance abuse. Justice Duffly has written articles and taught seminars on a wide range of topics, including appellate decision-making, family law, trusts, parental rights, and ethnic and racial bias. She received the 2009 Boston Bar Association Citation of Judicial Excellence. Other honors include: 2008 induction into Massachusetts Lawyers Weekly/Women's Bar Association Women of Justice; 2007 Trailblazer Award from the National Asian Pacific American Bar Association; 2004 Distinguished Jurist Award from the Massachusetts Association of Women Lawyers; and 2000 Distinguished Service Award from the Probate Judges Association.

Justice Duffly is a graduate of the University of Connecticut (B.A., Highest Honors, 1973) and Harvard Law School (J.D., 1978). She was born in Indonesia and immigrated to the United States with her family at the age of six. She is a resident of Cambridge. She is Governor Patrick's fourth nomination to the state's highest court, following his 2007 nomination of NAWJ member Justice Margot G. Botsford, his 2008 nomination of Justice Ralph D. Gants and his recent nomination of Chief Justice Roderick L. Ireland.

Congratulations Nan!

Hon. Linda Stewart Dalianis is Chief Justice of the New Hampshire Supreme Court

The Honorable Linda Stewart Dalianis was sworn in as the 35th Chief Justice of the New Hampshire Supreme Court on December 15, 2010 by Governor John Lynch. She was the first woman to hold a seat on the New Hampshire Supreme Court, and she is the first woman to be Chief Justice. Prior to her appointment to the Supreme Court by the prior Governor Jeanne Shaheen in 2000, Justice Dalianis served for 20 years on the Superior Court bench, both as Associate Justice and as Chief Justice.

During her long career in the Judicial Branch, Justice Dalianis has participated in numerous influential committees that shape the day-to-day work of the courts, the Supreme Court Rules and Legislation Committees, and the Superior Court committees on guardians, marital master and alternative dispute resolution. She is also a longtime member of the New Hampshire Bar Association Committee on Cooperation with the Courts.

Justice Dalianis is chair of the "Family Division Implementation Committee" which was appointed by then Chief Justice John T. Broderick Jr. to study the delivery of court services in family law cases, and also the chair of the "Judicial Branch Dispute Resolution Committee," which was appointed by Chief Justice Broderick to study system-wide development of alternative dispute resolution services.

She is a graduate of Northeastern University and Suffolk University Law School.

Click here to find Justice Dalianis' remarks after taking the oath of office.

Hon. Margret C. Robb First Female Chief Judge for the Court of Appeals of Indiana

Former District Eight Director Margret C. Robb was elevated to Chief Judge of Indiana's 15-judge Court of Appeals. She assumed her three-year term on January 1, 2011. She was appointed to the Court of Appeals in July, 1998. Prior to her appointment to the Court of Appeals Chief Judge Robb worked in private practice in Lafayette, Indiana, and as a Chapter 11, 12 and standing Chapter 7 Bankruptcy trustee for the Northern District of Indiana.

Judge Sophia H. Hall Honored with 2010 Justice John Paul Stevens Award

NAWJ Past President during the 1989-1990 year, Administrative Presiding Judge Sophia H. Hall received the 2010 Justice John Paul Stevens Award from the Chicago Bar Association. The award recognizes "lawyers who have devoted themselves selflessly to others." The award was given at the Dinner and Gala Celebration on September 15, 2010 at the Chicago Hilton Hotel. Justice Stevens, who served 35 years on the U.S. Supreme Court, was the Keynote Speaker.

Judge Hall has been a Circuit Court Judge for the last 30 years, and is a Lifetime Member of the NAWJ.

Ohio Names First Female Chief Justice of the Supreme Court

On January 1, 2011 the Honorable Maureen O'Connor became Chief Justice of the Ohio Supreme Court. She was elected to a six-year term by Ohioans on November 2, 2010, and she will become the first woman Supreme Court Chief Justice in the state's 207 year history. Chief Justice O'Connor was first elected to the Supreme Court in 2002, became the 148th Justice to the Court when her term began in January, 2003. She was the sixth woman to join the Court and gave the Court its first-ever female majority. She was re-elected in 2008 and elected Chief Justice in 2010 to replace the retiring Chief Justice Thomas J. Moyer. Chief Justice Moyer died April 2, 2010, before he could finish his fourth and final term.

Holiday Gift Bag Assembly Made Fun for All by NAWJ WIP Committee Members

"I think this was a record, usually it is 220. It was a very cooperative spirit by all involved," according to Women in Prison (WIP) Co-Chair Judge Betty Williams. The holiday event was organized by former NAWJ Board Member Judge Laura Jacobson who picked up the 230 bags, donated for three consecutive years by members Judge Wavny Toussaint and the wash cloths contributed by Judge Cheryl Gonzales again this year. During a lunch pizza party Judges Jacobson, Baily-Schiffman, Garson and newly elected Civil Court Judge Carol Fineman with court attorneys and other court staff assembled two hundred thirty gift bags (toiletries, note pads, pens, combs, emery boards, clear nail polish, tooth brushes, wash cloths, candy canes/Kit Kats) in Judge Jacobson's chambers for the women at Bayview Correctional Facility in New York City. The gift bags were picked up, along with toys, books, and movie passes by Bayview staff and distributed during the holidays by the New York Chapter of NAWJ's Women in Prison Committee. NAWJ members statewide donated the toiletries such as shampoo, conditioner, soap, body wash, and lotion. The Brooklyn Women's Bar Association members also donated gift bag items.

NAWJ Member Publications

Finance Committee Chair Judge Anna Blackburne-Rigsby
Past President Judge Cindy Lederman
Judicial Academic Network/Education Committee Co-Chair Professor Judith Resnik

Black Women Judges: The Historical Journey of Black Women to the Nation's Highest Courts
By The Honorable Anna Blackburne-Rigsby

This article examines the role that significant historical milestones such as the U.S. Civil War, the Reconstruction Era, and the Women's Suffrage Movement, played in paving the way for Black Women Judges on our state and federal appellate courts. In addition, the article focuses on the benefits of having a diverse appellate judiciary.

Click here to download article.

Child-Centered Practices for the Courtroom and Community: A Guide to Working Effectively with Young Children and Their Families in the Child Welfare System
By Judge Cindy S. Lederman, Lynne F. Katz, Ed.D., Joy D. Osofsky, Ph.D., with Candice L. Maze, J.D.

How can early childhood professionals provide the best possible services and supports to families in the child welfare system? This guidebook has the practical, real-world answers professionals need as they navigate the complex system, work with the courts, and plan interventions and treatment for the most vulnerable young children and families.

Click here to download flyer for more information.

Representing Justice: Invention, Controversy, and Rights in City-States and Democratic Courtrooms
By Judith Resnik and Dennis Curtis

Recently reviewed in The New York Times, Professor Judith Resnik and Dennis Curtis' survey on the icon of Justice, a woman with scales and sword, and tracing of the development of public spaces dedicated to justice - courthouses, explores the evolution of adjudication into its modern form as well as the intimate relationship between the courts and democracy. The authors analyze how Renaissance "rites" of judgment turned into democratic "rights," requiring governments to respect judicial independence, provide open and public hearings, and accord access and dignity to "every person." With over 220 images, readers can see both the longevity of aspirations for justice and the transformation of courts, as well as understand that, while venerable, courts are also vulnerable institutions that should not be taken for granted. This website gives readers a preview to some of those images and much more.

NAWJ Alaskan Cruise

May 22-29, 2011

Join NAWJ for a Mini-Conference onboard an Alaskan Cruise from May 22-29 of 2011.

Departure is set from Vancouver, B.C. on Sunday, May 22, sailing up the Inside Passage to Seward, Alaska, where we will disembark and travel two hours to Anchorage, Alaska for a reception hosted at Dana's log home in the foothills of the Chugach Range on Sunday evening, May 29. Stops would include Ketchikan, Juneau, Skagway, Glacier Bay, and College Fjord. Judicial Education session(s) would be provided onboard the ship.

Registration

All persons wishing to attend the Alaskan Cruise Conference events must register as a participant. Non-NAWJ members must be a guest of a NAWJ member in good standing. Registration Includes: one bottle of bon voyage champagne and chocolate covered strawberries per stateroom, judicial education programs, two on-board cocktail parties, transport from Seward to Anchorage, round trip transportation from Anchorage to Justice Fabe's Anchorage home for a reception.

HOLLAND AMERICA

The deposit for the cruise is currently $700, and is fully refundable until March 7. NAWJ is working with the Holland America Line (click here to get contact information) and the rates being offered (per person, based on double occupancy) are:

• Inside Cabin, cost per person, double occupancy = $749.00, including all meals and port fees. Taxes and fees of $117.50 are extra.
• Outside Cabin, double occupancy = $949.00, including all meals and port fees. Taxes and fees of $117.50 are extra.

Additional Information:

• A $75 per cabin shipboard credit will be provided for both types of cabin.
• Prices do not include airfare to Vancouver and return from Anchorage. Anchorage has nonstop service to Seattle, Portland, Salt Lake, and Chicago, and one-stop service to most major U.S. airports.
• These prices include a double upgrade of cabin to a Large Inside cabin and a Large Outside cabin with full, unobstructed ocean view.
• Shore excursion options are extra.

ITINERARY:

Saturday - 21 May 2011
Attendees should arrive to be in position for boarding (see hotel info below)

Sunday - 22 May 2011
All Aboard!
Depart 5:00 p.m. Vancouver, B.C., CA

Monday - 23 May 2011
Inside Passage Cruising Only
9:00 a.m. - Noon NAWJ Education Session
4:00 p.m. - 5:30 p.m. - NAWJ Yoga
6:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m. NAWJ Fiesta Cocktail Party

Tuesday - 24 May 2011
Ketchikan, Alaska, US Arrive 7:00 a.m. - Depart 3:00 p.m.
4:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m. NAWJ Education Session

Wednesday - 25 May 2011
Juneau, Alaska, US Arrive 8:00 a.m. - Depart 10:30 p.m.

Thursday - 26 May 2011
Skagway, Alaska, US Arrive 7:00 a.m. - Depart 9:00 p.m.

Friday - 27 May 2011
Glacier Bay Cruising Only
4:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m. NAWJ Education Session

Saturday - 28 May 2011
College Fjord Cruising Only
9:00 a.m. - Noon Education Session
4:00 p.m. - 5:30 p.m. - NAWJ Yoga
6:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m. NAWJ Cocktail Party

Sunday - 29 May 2011
Arrive 6:00 a.m. Seward (Anchorage), Alaska US
NAWJ Buses Depart Seward to Anchorage
Check into the Hotel Capitan Cook (see hotel info below)
NAWJ Buses Depart for Reception at Justice Dana Fabe's Home
Buses Depart for Hotel

Hotel on the front end:

NAWJ is not securing a block of rooms on the front end. We are, however, recommending the Pan Pacific Hotel. Here is the link to the Pan Pacific:
http://www.panpacific.com/Vancouver/Overview.html
Be sure to check the various discount offer link at the lower right hand corner of the page.

Hotel on the back end:

NAWJ has secured a block of rooms at the Hotel Captain Cook at the rate of $181 plus tax (we need the group together for bus transport). The Group Code for reservations through their website, www.captaincook.com, is - judgesw10. Be advised that the rate that comes up on the online system is $191. This is a glitch in their system, and I will take care of making the adjustment for you. Or you can call the hotel at 800.843.1950 and tell them you are with the National Association of Women Judges (NAWJ).

Returning flight information:

If you wish to return home on Sunday night rather than staying over at the Captain Cook Hotel until Monday, it is recommended that no return flight from Anchorage to your home be scheduled before a late evening red eye flight from Anchorage, either late on Sunday night, May 29th, or after midnight on Monday morning, May 30th (e.g. 1:00 a.m.) We will provide transportation at 9:00 pm after the reception at Justice Fabe's house directly to the airport, which is less than a half-hour away. Thus, you would be safe in booking a flight after 11:00 pm.

Share Your News in Counterbalance!

Deadline March 11, 2011

NAWJ's Counterbalance newsletter is a wonderful communication vehicle that provides a digest of member happenings from across the country. It is an opportunity to highlight the many interesting activities that this organization sponsors and the causes it supports. Consider sharing with your fellow colleagues. If you have female judges in your state who have been recently appointed, or if they have been promoted or received an honor, let us know that too. NAWJ will also consider publishing an essay, address or article deemed of interest to fellow colleagues.

The deadline for submitting information for the next issue of Counterbalance is March 11, 2011. Please pass articles, announcements, and event highlights to Lavinia Cousin at lcousin@nawj.org.

If you have any questions or problems getting something to Lavinia, please don't hesitate to call (202-393-0222) or e-mail lcousin@nawj.org.

NAWJ Launches Social Networking on Facebook Page!

Find us on Facebook and check us out here. NAWJ will promote events and limited Board approved announcements.

Help us spread the word about NAWJ by clicking the 'Like' button on our page to become a 'Fan' of NAWJ and automatically receive updates as new information is posted.

Events

The NAWJ 2011 Annual Conference will take place in Newark, New Jersey October 12 - 16, 2011 at the Hilton Newark Penn Station. Click here for more information on the Conference's website.

The NAWJ 2012 Annual Conference will take place in Miami, Florida

The NAWJ 2013 Annual Conference will take place in New Orleans, Louisiana

NAWJ

Mission Statement:

The National Association of Women Judges' mission is to: Promote the judicial role of protecting the rights of individuals under the rule of law through strong, committed, diverse judicial leadership, fairness and equality in the courts, and equal access to justice.

About NAWJ:

Since its formation in 1979, NAWJ has inspired and lead the American judiciary in achieving fairness and equality for vulnerable populations. Led by two visionary women - Justice Joan Dempsey Klein and Justice Vaino Spencer - 100 brave and intrepid women judges met and formed an organization dedicated to the following ideals: ensuring equal justice and access to the courts for all including women, youth, the elderly, minorities, the underprivileged, and people with disabilities; providing judicial education on cutting-edge issues of importance; developing judicial leaders; increasing the number of women on the bench in order for the judiciary to more accurately reflect the role of women in a democratic society; and improving the administration of justice to provide gender-fair decisions for both male and female litigants.

From the day it was founded, NAWJ has been committed to diversity in our membership. Our organization welcomes both men and women. We include appellate, trial, tribal, administrative law judges, state and federal judges, and members from every state in the nation.

NAWJ takes pride in its accomplishments. We were at the forefront in the establishment and implementation of gender bias task forces in both federal and state courts. We have greatly advanced the administration of justice in areas of domestic violence, child support and child custody, and the treatment of women in the courts of America. We also are respected as a leader in educating judges on bioethics, elderly abuse, the sentencing of women offenders with substance abuse problems; improving conditions for women in prison; and the problems facing immigrants in our court system. Currently we are developing curricula on the effect of genetic advances on women and vulnerable populations, the impact of international law on state and federal courts, and cognitively disabled persons in criminal courts.

In addition to addressing these and other important issues, NAWJ provides an opportunity for judges to meet and discuss professional issues of mutual concern in a supportive atmosphere. Connecting with others with the same values, we laugh, enjoy life and mentor one another nationwide.