In This Issue:

• UPDATE: 2010-2011 Board of Directors Nominations Slate Announcement
• 2010 Annual NAWJ Award Honorees
• NAWJ’s 32nd Annual Conference, October 13-17 - San Francisco, Open Your Golden Gate
• Post Conference Wine Tasting Tour Sunday, October 17 (Optional)
• Take a Cruise to Alaska with NAWJ, May 22-29, 2011
• New NAWJ Merchandise: Desk Clock, Velvet-lined Lacquered Box
• ABA Council for Racial and Ethnic Diversity Seeks Nominations for Award for Excellence in Pipeline Diversity

NAWJ 2010-2011 Board of Directors Nomination Slate

In accordance with the NAWJ Bylaws1, the Nominating Committee presents the following Nomination Slate for the 2010-2011 Board.

President - Hon. Marjorie Laird Carter
(Automatically assumes office)
California Superior Court, Orange County
Newport Beach, CA

President-Elect:
Hon. Amy L. Nechtem
Massachusetts Juvenile Court
Lynn, MA
The Hon. Joan Churchill, Immigration Judge (Retired) of Maryland, is no longer a candidate for President-Elect.

Vice President, Districts - Hon. Julie E. Frantz
Multnomah County Circuit Court
Portland, OR

Vice President, Publications - Hon. Sheri S. Roman
Appellate Division Second Department
Kew Gardens, NY

Secretary - Hon. Tanya R. Kennedy
Brooklyn Family Court
New York, NY

Treasurer - Hon. Elisabeth Ashlea Earle
County Court at Law #7
Austin, TX

ABA Delegate - Hon. Fernande R.V. Duffly
Appeals Court
Boston, MA

2010 NAWJ Annual Award Honorees

The National Association of Women Judges will present this year's awards during the Annual Conference in San Francisco in October.

Justice Joan Dempsey Klein NAWJ Honoree of the Year Awardee
Hon. Ronald M. George, Supreme Court of California
Chief Justice Ronald M. George is the first Chief Justice of California that has allocated significant quantities of the judicial branch's resources to create structural changes to address the legal and ethical problems associated with access to justice, and to the particular needs of families and children. Chief Justice George chaired the California Judicial Council Advisory Committee to implement the Gender Fairness Proposals which led to the successful adoption of all the recommendations of the California Task Force and created the award-winning Center for Families, Children and the Courts to ensure that the well-being of children, youth, families, and self-represented litigants is a high priority in the California judicial system. This Center serves to encourage positive change and to provide leadership, outreach and collaboration so that court and    community resources are readily available. Chief Justice George was appointed to the Supreme Court of California in 1991, and was named its Chief Justice in 1996.
The Joan Dempsey Klein Award honors a judge who brings distinction to their office and to the National Association of Woman Judges as exemplified by NAWJ co-founder California Court of Appeals Justice Joan Dempsey Klein.

Justice Vaino Spencer Leadership Awardee
Hon. Brenda Stith Loftin, St. Louis County Circuit Court
Judge Brenda Stith Loftin has provided extraordinary leadership to NAWJ. Judge Loftin created NAWJ's signature Color of Justice Program, which has advanced the NAWJ Mission of enhancing diversity on our nation’s bench and in our justice system. As past NAWJ President, Judge Loftin had the keen vision to move forward with the creation of NAWJ's long-range Strategic Plan that incorporates our vision for the future, core values and guiding principles in light of our mission. Judge Loftin has served on the St. Louis County Circuit Court, St. Louis, Missouri since March 1993. As a limited jurisdiction judge, assignments have included the Family Court, the Jury Trial Division, the Civil Division and the Criminal Division. Prior to ascending to the bench, Judge Loftin served as an Assistant Prosecuting Attorney in St. Louis County and a solo practitioner representing clients in state and federal court with emphasis on civil and criminal litigation. Judge Loftin is active in community service and serves on numerous boards.

The Justice Vaino Spencer Leadership Award recognizes outstanding leadership in promoting the vision, core values and mission of NAWJ as exemplified by NAWJ co-founder California Court of Appeals Justice Vaino Spencer.
Florence K. Murray Awardee

Kelly M. Dermody, Esq., Lieff, Cabraser, Heimann & Bernstein, LLP
Attorney Kelly Dermody's achievements and awards are numerous, and her service to communities fortunate to have her support, is exceptional. Ms. Dermody has served on the Resource Board for the National Association of Women Judges since 2005, and as its Chair since 2009. She has been instrumental in guiding the future of this Association. Ms. Dermody co-chairs the Friends Committee for NAWJ's 32nd Annual Conference in October and, in addition to securing untold sponsors, she has provided many hours of pro bono legal service on behalf of the NAWJ ensuring that this year's Annual Conference will be a success. A partner at Lieff Cabraser, Attorney Dermody was recognized in May, 2010 as one of the top 100 female litigators in California by the Daily Journal, one of two statewide legal newspapers. Ms. Dermody has served on many committees of the Bar Association of San Francisco as well as the American Bar Association.

The Florence K. Murray Award was instituted by the Honorable Florence K. Murray, the first woman to sit on the Rhode Island Supreme Court, and is presented to a non-judge who by example, has influenced women to pursue legal careers, opened doors for women attorneys, and demonstrated a commitment to NAWJ goals.

Mattie Belle Davis Awardee
Hon. Debra A. James, New York State Supreme Court
Justice Debra A. James has worked for many years on NAWJ's Women in Prison programs, devoting tireless effort to providing support and hope to incarcerated women in New York, particularly as they face re-entry into their communities. These programs support the rehabilitative objectives of the criminal justice system, aide in reducing recidivism rate, and advance safe reunification of families. Prior to ascending to the bench, Justice James was a lawyer devoted to public service. She began her career as an Assistant Corporation Counsel representing New York City in state and federal trial and appellate courts. Later, she served as an associate counsel for state authorities that promote housing for low and moderate income families.

The Mattie Belle Davis Award honors an NAWJ member who has gone above and beyond his or her role as member and volunteer to help make a difference in the organization and to further its mission, as did the Honorable Mattie Belle Davis.

NAWJ 2010 Annual Conference
San Francisco, Open Your Golden Gate!
October 13-17, 2010
A Focus on Children, Family and the Elderly
The Ritz-Carlton, San Francisco
YOU MAY STILL REGISTER FOR THE CONFERENCE!
(NAWJ block rooms at the Ritz Carlton are no longer available.)

CONFERENCE HIGHLIGHTS
Wednesday, October 13, 2010 • Pre-Conference Activities
NAWJ 2009-2010 Board Meeting
First-Time Attendee Meeting
Welcome Reception

Thursday, October 14, 2010 • Opening Day
Judicial Elections After Minnesota v. White
Keynote Luncheon Speaker - Gail Collins
Girl Trouble, A Video Screening and Panel Discussion in 2 Sessions
Self Represented Litigants: Helping Them Navigate Through the Legal System
Reducing Risk and Assessing Dangerousness in Criminal Domestic Violence Cases
Best Practices in Presiding over Patent Cases
Aging and the Dynamics of Elder Abuse
Reception at the United States Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit

Friday, October 15, 2010 • Day Two
NAWJ District Breakfast Meetings
NAWJ Resource Board Meeting
Responding to Violence Against Women: Past Successes and Future Challenges
Kids 'R Us: Building a Better Village for Our Foster Children
The Law's Migration
Combating Human Trafficking and Advancing the Rule of Law
Keynote Luncheon Speaker - Richard North Patterson
Ensuring Safety for Native American Victims of Domestic Violence
Crawford v. Washington and its Impact on the Prosecution of Domestic Violence Cases
Order in the Court: Practice Tips for New (and Experienced) Judges
Reception at the Asian Art Museum of San Francisco

Saturday, October 16, 2010 • Day Three
Before (and After) Roe v. Wade
NAWJ Committee Meetings
NAWJ Business Meeting, Investiture of Officers and Luncheon
NAWJ 2010-2011 Board Meeting
Pre Banquet Cocktail Reception
NAWJ Annual Awards Banquet

Post Conference Optional Wine Tasting Excursions
'Amongst the Grapes: Napa Wine Tasting'
or
'Muir Woods and Sausalito with Gallery Wine Tasting'
Sunday, October 17
10:30am - 2:30pm
$108.00 or $75.00 per person, depending on tour chosen
Tour registration and cancellation deadline is Friday October 1, 2010
 

Take a Cruise with NAWJ!

Dear NAWJ Member,
Judge Margie Carter, NAWJ President Elect, is working with Justice Dana Fabe, current NAWJ President, on plans for an NAWJ Mini-Conference onboard an Alaskan Cruise from May 22-29 of 2011. While there are many details still to be worked out, here is a broad overview of what we are planning: We would depart Vancouver, B.C. on Sunday, May 22, sailing up the Inside Passage to Seward, Alaska, where we would disembark and travel two hours to Anchorage, AK 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.
NAWJ is working with the Holland America Line 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.
Transportation is provided by Holland from Seward to Anchorage for $72 per person. This is not included in the price of the cruise.
These prices include a double upgrade of cabin, to a Large Inside cabin and a Large Outside cabin with full, unobstructed ocean view.
There will also be a conference cocktail reception on board. Shore excursion options are extra.
If you may be interested in participating, please email Jeff at jgroton@nawj.org so that we may get a rough idea of the number of cabins to block.
Below you will find the itinerary:
7-DAY GLACIER DISCOVERY - NORTHBOUND
Holland America Line
Ship: ms Statendam
Embark Port: Vancouver, B.C., CA
Disembark Port: Seward (Anchorage), Alaska US

22 May 2011 Vancouver, B.C., CA Depart 5:00pm
23 May 2011 Inside Passage Cruising Only
24 May 2011 Ketchikan, Alaska, US Arrive 7:00am - Depart 3:00pm
25 May 2011 Juneau, Alaska, US Arrive 8:00am - Depart310:30pm
26 May 2011 Skagway, Alaska, US Arrive 7:00am - Depart39:00pm
27 May 2011 Glacier Bay Cruising Only
28 May 2011 College Fjord Cruising Only
29 May 2011 Seward (Anchorage), Alaska US Arrive 6:00am

Get Your Custom NAWJ Merchandise!
Support the Contra Costa Inmate Industries Program and show your NAWJ pride by ordering your desk clock or velvet-lined lacquered box today.

Please see the brochure for more information. Order via the online order form or download the order form and either fax or mail it to the NAWJ national office.
Announcements
NAWJ Human Trafficking Committee
NAWJ President Dana Fabe established a new NAWJ Committee to focus in human trafficking. The purpose of this committee, chaired by Judge Carolyn Engel Temin, is to work toward the elimination of trafficking in persons, especially women and children trafficked for the purpose of sexual exploitation. Sign up at the Annual Conference next week, or email your interest to Jeffrey Groton at jgroton@nawj.org.
The ABA Council for Racial and Ethnic Diversity in the Educational Pipeline is accepting nominations for the Third Annual Raymond Pace and Sadie Tanner Mossell Alexander Award for Excellence in Pipeline Diversity.
Award Criteria
The Raymond Pace and Sadie Tanner Mossell Alexander Award for Excellence in Pipeline Diversity will go to the organization or individual which has shown innovation and leadership in educational pipeline diversity programming that involves collaborative partnerships with various segments along the pipeline, for example a program that stretches from high school to law school, or one that extends from college to the profession.
The organization has shown a commitment to documentation and an emerging or existing record of success expanding opportunities for students of color who seek to enter the legal profession;
The organization or individual has influenced other groups to pilot or has shown a willingness to work with others to engage in pipeline programs, including a commitment to sharing experience and encouraging replication
The organization or individual has advanced opportunities for students of color in the educational pipeline to the legal profession.
Past Alexander Award Recipients:
2010 - Legal Outreach, New York City
2009 - The Cleveland Metropolitan Bar Association
Deadline for submissions has been extended to October 25, 2010.
The Award will be presented at the ABA Midyear Meeting on Friday, February 11, 2011.
The American Israel Friendship League seeks up to five Judges from outside of New York State to join the League's annual trip to Israel. The trip will take place from December 27, 2010 to January 3, 2011. The $3,000 cost includes air fare and lodging.
Interested judges should contact William C. Thompson, Of Counsel, at 718.855.2324.

Events
NAWJ 2011 Midyear Leadership Conference
The NAWJ 2011 Midyear Leadership Conference will take place March 11-13, 2011 in Newport Beach, California. Click here to view tentative program schedule.
NAWJ 2011 Annual Conference
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.

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.