Since its formation in 1979, the National Association of Women Judges (NAWJ) has inspired and led the American judiciary in achieving fairness and equality for vulnerable populations. 

NAWJ’s 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.

Background

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 accurately reflect the role of women in the democratic society
• Improving the administration of justice to provide gender-fair decisions for both male & female litigations

NAWJ was 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. 

Membership

From the day it was founded, NAWJ has been committed to diversity in our membership. Our organization welcomes both men and women. Our membership includes trial and appellate, administrative, tribal and military judges, on federal, state and tribal courts at every level of the judiciary, from throughout the country, and international tribunals, as well as attorneys, law clerks, law students and law professors committed to our mission. As members of the International Association of Women Judges (IAWJ), which NAWJ founded, we meet and interact with judges from all over the world. 

Programs & Education

We are engaged in projects and judicial education that addresses human trafficking/modern day slavery; voter education in states with judicial elections; conditions for women in prison; problems facing immigrants in our court system; bioethics; outreach to students about legal and judicial careers, among others. 

Are you a member of the judiciary interested in becoming a NAWJ member? Learn about membership opportunities»