National Association of Women Judges
The Honorable Diana Becton
NAWJ President |
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PRESIDENT'S MESSAGE
 February has traditionally been a month in which our country focuses on the contributions and achievements of African-Americans. In that tradition, I would like to take this opportunity to pay tribute to, and mark the passing of two African American jurists.
First, a pioneer, and one of our Founding Mothers, Justice Vaino H. Spencer, who died on October 25, 2016 at the age of 96. In addition to being the first African American woman to serve on the bench in the State of California, and the third in the country, Justice Spencer went on to become an Appellate Justice in California. She served as Presiding Justice of the Court of Appeal, 2nd District.
 In 1979, Justice Vaino Spencer, and Justice Joan Dempsey Kline, founded the National Association of Women Judges. These prophetic women were inspired to lead the American Judiciary in achieving fairness and equality for vulnerable populations, and to advocate for an increase in the number of women on the bench. They located and joined with another 100 courageous women judges to form this prestigious organization, that has become the nation's leading voice for women in the judiciary. During her distinguished career of over 55 years, Justice Spencer was the recipient of numerous awards including: Outstanding Jurist Award, California Women Lawyers, and Person of the Year, Metropolitan News Enterprise. Justice Spencer received the Honorary Doctor of Law degree from South Western University School of Law. California Supreme Court Justice Tani Cantil-Sakauye writes, "Her roles with California Women Lawyers and the National Association of Women Judges, laid the groundwork for women like me to even consider a career in the legal profession, to advance within the profession, and to embrace positions of leadership."
 Just days ago the judicial community of San Diego, California lost one of its pioneering giants, Judge Elizabeth Riggs, who was the first African American woman judge in San Diego. She was appointed to El Cajon Municipal Court in 1979, and served as Presiding Judge in 1984-1985. She became the first and only African American woman judge for 20 years on the San Diego County Court. Judge Riggs opened El Cajon's first domestic violence court. She has served as Past President of the Earl B. Gilliam Bar Association, founded the Black Attorneys Association of San Diego, and served as a board member for the San Diego Legal Aid Society, the Urban League of San Diego, and the African-American Museum of Fine Arts. She has been honored as a Legend of the Bar by the San Diego Bar History Committee, and was selected 39th Senate District's Woman of the Year in 2007. Judge Riggs was inducted as a Trailblazer in the San Diego County Women's Hall of Fame in 2008.
Shifting gears, the NAWJ Midyear Meeting and Leadership Conference is fast approaching, and the Midyear Planning Committee is enthusiastically working to prepare a very special experience. Dazzling events, and memorable moments etched in history…everything happens at the Beverly Hilton Hotel. Please join us in Los Angeles, CA from June 7-8, 2017 for this very special gathering, a once in a lifetime occasion, filled with friendly meal gatherings, evening receptions, educational sessions, and the Lady Justice Awards Gala, a "red carpet" event that you simply do not want to miss. I can't wait to see you!
Sincerely yours,
Honorable Diana Becton
President, National Association of Women Judges
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Register Today!
New England Cruise 2017
BOSTON - MONTREAL MAY 20, 2017 - MAY 27, 2017
Visit the website at
https://www.nawj.org/schedule/events-calendar/new-england-cruise-2017/2017-05-20
CABIN GROUP RATE DEADLINE: FEBRUARY 19 |
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7-DAY CANADA AND NEW ENGLAND DISCOVERY
Discover a kaleidoscope of beauty and history in Canada and New England - from scenic coastlines to classic lighthouses. All in the spacious elegant comfort of the Holland America Line's ms Maasdam.
NAWJ registration fee $150 per person.
Each traveler's NAWJ registration fee includes education sessions, a reception onboard and cruise memento. Fees must be paid by members and their family and guests.
Register online here, or download complete and fax, mail, or email this registration form to:
NAWJ
1001 Connecticut Avenue, NW, Suite 1138
Washington, D.C. 20036
FAX: 202-393-0215
EMAIL: accounting@nawj.org
CRUISE PROGRAM
Saturday, May 20
Boston: A pre boarding session with documentary film maker Liz Canner who will share the story of the lawsuit involving her request (under the New Hampshire Right to Know law) for police documents relating to a campus assault case in New Hampshire. The suit resulted in a landmark decision by the Supreme Court of New Hampshire last August in the field of First Amendment law.
Onboard
• Premiere screening of Liz Canner's documentary film on campus assaults (which is still in preparation, but is expected to be released by the time of our cruise)
• Ethics for Judges, a session including special considerations for retired judges.
• A special cocktail reception for our group.
Saturday, May 27
Montreal: Get together for brunch with Canadian members of IAWJ at an historic restaurant near the port where we disembark.
ACCOMMODATIONS - Cabin Information
Fares start at $759 per person for interior staterooms (assuming double occupancy).
Taxes, fees and port expenses are an additional $210 and subject to change.
HOW TO BOOK A CABIN
The cabins reserved for NAWJ at the group rate will not be available after February 19. After that date, cabins will be booked at the regular cruise rate. Nancy Curtis (619-917-5507) should be contacted immediately by anyone interested in the cruise.
Download and complete this cabin registration form and mail, fax or email to:
Nancy Curtis
MAIL: 2334 Vista Valley Lane
Vista, California 92084
FAX: 760-295-7733
EMAIL: curtistravel2@gmail.com
For more details or to inquire about roommate matching, contact cruise coordinator Nancy Curtis by phone (619) 917-5507 or email curtistravel2@gmail.com.
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National Association of Women Judges
2017 Midyear Meeting and Lady Justice Gala
June 7-8 • The Beverly Hilton, Los Angeles |
WHAT'S INCLUDED
Attendee registration fee includes Wednesday lunch, Wednesday reception, Thursday educational sessions, Thursday breakfast, Thursday luncheon, Gala reception and Lady Justice Awards Dinner.
REGISTRATION FEES:
$545 First-Time Member Attendee ($645 starting May 6, 2017)
$695 for NAWJ Members ($745 starting May 6, 2017)
$745 for Non-Member Attendees ($795 starting May 6, 2017)
Register online here, or download and fax this registration form.
ROOM RESERVATIONS: Call (310) 274-7777
NAWJ Rate: $299 night, plus state and local taxes, single or double occupancy
PLANNING COMMITTEES CHAIRS
NAWJ PRESIDENT
Hon. Diana Becton, Superior Court of California, County of Contra Costa
COMMUNITY SERVICE
Hon. Marguerite Downing, Superior Court of California, Los Angeles County
EDUCATION
Hon. Lee Smalley Edmon, California Court of Appeal, 2nd Appellate District
FRIENDS
Wendy Coats, Esq., Fisher Phillips, LLP
Amber S. Finch, Esq., Reed Smith
Drucilla S. Ramey, Esq.
Cathy Winter, CourtCall, LLC
HONOREES/DINNER PROGRAMMING
Hon. Marcella Holland, Circuit Court for Baltimore City, Maryland (Retired)
PUBLICATIONS/MARKETING
Hon. Anita L. Santos, Superior Court of California, County of Contra Costa
SITE SELECTION
Hon. Marguerite Denise Downing, Superior Court of California, County of Los Angeles
Hon. Bobbi Tillmon, Superior Court of California, County of Los Angeles
STRATEGIC PLANNING AND SUSTAINABILITY
Hon. Julie Frantz, Multnomah County Circuit Court, Oregon
Hon. Amy Nechtem, Massachusetts Juvenile Court
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Judge Elizabeth Riggs
First African American Woman Judge in
San Diego County Trial Court
1941-2017 |
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Elizabeth A. Riggs was appointed to El Cajon Municipal Court in 1979 where she remained the first and only African American woman judge until 2000, serving as Presiding Judge in 1984-1985. Judge Riggs opened El Cajon's first domestic violence court in 1997 and became a Superior Court Judge in 1998 until her retirement in 2002.
She has served as Past President of the Earl B. Gilliam Bar Association, founded the Black Attorneys Association of San Diego, and served as a board member of the San Diego Legal Aid Society, Urban League of San Diego, and the African-American Museum of Fine Arts. She has been honored as a 'Legend of the Bar' by the San Diego Bar History Committee, 39th Senate District's Woman of the Year in 2007, and inducted as a Trailblazer in the San Diego County Women's Hall of Fame in 2008. (As part of their 'Legend of the Bar' series, the San Diego Bar Association has made available a wonderful interview with Judge Riggs online here.)
Judge Riggs served in a variety of assignments with the court including many years in juvenile. After her retirement, Judge Riggs provided regular coverage for our court in juvenile delinquency and dependency assignments.
Before her judicial career, she worked at the YWCA, the Neighborhood Youth Corp and directed Head Start before community leaders urged to go to law school. She graduated Rutgers, Class of 1973, and was admitted to California Bar June 18, 1974. She went on to serve as Deputy District Attorney San Diego (1974-1977), and Deputy Attorney General San Diego (1977-1979).
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Access to Justice: Past, Present and Future
NAWJ 39th Annual Conference
October 11-15, 2017
Sheraton Atlanta Hotel |
The 39th NAWJ Conference in Atlanta, Georgia will feature vibrant and interactive programs. Our theme, Access to Justice: Past, Present, and Future, will allow attendees to explore historical lessons about justice from the Civil Rights movement; discuss present justice changes such as criminal justice reform, and envision justice initiatives for years to come.
CONFERENCE REGISTRATION FEES:
$525 for members who are First-Time Attendees until June 30, 2017
$595 for NAWJ Members until June 30, 2017
$695 for Non-Member Attendees until June 30, 2017
Register online here, or download and fax this registration form.
ROOM RESERVATIONS:
The conference host hotel is the Sheraton Atlanta Hotel. Call (866) 716-8134 • NAWJ Rate: $199/night, plus applicable taxes, single or double occupancy.
For more information, contact: Anne Mercer, amercer@colliegorg.com.
CONFERENCE CHAIRS
Hon. Sara Lynn Doyle, Court of Appeals of Georgia
Hon. Carol W. Hunstein, Supreme Court of Georgia
EDUCATION CHAIRS
Hon. Kathlene F. Gosselin, Superior Court, Northeastern Circuit of Georgia
Hon. Gail S. Tusan, Superior Court, Atlanta Judicial Circuit
Hon. Brenda S. Weaver, Appalachian Judicial Circuit
FRIENDS CHAIRS
Allegra J. Lawrence-Hardy, Esq., Lawrence & Bundy LLC
Letitia "Tish" McDonald, Esq., King & Spalding LLP
BAR ASSOCIATIONS RECEPTIONS CHAIRS
V. Sharon Edenfield, Esq., Edenfield, Cox, Bruce & Classens, P.C.
Shiriki L. Cavitt, Esq, Esq., Equifax Inc.
SOCIAL CHAIRS
Hon. Anne Elizabeth Barnes, Court of Appeals of Georgia
Hon. Susan Edlein, State Court of Fulton County
Hon. Phinia Aten, Magistrate Court of Rockdale County
CONFERENCE SUPPORT
Karlise Y. Grier, Esq., C.W.L.S., Judicial Council of Georgia/AOC
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Landmark Sponsor GEICO |
 Part of NAWJ and GEICO's partnership provides insurance discounts to NAWJ members. Contact GEICO for a free quote on auto insurance to see how much you could be saving. And, don't forget to mention your NAWJ affiliation; you could qualify for an exclusive member savings opportunity. Visit www.geico.com/disc/nawj (special portal here) or call 1-800-368-2734 for your free rate quote. GEICO can also help you find great rates on homeowners, renters, motorcycle insurance, and more.
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Calendar of Events |
2017
May
Superior Court Judge Jan R. Jurden will lead the Delaware Chapter of NAWJ as co-sponsors of the 5th Annual Sisters in Success Program at Baylor Womens' Correctional Institution in Wilmington, DE on May 15, 2017. This program is modeled after the Success In & Out Program put on at Riverside Correctional Facility sponsored by the Philadelphia Chapter of NAWJ back in 2011. After Judge Jurden saw those judges present on the program at one of our NAWJ meetings, she took the concept to the Warden at Baylor, Wendi Caple, known for her care ensuring the women are prepared for their reentry. The Women and the Law Section of the Delaware Bar joined in support and the partners launched Sisters in Success. Click here to review last year's program.
Join NAWJ on Holland America's ms Maasdam that will sail from Boston to Montreal, May 20-27, 2017.
June
NAWJ Midyear Meeting and Lady Justice Awards Gala will take place in Los Angeles, California from June 7-8, 2017 at The Beverly Hilton Hotel.
October
NAWJ 39th Annual Conference will take place in Atlanta, Georgia from October 11-15, 2017 at the Sheraton Atlanta Hotel.
2018
October
NAWJ 40th Annual Conference will take place in San Antonio, Texas from October 3-7, 2018 at the Hyatt Regency Riverwalk. |
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