Volunteer Day | Food from the Bar
On Saturday, May 3, 2025, several BWL members gathered with members of our sister bar associations (e.g., WLALA and APAWLA) for a morning of service at the Los Angeles Food Bank in the City of
Shaping the Future and Honoring Our Legacy
About BWL
Founded in 1975, Black Women Lawyers Association of Los Angeles, Inc. is a non-profit corporation whose mission is dedicated to charitable, educational and community-based services, and addressing the needs and concerns of African-American women in the legal profession.
“Our theme recognizes our ability to shape future generations, and the importance of doing so, through service and leadership.“
Shardé Skahan
BWL President 2024-2025
Calendar
About BWL
Founded in 1975 by a small group of Los Angeles based African-American women judges and attorneys, Black Women Lawyers Association of Los Angeles, Inc. is a non-profit corporation whose mission is dedicated to charitable, educational and community-based services.
Shardé Skahan
BWL President 2024-2025
“Our theme recognizes our ability to shape future generations, and the importance of doing so, through service and leadership.“
Calendar
Congratulations to the 2024-2025 Board Officers!
Congratulations to 2024-2025 BWL President Shardé Skahan on her installation as President of BWL! We wish Shardé and the 2024-2025 board much success as they continue to guide the future generation of lawyers.
BWL Highlights
50th Anniversary Celebration Reception
On Thursday, April 10, 2025, BWL celebrated its 50th Anniversary at the Scenic Arts Event Center on the Sony Pictures Studio backlot. Nearly 200 people gathered for the celebration, which was a reception format with
Culture & Connection
On March 8, 2025, we gathered for BWL’s second membership event of the 2024-2025 board year – Culture & Connection. About 20 of us visited the latest exhibitions at CAAM, then walked over to Mercado
BWL Hikes LA
On February 1, 2025, we gathered for BWL’s first wellness program of the 2024-2025 board year – a group hike at the Baldwin Hills Scenic Overlook. About 20 of us tackled the trails (or the
Hon. Vaino Spencer Memorial Endowment Fund
This special endowment, in memory of Justice Spencer, will enable high achieving Southwestern students who receive a judicial externship with an award. The fund may also provide scholarship support to Southwestern students.
Pro Bono Initiative
Our Pro Bono committee provides much needed legal support to the community through various initiatives and partnerships. Under the leadership of our Pro Bono Chair, we will continue to support the FAME Legal Clinic, Harriett Buhai Center for Family Law, and support the Mayor’s Fund for Los Angeles’ We Are LA SHLA Pro Bono Homelessness Prevention Program.
BWL Newsletter Summer 2024
Check out our Summer 2024 Newsletter featuring articles from our members and a year in review recap from 2023-2024 BWL President Ronni Whitehead Otieno.
Membership
Join Black Women Lawyers Association of Los Angeles
BWL offers many opportunities for career development, education, mentoring and networking.
Special Thanks to our Sponsors
Seyfarth
City National
ARC
Munger, Tolles & Olson
Sadden
