Economic Empowerment Institute

On January 13, 2024, The Langston Bar Association, in association with the National Bar Association, the California Association of Black Lawyers, the Black Women Lawyers Association of Los Angeles, Inc., and joint sponsor Wells Fargo, hosted an Economic Empowerment Institute at Faithful Central Bible Church. The institute covered intellectual property, business branding for entrepreneurs, and protecting assets.

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BWL Yoga Wellness Event

On January 13, 2024 Black Women Lawyers of Los Angeles, Inc. hosted our Winter Wellness event “Yoga with Hayley Tharpe of Legally Well”. Held at the Rose Garden Palisades Park our members enjoyed a blissful yoga flow along Ocean Ave.

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Holiday Party & Toy Drive : Langston x BWL

On December 15, 2023, Black Women Lawyers of Los Angeles, Inc. and Langston Bar Association held our Annual Joint Holiday Party and Toy Drive. A festive celebration in which dozens of toys were donated to the local community, recent bar admittees acknowledged, and a celebration of community and fellowship ensued!

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Annual Thanksgiving Eve Cocktail Sip 2023

On November 22, 2023 Black Women Lawyers of Los Angeles, Inc. held our annual Cocktail Sip at the Sunset Room in the heart of the Hollywood Strip. A tribute to Studio 48 (celebrating 48 years of BWLA) this year’s theme was Disco Glam and we had a glamorous time! The Cocktail Sip is not only a celebration of our success but more importantly, this spectacular event is our primary fundraiser for our ongoing charitable and educational mission. Because of your support, BWL will continue its tradition of community service and leadership. Thank you to all of our attendees and sponsors.



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Installation & Awards Gala 2023

On September 30th, the Black Women Lawyers, Inc. hosted our 48th Annual Installation and Awards Dinner at the Westin Bonaventure in downtown Los Angeles. The event was a momentous occasion, bringing together legal professionals, esteemed community leaders, and supporters to celebrate the accomplishments of the outgoing board and welcome the incoming board. Under the inspiring leadership of President Ronni Whitehead Otieno, the theme for this year is “From Vision to Reality: Dream Big, Push Boundaries, and Make History.”

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Summer Soirée : BWL x Langston

On August 12, 2023, the Young Lawyers Committees of BWL and John M. Langston Bar Association hosted the 11th Annual Young Lawyers Summer Soirée at the Sinder Lounge in the Marina Del Rey Marriott. The afternoon event was fun-filled and well-attended with a live DJ, cocktails, raffle and custom photo booth. Great job by the event chairs, Paige Poupart and Tiffany Gelott!

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40 Under 40 Gala : National Bar Association

On August 2, 2023 during the NBA’s 98th Annual Convention in Minneapolis, Minnesota, President Jasmine Horton and Education Committee Co-Chair Sarah Clifton were recognized as the National Bar Association’s 40 Under 40, which represents the nation’s top lawyers under 40 who exemplify a broad range of high achievement. Congratulations Jasmine and Sarah!

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BWL Annual Retreat

On July 21-23, 2023, BWL witnessed the power of unity as over 50 attorneys, judges and law students met at the beautiful La Quinta Resort & Club in La Quinta, CA for its sold-out Annual Summer Retreat and Meeting. The weekend was filled with fellowship, relaxation and strategic planning for the upcoming 2023-2024 Board Year under the leadership of Ronni Whitehead Otieno. A special thank you to Sara Williams as the distinguished Empowerment Luncheon Speaker; Retreat sponsors – City National Bank and Signature Resolution; pre-reception hosts – Carla Pittman and Renee Campbell; and the Retreat planning committee!

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BWL Foundation Scholarship Fundraiser & Awards Luncheon 2023

On June 3, 2023, BWL’s charitable arm, Black Women Lawyers Association of Los Angeles Foundation held its 47th Annual Scholarship Fundraiser & Awards Luncheon at the Beverly Hilton Hotel Garden. The theme was “Rooted in the Community: Empowering the Collective” where exceptional law students were awarded scholarships and attorneys Crystal Crawford and Amber Finch, Tabitha Brown, and the Social Justice Learning Institute received awards for excellence in advocacy, law, arts and community service. A special “thank you” to BWL Scholarship Luncheon Chair, Crystal Hayes Fields, and BWL Scholarship Selection Co-Chairs, Britany M. Engelman-Hicks and Kathiana Aurelian, for your outstanding work.

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Young Lawyers Committee Interview Workshop

On April 25, 2023, BWL’s Young Lawyers Committee, chaired by Paige Poupart, presented an interview mastery workshop titled “In the Hot Seat” at Sanders Roberts LLP in downtown Los Angeles presented by Nicole Hancock Husband, Vice President, People & Culture (WBD/Warner Bros. TV Group) and Certified Professional Co-Active Coach; Tracey M. Blount (Senior Deputy County Counsel, Warrant Desk/Social Services Division; and Dave Morrow, Business & Legal Affairs, Critical Content.

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