Archives: Portfolios

November 2022 General Body Meeting

BWL’s November General Body Meeting took place on November 17, 2022 at Reed Smith, LLP in downtown Los Angeles. The topic was “Diversity Equity and Inclusion: Where Do We Go From Here?” and the panelists were: Leah Wilson (State Bar of CA Executive Director), Camilla Gear Rich (USC Law Professor), Tia S. Strozier and Nicole Gougis (LA City Attorneys), Lavinia Osilesi (Reed Smith, LLP Associate), and Carol Ross-Burnett (CEO of CRB Global LLC). A special “thank you” to BWL Past President, Amber Finch, Managing Partner of Reed Smith, LLP for hosting the event.

FAME Legal Clinic

On October 29, 2022, BWL’s Pro Bono Committee led by its Chair, Sherry Patterson, partnered with First African Methodist Episcopal Church of Los Angeles (FAME) Legal Clinic for the first of series of 4 free legal clinics staffed by dedicated volunteer attorneys, paralegals and law students to provide legal services in a variety of practice areas to the community.

October 2022 General Body Meeting

In keeping with our 2022-23 Board Year theme “BACK TO OUR ROOTS: Engaging Our Communities To Inspire Change and Chart the Path Forward ,” BWL’s first general body meeting took place on October 27, 2022 at the beautiful Wlifandel Club where BWL historically held many of its meetings and social events.

10th Annual Young Lawyers’ Summer Soirée : BWL x Langston Bar Association

The 2022 Black Women Lawyers / Langston 10th Annual Summer Soiree at Beverly Hills estate was a spectacular event and was well attended. Attendees enjoyed beverages and light fare while socializing and celebrating the last days of summer.

Installation & Awards Gala 2022

The 2022 BWL Installation was an elegant celebration of BWL’s legacy and another successful bar year. The event took place at the California Club in downtown Los Angeles and the room was vibrant and full of energy. Thank you to our outstanding honorees Shawn White, General Counsel of Smith Family Circle, Professor Michele Goodwin, and George Fatheree, III and the Bruce’s Beach Legal Team. Congratulations to President Jasmine S. Horton and the 2022-2023 Board of Officers and Committee Chairs.

BWL Foundation Scholarship Fundraiser & Awards Luncheon 2022

The Black Women Lawyers 46th Annual Scholarship Fundraiser and Awards Ceremony, took place June 4th, 2022 at the Beverly Hilton. The theme was Amplifying Black Voices. Honorees included Prentice Penny, Executive Producer and Showrunner of Insecure; Karen Grant- Selma, SVP, Business and Legal Affairs, The Oprah Winfrey Network; and California Black Women’s Health Project. Four scholarships were given this year to law school students. Recipients attended the event. The fundraiser was a success as the monetary goal was exceeded.

2022 Annual Joint Meeting: BWL & Association of Black Women Physicians

Black Women Lawyers Association of Los Angeles and the Association of Black Women Physicians held a joint meeting/networking event with a pre-networking reception prior to viewing Phylicia Rashad’s Blues for an Alabama Sky.

October 2021 General Body Meeting

The first general meeting of the year was an in person event, the October General Meeting Welcome Back Brunch. Everyone enjoyed their time together.

Installation & Awards Gala 2021

The 2021 BWL Installation was a success. The event took place on the rooftop of the Marina Marriott. It was well attended. Congratulations to President Lisa McLean.

March 2021 General Body Meeting: A Toast to BWL

A Toast to BWL – During our March General Body Meeting we honored the founding of Black Women Lawyers Association of Los Angeles, as recounted by convening member Shirly Henderson. We also honored the legacy of BWL co-founder, Hon. Vaino Spencer, and listened as her god-daughter, Cynthia Cannady, paid an emotional tribute to our beloved visionary co-founder.

49 Years of Excellence in Service

48 Years of Excellence in Service