Join the Dallas Women Lawyers Association, get involved with our programming and assist us in our mission to elevate the standing of women in the legal profession. DWLA continues to grow and your support as a member and committee volunteer is needed and appreciated!
Committees
Attorney Development
Attorney Development creates and organizes initiatives focused on enhancing the development of DWLA’s members. The focus can change from year-to-year based on the legal landscape and the needs of the membership, but tends to be centered around moving the needle towards greater economic parity for women lawyers in Dallas. Past initiatives have included The Pitch, the Dallas LEAD Job Board, and a joint program with NAWL for Dallas Firm Leadership (Breakfast & Breakouts).
Awards Reception
The Awards Reception Committee plans and organizes DWLA’s Annual Awards Reception, which honors trailblazers in the legal community who have demonstrated the highest levels of professionalism while making significant contributions to the advancement of women attorneys. Committee members will assist in the logistics of planning and execution of the event, as well as selection of the awards recipients and soliciting sponsors.
Law School
The Law School Committee works with Texas law schools to involve law students in DWLA activities, promote law student efforts to our members, and develop programming aimed at helping law students get a head start on professional development, networking, and social opportunities in the Dallas Legal Community. The Committee aims to have law school administrators and students promote DWLA’s purpose and goals among their peers and other professionals. This includes attending events hosted by law schools to which DWLA is invited, such as SMU’s Women in Law Annual Tea.
Leadership Class
Preparing the next generation for success, the Leadership Class Committee runs a multi-week leadership development program for law students that is conducted in the summer each year. The Law School Leadership Class teaches students tools for leadership in law and business and gives them the opportunity to use those skills through organizing a group project.
Membership
We continue to reach out to all men and women in the legal community to join us in support of our mission to elevate the standing of women in the legal profession. The committee creates strategic, measurable goals to increase membership and the reach of DWLA in the Dallas legal community. The committee introduces DWLA to law firms, in-house lawyers, judges, and law students by communicating the benefits of joining DWLA and its offerings.
Mentoring Circles
We are proud to partner with DAYL on the award winning Women’s Mentoring Circles (“WMC”) program. WMC promotes the development, advancement, and retention of women lawyers through mentorship, education, and community-building activities. The WMC program consists of 4 large group events scheduled throughout the year and several small group meetups between members of individual Mentoring Circles.
Outreach
DWLA believes in giving back. The committee selects worthy causes and creative initiatives to provide opportunities for DWLA’s members to give back to the community in a meaningful way.
Programming
Programming for DWLA comes in many forms – CLE’s, special programs, and social events that provide engaging topics to educate, inform, and connect with members and the community. Programming has included In Bloom, a social event for members at the Arboretum, monthly virtual CLEs, and opportunities for members to interact and learn such as self-defense classes and happy hours.
Publicity
The Publicity Committee promotes DWLA’s programming and events through use of social media and leveraging personal networks. The committee is also responsible for recognition and promotion of member accomplishments.