What are the purposes of NCAWA?
 

	To increase the effective participation by women in the justice system, in public office, and within the legal profession.
	To promote the rights of women under the law.
	To promote the welfare of the women attorneys of North Carolina.

Why Join NCAWA?

	The annual conference in the fall offers timely educational seminars, continuing legal education credits, and a chance to network with other women attorneys from across the state. Members receive a discount on registration fees.
	The Association prints an annual directory of its members, the only list of female attorneys in the state. All members receive a copy of this NCAWA Member Directory, which includes an alphabetical profile listing, as well as lists of members by practice area and county.
	Members receive NCAWA's quarterly newsletter.

As a member, you will share in the success of an established and recognized group of women attorneys that work to advance women in the legal profession and the rights of all women under the law.

NCAWA offers members a mechanism to influence legislation, case law and the selection of judges in the state through its Government Action Committee, Lobbyist and Judicial Endorsements Committee (a registered PAC).

What does NCAWA do?

	We draft bills, network, give career support, lobby the legislature, file amicus briefs, provide sources of networking and referrals, educate, meet, nominate, sponsor, defend.
	When there have been problems with gender insensitivity on the part of certain members of the judiciary, NCAWA was there to help.
	When women prisoners found they were not being given the same work release and other benefits as men, NCAWA was there.
	When women started speaking up and running for office, NCAWA was there with support, both financial and otherwise.

NCAWA Committees

Career Support:
The goal of the Career Support Committee is to provide members with opportunities for professional development and networking. This Committee oversees the mentoring program in which recent law school graduates are paired with more experienced attorneys. Each spring, participants in the mentoring program attend a weekend retreat on the North Carolina coast and establish long-lasting professional relationships.

Education:
The Education Committee organizes the Annual Conference, doing everything from selecting keynote and CLE speakers to arranging for publicity, hotel accommodations and manuscripts. The conference provides an opportunity every year for NCAWA members to gather and share experiences and training. We also use this conference to conduct our annual business meeting and decide on legislative resolutions for the coming year. The location for the annual meeting alternates between the eastern and western parts of the state.

Government Action:
The Government Action Committee's goal is to promote issues of concern to NCAWA within the legislative and administrative branches of government. Its purposes are to:

• Study issues related to NCAWA objectives in order to educate its members,
• Recommend positions on those issues to the members and the Board,
• Organize advocacy to the legislative and administrative branches of government on positions taken by the Association,
• Maintain the presence of the NCAWA in the legislative process, and
• Maintain contact with legislative committees of other bar groups and women's organizations.

Nominating and Public Service:
The Nominating and Public Service Awards Committee has played a crucial role in assisting women attorneys in their quest to be appointed to judicial and other positions, areas in which they continue to be underrepresented. The Committee evaluates requests for endorsements and makes appropriate recommendations to the Governor or other appointing authority. We have helped increase the numbers of women on boards and commissions of the North Carolina State Bar, such as the Disciplinary Hearing Commission, the Board of Law Examiners, and the Board of Legal Specialization. In addition, the Committee selects recipients of the Gwyneth B. Davis public service awards, presented at the annual meeting, and nominates the slate for the upcoming year's board of directors.

Chapter Development and Support:

The Chapter Development and Support Committee works to encourage the establishment of chapters throughout North Carolina and to provide support to NCAWA’s current chapters. As of May 2002, 109 NCAWA members were also members of a local chapter.

Community Outreach:

Membership:
The Membership Committee, chaired by the vice-president, works primarily on recruiting new members, retaining current members, and publishing the annual Membership Directory. Income from membership dues is a primary source of NCAWA's operating funds. NCAWA membership has been steadily on the rise in recent years, thanks to the recruitment efforts of the Committee and the work of the Executive Director.

Judicial Endorsements:
The NCAWA Judicial Endorsements Committee is a registered political action committee which makes non-partisan endorsements and campaign contributions in judicial elections. A candidate for judicial office wins our endorsement based on her or his skill and ability, professional competence, legal experience, temperament, and demeanor for a judicial position. Other factors considered include the candidate's demonstrated support for the participation of women in the legal profession and for the rights of women under the law. Endorsements are communicated to our members as well as to the media across the state. Every NCAWA member is a member of the Judicial Endorsement Committee PAC unless she indicates on her annual membership form that she prefers not to be.

Link to Current Committee Listing

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