The Association of Black Women Attorneys (ABWA)

A not-for-profit bar association, ABWA was founded in June, 1976. Our members practice in various aspects of the legal spectrum, including law firms, solo practice, city, state and federal government agencies, finance, teaching and the judiciary. ABWA's mission is to promote and support the professional development and growth of African-American women attorneys. ABWA accomplishes this mission through a wide variety of monthly programs designed to establish and maintain an effective information and communication system for female attorneys of color, promote legal assistance in the African-American community and assist it's members in the development and expression of their professional skills and talents.

ABWA's programs include networking receptions, community out-reach events (including co-sponsorship of the Martin Luther King Drum Major for Justice high school essay competition), legislative panel discussions and programs that focus on issues of concern and interest to women. ABWA is also committed to promoting the pursuit of legal education by minority students through it's annual Ruth Whitehead Whaley Scholarship Fund, named in honor of the legal pioneer and first African-American woman admitted to the North Carolina Bar. Each year, ABWA awards scholarships to law students who demonstrate not only financial need, but who exhibit an interest in public interest or civil rights law and actively participate in community service. ABWA’s calendar year commences with the Judicial Reception and Installation of Officers Ceremony and is capped off by the annual Ruth Whitehead Whaley Luncheon, the proceeds from which are used to fuel the scholarship fund.

The Board of Directors, comprised of nine elected members, is responsible for directing and managing the affairs of the organization. Our various committees, which provide planning and support, include the (1) Program Committee - plans ABWA events, (2) Membership Committee -responsible for recruiting members, (3) Scholarship Committee - oversees the Ruth Whitehead Whaley Scholarship, (4) Community Service Committee - organizes community service programs and (5) Legislative Affairs Committee - spotlights issues affecting minority communities. However, it is the affiliation and dedication of the general membership that is the true driving force behind the Association of Black Women Attorneys.

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