Women in the Law 2008 Committee Report
December 1, 2008
Chairpersons: Suzanne Smith
Susan Emmons
Members:
| *Susan Emmons |
| *Suzanne Smith |
| Kristina Bange |
| Judge Blackwell |
| Alexandra Chiaruttini |
| Angela Eveler |
| Kristine Eveler |
| Michelle Kahan |
| Joanne Kehr |
| Caty Mahoney |
| Andrea Marceca |
| Amy Nelson |
| Julia Parrish |
| Kathleen Prendergast |
| Barbara Stump |
| Sandra Thompson |
| Lori Yost |
| Ann Richardson |
I. 2008 Committee Goals: The goal in 2008 for the Women in the Law Committee was to promote and support the interests and concerns of women in the legal profession through professional development, substantive presentations, social events and the selection of an outstanding candidate for the annual Jane Alexander award. In addition, the committee offers “mentoring” for women attorneys in the York area.
II. Project Status Report: The Committee met the fourth Thursday of
every month in 2008. However, due to a conflict with another committee in 2009 we will be meeting the 4th Monday of every month at noon at the Bar Center. In addition to (and sometimes instead of our regular committee meetings) we hold social functions.
In January, at the Annual Dinner, we presented the 2007 Jane Alexander Award to Betty White, who is very active in advocating for women and runs a women’s group to help build self esteem. The Committee is working on the 2008 Jane Alexander award to be presented in January 2009 at the Annual Dinner.
In February, we had a luncheon at 2nd Cup. It was a very nice event. Everyone really liked the location. In June, we had a CLE entitled Rights and Responsibilities for the second, same sex parent. In August, the Committee sponsored a Happy Hour for all Bar Association members at Sam and Tony’s. It was a very nice, relaxing event. In November we had a knitting party – a few experienced knitters showed the rest of us how to enjoy this art. A good time was had by all.
We plan on ending the 2008-year with our Annual Holiday Party at Judge Blackwell’s. It is always a pleasant and fun way to end the year: with good company, good food and good conversation. At this event we will be collecting gas cards and grocery cards to donate to Access and the YWCA. (In 2008 we “adopted” a needy family and provided Christmas gifts.)
III. 2009 Recommendations: The Committee plans to continue to provide opportunities for women in the profession with professional development opportunities, and will work to promote the leadership of women in the York County Bar Association.
IV. Other suggestions and comments: While the status of women in the profession continues to improve, the committee members continue to value the opportunities provided through the work of this committee. We also continue to invite all members of the Bar Association to join us for our meetings and other events.
V. Budget Report: For 2008, we requested $600. We received that amount. As of the date of this report, we have spent $ 485. Our biggest expense generally involves the Jane Alexander Award. Based on this information we believe the committee will stay within our Budget limits for the year.
For 2009, the Committee requested $600.00 ($200 for meetings, $100 for programs and $300 for other.)
