WBA Mission Statement
The Women’s Bar Association of Maryland (WBA) is an organization of women and men committed to the full and equal participation of women in the legal profession and in a just society. The WBA believes that a strong community of women in the legal profession is essential to the administration of justice. The mission and goals of the WBA are to:
Promote and assist women to obtain positions of influence and leadership within their workplace, the legal profession, the judiciary, and the community;
Raise awareness of and fight biases against women within the community at large, the legal profession, and under the law;
Promote and effect diversity, equality and justice under the law and within the legal system;
Support women in the legal profession in their personal and professional lives;
Provide opportunities for volunteerism and advocacy on issues affecting women;
Collaborate with other individuals and organizations to improve the status of women;
Celebrate the individual and collective achievements of women in the legal profession; and
Promote full and equal participation of women in society by eliminating all forms of discrimination.
Our Vision
The Montgomery County WBA was organized in 1981. Our first president, Elsa Kaufman, served as President during the first two terms. Although she is no longer with us, we think Elsa would be pleased to see how far we have come. Through the dedication, commitment, and stewardship of all those who followed her and who worked tirelessly to further the place of women in the legal profession, we walk an easier path today.
Many of these women we honor have been pioneers in the truest sense of the word. They entered the legal profession when it was not commonplace or accepted as it is today. These women were members of a small minority with no mentors or role models – no rulebook or guide. Rather, they became our mentors and role models. Through their pioneering efforts, women in our legal community today not only hold positions as respected members of the bar, but serve as partners in law firms and sit as judges in our local, federal and appellate courts.
No one progresses or achieves success alone. We are all the product of so many who have influenced us, mentored us, or lent us a helping hand, and we owe them a debt of gratitude. Therefore, it is incumbent upon us all to respect and acknowledge our guides and mentors, our leaders and role models.
-Remarks by Sharon Johnson (President 2013-14) at the Leaders and Legends Event on May 7, 2014