Hillsborough Association for Women Lawyers
About Hillsborough Association for Women Lawyers
Founded in 1981 by a small group of visionary women lawyers who shared a lunch table and a powerful dream, the Hillsborough Association for Women Lawyers has grown into a respected, inclusive community of over 300 legal professionals serving Riverview and Hillsborough County, FL. What began as informal gatherings among 15-20 dedicated women has evolved into a formally incorporated organization (since 1991) committed to advancing gender equality within the legal profession and under the law. HAWL's mission centers on creating a diverse, supportive network where women attorneys find mentorship, leadership development, and genuine professional relationships. The organization recognizes that meaningful change in the justice system requires not just individual achievement, but collective action and mutual support. Through four decades of service, HAWL has championed the contributions of women within the legal profession and judiciary, improved access to legal knowledge for community members—particularly women—and strengthened relationships among attorneys, judges, and the public. Today, HAWL continues this legacy through the Year of EmpowHERment initiative and other community-focused programs designed to uplift women in law. Members benefit from a powerful support system that values diverse perspectives, encourages leadership at all levels, and fosters genuine connections rooted in shared commitment to justice and equality. HAWL represents more than a professional organization; it embodies a community dedicated to giving women a voice in the justice system and creating lasting positive change in Hillsborough County and beyond.