National Association of Women Lawyers
About National Association of Women Lawyers
Founded in 1899 as the Women Lawyers' Club by 18 pioneering women lawyers in New York, the National Association of Women Lawyers has grown into a vital force for equity and representation in the American legal system. Today, operating from Chicago, Illinois, NAWL continues its founding mission to provide leadership, a collective voice, and essential resources to advance women in the legal profession and advocate for the equality of women under the law. The organization's rich history includes instrumental roles in major social movements—from championing women's suffrage in the early 1900s to advocating for child labor laws, minimum wage protections, jury service rights, and the Equal Rights Amendment. NAWL became an Affiliated Organization of the American Bar Association in 1943 and an official NGO Observer of the United Nations in 1945, reflecting its commitment to global advocacy for women's rights. The association has nurtured generations of trailblazing women jurists and legal professionals, including the nation's first woman federal judge and numerous Supreme Court justices. NAWL's community-driven approach emphasizes mutual support, collective success, and cultivating a diverse membership dedicated to equality. Through its sustained research on diversity and inclusion in the legal profession, affinity group networks, and ongoing advocacy initiatives, NAWL remains committed to fostering a legal community where women lawyers thrive. Serving the Chicago area and nationwide, NAWL embodies over 126 years of fighting for equity under the law and empowering women to lead transformative change in the legal profession.