National Bar Association Women Lawyers Division - Philadelphia Chapter

National Bar Association Women Lawyers Division - Philadelphia Chapter A legal professional organization for women of color This chapter was formed in 1981 by Lydia Y. Kirkland, Angela E. Nolan and Beverly Williams.

The National Bar Association (NBA) is the oldest and largest association of African American attorneys in the United States. The organization was started in 1925 with a mission to advance the science of jurisprudence; uphold the honor of the legal profession; and protect the civil and political rights of United States citizens. As the number of women attorneys increased, the NBA recognized that th

ere was a specific need to support African American women attorneys, and in 1972, the Women Lawyers Division (WLD) of the NBA was formed. The NBA Women Lawyers Division operates on a national level with its own officers and board of directors and on a local level through affiliation. African American women attorneys were "summoned" to appear at the group's first meeting, which was held on July 1, 1981, at the then Temple University School of Law. Fifty women attended that first meeting, where a program planning committee was formed and charged with the responsibility of formulating the structure and goals for the organization. The members of the planning committee were Jacqueline Allen, Joan Brown, Lydia Kirkland, Shawn Lacey, Angela Nolan, Jean Purnell, Covette Rooney, Beverly Williams, and Diane Wilson. On Oct. 8, 1981, the Program Planning Committee hosted the group's first reception at the University of Pennsylvania Law School. Since that initial meeting, the local chapter of the NBA-WLD has flourished. Over the last 42 years, the group has focused its efforts on addressing the unique challenges to advancement in the legal profession faced by women of color in the Philadelphia area. Today, the membership includes a network of more than 300 lawyers and jurists, who span the gambit of age and experience from law student members to founding members. The NBA-WLD has worked hard to advance diversity in the local law schools, law firms and corporations through continuing legal education seminars, community service projects and networking opportunities. Scholarships are offered through its Foundation.

09/21/2023

"If we want to be sure that our time here has meant something, we must ensure that we have handed off to those coming behind us a commitment - and a passion - to work for the best world possible. For me, this means inspiring young lawyers to understand the exquisite opportunity our profession offers to serve our world while serving our clients and ourselves"
--Dean JoAnne A. Epps.

09/20/2023

Our hearts are filled with grief at the passing of Dean JoAnne A. Epps. Those who had the good fortune of meeting Epps, you remember her warmth, smile and intelligence.

Not to tell my age, but I met the Dean more than 20 years ago. There have been so many events between then and now. So, I don't remember where or when but I remember her, the warmth of her spirit, her charm, her grace, and her kindness. She left an impression. No matter the span of years between our meetings, those qualities were just enhanced. Whenever I heard or saw her name, I was filled with pride. Good gracious, she accomplished so much, so very much.
Like so many others in this nation, because she was a national figure, I am saddened by her passing but need to savor the memories, hence this post.

If it helps you, please write something about Dean Epps in the comments so that we can share the memory.

04/11/2023

To the Temple Community,I write to share that Temple University’s Board of Trustees has appointed .  As a member of the faculty for more than 30 years, Epps has a rich history with Temple. Her first job as a teenager was as a cashier at the University bookstore. She later served as the Dean of th...

03/21/2023

The e-filing system for Philadelphia Courts is functioning again.

03/21/2023

The e-filing system for Philadelphia Courts is "temporarily" down. Updates are available at courts.phila.gov.

02/28/2023

McClinton grew up in Southwest Philadelphia and has been a state representative since 2015. She's now the first Black woman to serve as Speaker of the House.

02/23/2023

The Mellon Foundation today announced the appointment of Sheree Carter-Galvan to the role of Chief Legal Officer of the Foundation and Secretary of the Foundation’s Board of Trustees.

02/23/2023

The Federal Bar Association’s Honorable Constance Baker Motley Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Young Professional Essay Competition (“Competition”) is created to celebrate the life of the Honorabl…

02/01/2023

Lynn is a part of Hurts' all-female management team, the first of its kind in the league.

ALM is honoring the achievement and excellence of "lawyers who have left an indelible mark on the legal community throug...
01/10/2023

ALM is honoring the achievement and excellence of "lawyers who have left an indelible mark on the legal community through their unwavering dedication to the profession."

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