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Women in the Profession

The mission of the American Bar Association Commission on Women in the Profession is to secure full and equal participation of women in the ABA, the profession and the justice system.

2024 Nominations Are Now Open

The ABA Commission on Women in the Profession nominations for the 34th Annual Margaret Brent Women Lawyers of Achievement Awards are now open.

Nomination Criteria

Nominate - Now

Equal Rights Amendment Is Valid and Should Be Implemented

The ERA is now more important—and more urgent—than ever before,” said Karol Corbin Walker, chair of the ABA’s Commission on Women in the Profession. -- Ms Magazine, 8/15/2024

Read - Ms Magazine's Article

ABA updates policy with focus on renewing ERA effort

The new ABA resolution supports two important legal principles: (1) a deadline for ratification of an amendment to the U.S. Constitution is not consistent with Article V of the Constitution, and (2) under Article V states are not permitted to rescind prior ratifications. The resolution urges support of ERA implementation by the legal community and all federal, state, local, territorial, and tribal governments.

Resolution with Report

Resolution 601 Adopted - Watch the video

NEW Reports

Legal Careers of Parents and Child Caregivers: Results and Best Practices from a National Study of the Legal Profession

It’s past time to flip the narrative. This essential and timely report reveals the prevalence and impact of parenting and child caregiving on legal professionals.

how and why the everyday work experiences of women lawyers with children differ from men with children.

Read - The Report

"Excluded & Alone: Examining the Experiences of Native American Women in the Law and a Path Towards Equity"

The ABA Commission on Women in the Profession collaborated with the National Native American Bar Association on this new report.

Programs and Resources for Native American Women Attorneys

Read - The Report

About Us

CWP Project & Initiatives

Created in 1987, the Commission catalyzes change to help women lawyers surmount the barriers they still confront through numerous informative and cutting-edge initiatives.

CWP Projects and Initiatives

Knowledge is Power - follow the timeline

CWP Leadership

The 2025 Bar Year Commission on Women in the Profession is comprised of twelve commissioners, nine special advisors, and five fellows appointed by the ABA President.

Past Chairs

Meet - our Leaders

Perspectives

Read about Issues Important to Women Lawyers

Get a fresh, innovative angle on the issues that are important and relevant to women in the legal profession by subscribing to Perspectives, the magazine for and about women lawyers. ABA women members can receive Perspectives in an electronic format at no additional cost.

Learn - More

Giving to the Commission

The Commission on Women in the Profession appreciates your donations to continue our valuable work. When you give to the Fund for Justice and Education, you can designate the Commission as your preferred recipient group. We thank you in advance!

Join the ABA

As the voice of the legal community, the ABA offers career-building opportunities, advocates for the profession and promotes the rule of law world wide.

Contact Us

The Commission welcomes your feedback. Please get in touch to learn more about our programs.