National Association of Women Judges

Mission

The National Association of Women Judges' mission is to: promote the judicial role in protecting the rights of individuals under the rule of law through strong, committed, diverse judicial leadership; fairness and equality in the courts; and equal access to justice.

History

Since its formation in 1979, NAWJ has served as a leading voice for jurists dedicated to promoting the judicial role in protecting the rights of individuals under the rule of law; engaging in civic education about the importance of a fair judiciary free from influence of special interest or political influence; providing a voice in significant matters that affect the administration of justice; ensuring equal justice and access to the courts for all, with a focus on women, minorities, and other historically disfavored groups and vulnerable populations; promoting the advancement of women and minorities at all levels of the judiciary; and providing judicial education on cutting-edge issues. NAWJ was founded over 39 years ago by two Californian visionaries – Justice Joan Dempsey Klein and Justice Vaino Spencer – and 100 brave and intrepid women judges committed to forming an organization dedicated to these ideals.

Membership

NAWJ is committed to diversity in our membership. Our organization welcomes both men and women. Our membership includes trial and appellate, administrative, tribal and military judges, on federal, state and tribal courts at every level of the judiciary, from throughout the country, and international tribunals, as well as attorneys, law clerks, law students and law professors committed to our mission. As members of the International Association of Women Judges (IAWJ), which NAWJ founded, we meet and interact with judges from all over the world.

Programs

NAWJ actively reaches out through its conferences, committees and member networks to accomplish its mission.  Members engage in education and outreach programs that address human trafficking/modern day slavery; voter education in states with judicial elections; conditions for women in prison; problems facing immigrants in our court system; encouraging students about legal and judicial careers, and informing lawyers on how to become a judge.