Message from the President

Welcome to the website for the Central New York Women's Bar Association (CNYWBA), a chapter of the Women's Bar Association of the State of New York (WBASNY). Since the CNYWBA was founded in 1977, our organization has remained dedicated to our mission: “to promote justice for all, regardless of sex; to advance the social, economic and legal status of women through the law; to expand opportunities for women and to raise the level of competence and integrity in the legal profession.” In our thirty-four years in existence, the CNYWBA has shown an unfaltering commitment to the education and empowerment of women in the legal profession and the community at large.

I encourage you to consider joining the CNYWBA this year to experience the numerous professional and personal opportunities membership in this dynamic organization provides. Our membership is comprised of female and male attorneys, esteemed members of the bench, legal educators, law students, and other professionals from Onondaga, Oswego, Tompkins, Cortland, Cayuga, and Madison counties.

Our networking opportunities are as diverse as our membership. Participants enjoy our annual Judicial Reception, summer picnic, Women in Law & Medicine Dinner (co-hosted by the SUNY Upstate Women in Medicine and Science), chamber chats with area judges, our holiday party, as well as other exciting events offered throughout the course of the year. Members of the CNYWBA also enjoy the benefits of being a member of WBASNY, the largest statewide bar association dedicated to promotion the advancement of women in the legal profession. We keep our members apprised of the WBASNY activities, and members have the opportunity to become involved in the state-wide organization.

In addition to the numerous opportunities for professional networking, members can become involved in ways that make an impact on the world around us. Our organization has submitted amicus briefs in support of issues important to women and has established a respected judicial evaluation process. Our members participate in an annual appeal to raise money for breast cancer research, engage in our pro bono volunteer activities, and attend our annual program to mentor law students.

For those of you who’ve been long-time members, we appreciate your continued support and look forward to seeing you for another great year. If you are new to the CNYWBA, I encourage you to become involved in an organization that strives for excellence in every way. I hope that you’ll attend one of our social events, sign up for a CLE, or participate in a pro bono or mentoring program. Our organization’s strength is a direct result of our members’ willingness to donate their time and talent to promoting our mission. Remember to check the “Events” section of our website for more information on our upcoming programs.

It is an honor to serve as the President of this organization and I look forward to another successful year for our chapter. If you have any questions about our chapter or our upcoming events, feel free to email me at dsomalle@law.syr.edu.

I look forward to seeing you at an upcoming event!

Best Regards,
Deborah Sundquist O’Malley
President