Message from the President

I am pleased to welcome you 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-five years in existence, the CNYWBA has shown an unfaltering commitment to the education and empowerment of women in the legal profession and in the community at large.

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

Our membership offers excellent networking opportunities. In particular, members have the opportunity to attend our annual Judicial Reception, Women in Law & Medicine Dinner (co-hosted by the SUNY Upstate Women in Medicine and Science), chamber chats with area judges, our holiday party and summer picnic, 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 WBASNY activities, and members have the opportunity to become involved in the state-wide organization.

Aside from professional networking opportunities, members are afforded the chance to give back to our community. For instance, our organization has submitted amicus briefs in support of issues important to women and has developed a respected judicial evaluation process. In addition, our members participate in an annual appeal to raise money for breast cancer research, engage in pro bono volunteer activities, and partake in an annual mentoring event for law students.

For those of you who are long-time members, we appreciate your continued support and we look forward to sharing another great year with you. If you are new to the CNYWBA, I encourage you to become involved in our organization. I hope that you will 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 contribute their time and talent to promoting our mission. Please check the “Events” section of our website regularly 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 e-mail me at mking@hancocklaw.com.

I look forward to seeing you at an upcoming event this year!

Warm regards,
Mary C. King
President