Since becoming a Section in June 2018, WILS has grown from a small committee limited to 50 members to more than 1,000 members and includes women and men from upstate and downstate, states across the U.S. and from countries around the world. WILS focuses on current issues facing women lawyers and women generally, such as sexual harassment, domestic violence, reproductive rights, equal rights (including equal pay), paid family leave, professional development, business development, mentorship, workplace re-entry, and legislation relating to issues of interest to women. WILS also provides programs on such issues and a popular virtual book club. In 2020, we launched the WILS Connect e-newsletter (one of our many initiatives) to also address these issues, as well as the work of WILS committees, spotlight members of WILS, and to cover the programs held (and to be held) by the Section. We currently publish two issues a year. If you are interested in submitting an article, working on future issues of WILS Connect, and/or joining the Reports, Surveys and Publications Committee, please contact our Section Liaison, the WILS Section Chair or the Chair of WILS Reports, Surveys and Publications Committee.
WHO WE ARE
Welcome to the New York State Bar Association’s Women in Law Section (also WILS or Section). WILS is a dynamic group of attorneys – both women and men – and serves as a powerful advocate for professional women. Our mission is to advance women in the legal profession and all women under the law.
SECTION BENEFITS
Joining WILS opens doors to a wealth of opportunities, addressing the professional, legal, policy, and legislative issues that impact women. As a member, you will benefit from:
– Educational programs: Including the prestigious annual Edith I. Spivack Symposium — WILS’ Annual Meeting CLE, and Women on the Move.
– Networking: Connect and build relationships with other attorneys in your region and across the state.
– FREE for Members – Continuing Legal Education: Stay ahead with our cutting-edge CLE offerings.
– Service and Growth: Engage in meaningful service projects and grow professionally.
– Online Community: Access our vibrant online Section community.
Educational Programs
Our Section offers comprehensive educational forums on key issues such as career development, gender issues, sexual harassment in the workplace, balancing professional and family responsibilities, women in politics, and seeking judicial positions. We also provide valuable forums for women law students, focusing on career development and opportunities. These programs are included – WITHOUT ANY ADDITIONAL CHARGE – with your NYSBA membership.
SECTION COMMITTEES
We invite you to join one of our committees, which will give you an opportunity to be part of an engaging group, use your voice, talent and passion to benefit women; interact with members and leaders of our Section and the legal profession; expand your individual network and develop your career; and advance critical change in the legal profession and for all women under the law. Our committees include:
- Annual Meeting and Programming Committee: Overseeing programs like the Annual Meeting, Women on the Move, Awards and other events.
- Champions Committee: Engaging men as allies to support women in the profession.
- Communications Committee: Enhancing our outreach and communication efforts.
- Development & Sponsorship Committee: Fostering growth and securing sponsorships.
- Emerging Lawyers Committee: Supporting the next generation of legal professionals.
- Equity in the Legal Profession Committee: Advocating for women’s advancement in the legal field.
- Gender Issues Committee: Addressing gender issues impacting women, children, and families.
- General Counsels Committee: Focusing on the needs of in-house counsel.
- Legislative Committee: Shaping our legislative agenda and monitoring relevant legislation.
- Membership and Engagement Committee: Enhancing member engagement and satisfaction.
- Partners Committee: Tackling unique challenges faced by female partners in law firms.
- Reports, Surveys and Publications Committee: Producing impactful research and publications, including WILS Connect.
- Women in the Association Committee: Promoting women’s issues within the association
The Women in Law Section is a dynamic and engaging community, and we look forward to welcoming you as a member and seeing your active participation in our events and initiatives. Join us and be part of a transformative movement for women in the legal profession!
Contact the Women In Law Section Liaison
To learn more about this Section, please contact Ernesto Guerrero
[email protected]
(518) 487-5535
Please do not contact the Section liaison with a request for legal advice or an attorney referral. You can instead visit our ‘Public Resources’ or ‘Lawyer Referral Service’ page for this type of request.
Frettra M. de Silva, Esq.
Frettra M. de Silva is the new chair of the Women in Law Section. Frettra is the Head of Legal, Transaction Banking, Americas for Standard Chartered Bank. In her role at Standard Chartered, Frettra manages the legal support for the Americas Cash Management, Clearing and Cross-Border Trade businesses. She also advises on Securities Services, M&A advisory and FinTech matters.
Frettra joined SCB after working on the Citibank Global Transaction Services legal team, focused on securities services. During her tenure at Citi, Frettra acted as lead counsel for several businesses, including Securities Lending, Depositary Receipts, Securities Finance and Collateral Management. In addition, Frettra worked with the Custody and Commercial Cards businesses.
Frettra started her practice as a corporate and securities practice associate at Debevoise & Plimpton. She received her JD from New York University School of Law, her MBA from Schiller International University (Paris) and her BA from Harvard University. She has been an active member of NYSBA and WILS for over 9 years.
Online Community
Bylaws of the Women in Law Section
Approved on November 15, 2018 and amended on October 28, 2019.
Nominating Committee Report
In accordance with Article IV, Section 1 of the Section’s bylaws, here is the nominating report for the June 1, 2024 to May 31, 2025 term. The nominations have been voted on and approved at the Business portion of the Women in Law Section’s Annual Meeting on January 18, 2024 at 4:20 p.m. immediately following the Women in Law Section’s Virtual Annual Meeting CLE program.
Legislative Matters
Opinions expressed are those of the Section/Committee preparing this memorandum/report and do not represent those of the New York State Bar Association unless and until they have been adopted by its House of Delegates or Executive Committee.
- WILS Resolution and Report Supporting Abortion Rights and the New York State Equal Rights Amendment
- WILS Statement on Draft Dobbs Opinion
- WILS Statement on Texas Law S.B.8
- Paid Leave Report
- Summary of Tanning Bed Legislation
- Opposition to Stupak Statement
- Summary of Lilly Ledbetter Fair Pay Act
Salary Memo
Check out our memorandum in support to amend the Executive Law in relation to prohibiting employers from seeking salary history from prospective employees.
Domestic Violence Final Report
Read our memorandum in support of the New York State Bar Association and Women’s Bar Association of the State of New York Domestic Violence Initiative’s Final Report to provide greater access to legal services to victims of domestic violence in New York State.
Women in Law Section Committee
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Annual Meeting and Programming Committee (Women in Law)
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Awards Committee (Women in Law)
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Champions: Men Advancing Women Committee
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Communications Committee (Women in Law)
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Development and Sponsorship Committee (Women in Law)
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Emerging Lawyers Committee (Women in Law)
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Equity in the Legal Profession Committee
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Executive Committee (Women in Law)
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Gender Issues Committee
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General Counsels Committee (Women in Law)
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Legislative Committee (Women in Law)
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Membership and Engagement Committee (Women in Law)
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Nominating Committee (Women in Law)
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Partners Committee (Women in Law)
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Reports, Surveys, and Publications Committee (Women in Law)
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Women in the Association Committee
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Women on the Move Committee
Awards
Ruth G. Schapiro Award
To provide recognition for exemplary achievement by a male or female member of the Association in addressing the concerns of women, an Association award was established in honor of the Committee on Women in the Law’s first Chair, Ruth G. Schapiro. The annual award was proposed and is administered by the Women in Law Section. The first recipient of this award in 1992 was The Honorable Judith S. Kaye.
Kay Crawford Murray Award
To honor women in the profession who recognize the value of diversity in the legal profession and have dedicated their time to advancing the professional development of women attorneys, the section has established the Kay Crawford Murray Award. Future recipients will possess the following characteristics: A distinguished legal career or a rising star in the profession; An active member of bar associations for the purpose of advancing the professional and personal development of women attorneys; An active mentor to women attorneys.
Free Virtual Book Club Meetings
The Women in Law Section (WILS) holds free virtual book club meetings on a monthly or bi-monthly basis, so please check the WILS Upcoming Events page for dates and times. This is a great opportunity to take some time for yourself to read new books and discuss them with colleagues and friends!
Here is the list of our past book club meetings:
#Networked: Women Lawyers Build Connections in COVID-19 (May 13, 2021)
Featuring the book “#Networked” by Shari Belitz, Laura Gregory and Winter Wheeler
When Life Hands You Lemons: An Attorney’s Journey Through Quarantine As An At Home Chef (April 8, 2021)
Featuring the cookbook “When Life Hands You Lemons” by Jennifer Brown
Women Struggling and Sometimes Overcoming (February 4, 2021)
Featuring the book “Women in Crisis: Stories From the Edge” by Susan L. Pollet
A Lawyer’s Journey: Turning Fact Into Fiction (December 10, 2020)
Featuring the book “Failure to Protect” by Pamela Samuels Young
Women in Law Section “The Midnight Call” Virtual Book Club (September 24, 2020)
Featuring the book “The Midnight Call” by Jode Millman
Women in Law Section “The Lies that Bind” Virtual Book Club Meeting (August 20, 2020)
Featuring the book “The Lies that Bind: by Emily Giffin
Unreasonable Doubts (June 4, 2020)
Featuring the book Reyna Marder Gentin
CYBERSECURITY & INFRASTRUCTURE SECURITY AGENCY
As the nation’s risk advisor, CISA brings our partners in industry and the full power of the federal government together to improve American cyber and infrastructure security. The resources below are provided to assist organizations and teleworkers to be secure when working remotely.
PODCASTS
SPONSORSHIP OPPORTUNITIES
Become a Sponsor of the Women in Law Section, Annual Meeting, Luncheon, Reception and Programs.
Your sponsorship helps advance women in the legal profession and all women under the law.
Click here to learn more.
The Civil Rights Act at 60: A Conversation with Dr. John Coverdale
Presented on June 24, 2024
Virtual Tour: NYPL’s Equal Rights Amendment: A Century of Speaking Out
Presented on March 19, 2024
Sports Betting in New York State: The Good, The Bad and The Ugly
Presented on January 9, 2024
Financial Empowerment for Women in Law
Presented on October 10, 2023
Banning Rosa Parks: The Impact of Book Banning on Civil Liberties
Presented on June 13, 2023
Medication Abortion in the Post Dobbs World: Current Litigation and its Effects on Access to an Abortion
Presented on June 5, 2023
Too Young to Be Old: How to Stay Vibrant, Visible, and Forever in Blue Jeans
Presented on June 1, 2023
Getting To Ellen: A Memoir About Love, Honesty And Gender Change
Presented on May 18, 2023
What’s Next: Alternative Careers For Lawyers
Presented on April 4, 2023
Reclaim Your Calendar: Productivity & Time Management Tactics For Lawyers – Part 2
Presented on March 29, 2023
Changing The Narrative: An Uplifting Story About Climate Change
Presented on March 23, 2023
Reclaim Your Calendar: Productivity & Time Management Tactics For Lawyers – Part 1
Presented on March 15, 2023
Women in Law Section’s Virtual Book Club Meeting: Fractured Power
Presented on September 15, 2022
Dobbs: Historical Context and Future Implications
Presented on July 18, 2022
What to do After Dobbs: Access to Reproductive Healthcare and How to Help
Presented on July 14, 2022
A Virtual Juneteenth Celebration with NAACP National President and CEO Derrick Johnson
Presented on June 15, 2022
Women in Law Section’s Virtual Book Club Meeting: 30 Days to Courage: A Step-by-Step Guidebook
Presented on June 13, 2022
Women in Law Section’s Virtual Book Club Meeting: Both Are True
Presented on May 19, 2022
Strategies for Thriving in the Workplace: A Fireside Chat with Carla Harris
Presented on May 17, 2022
Virtual Visit to National Women’s Hall of Fame
Presented on April 28, 2022
Divorce Changes Everything: How Women Can Find Their Independence
>Presented on April 8, 2022
Self-Advocacy: The Key to Accelerate Career Success
Presented on March 16, 2022
Finding Self-Worth and Empowerment in African-American History
Presented on February 10, 2022
Knowledge is Power: Financial Strategies for Women
Presented on December 16, 2021
Executive Presence, Leadership Voice, And Effective Speaking
Presented on December 13, 2021
Bad Blood: The Role of Gender in the Elizabeth Holmes Trial
Presented on November 1, 2021
Breaking the Stigma of Addiction and Recovery in the Legal Profession
Presented on October 7, 2021
When Life Hands You Lemons: An Attorney’s Journey Through Quarantine As An At Home Chef (Book Club)
Presented on April 8, 2021
#Networked: Women Lawyers Build Connections in COVID-19
Presented on May 13, 2021
Let The Youth Lead The Way: A Dialogue with Future Lawyers
Presented on March 16, 2021
Women Struggling and Sometimes Overcoming (Book Club)
Presented on February 4, 2021
A Lawyer’s Journey: Turning Fact into Fiction (Book Club)
Presented on December 10, 2020
Owning Your Confidence and Leading with Brilliance
Presented on December 1, 2020
The Midnight Call Virtual Book Club
Presented on September 24, 2020
Campaigning While Female: Congresswoman Kathleen Rice Speaks On Gender And Diversity Issues Facing Vice Presidential Candidate Kamala Harris
Presented on September 9, 2020
The Unusual Firing of US Attorney Geoffrey Berman: The Process and is Justice at Stake?
Presented on June 29, 2020
Celebrating Juneteenth: A Conversation With Cheryl Wills
Presented on June 19, 2020
Suffrage: Celebration of the Centennial of New York State’s Ratification of the 19th Amendment
Presented on June 16, 2020
Civil Rights & Systemic Racism: Introspection In a Time of Crisis
Presented on June 12, 2020
Law Day Virtual Program: Women in Mediation, Arbitration and in Court
Presented on May 1, 2020
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