Thank You To Our Judicial Reception Sponsors!

We were able to host our Judicial Reception for the first time in years! It was wonderful to see so many familiar faces. To those of you who were new to the event, it was great to meet you! We would like to thank all the Court of Appeals, Third Department, Appellate,...

Cape Cod Beach Vacation Raffle!

Enter to win a WEEK vacation at this two-story cozy beachfront condo on Cape Cod! This residence is perfect if you are looking to relax and take in the beautiful views of the bay.  The raffle drawing will take place at our annual Judicial Reception event in March...

Justice Ruth Bader Ginsberg – 1933-2020

The Capital District Women's Bar Association joins the nation in mourning the passing of the Honorable Ruth Bader Ginsberg, aka "Notorious RBG," a fierce advocate for gender equality, Justice Ginsberg was a trailblazer, a role model and icon. Justice Ginsberg, the...

Introducing the e-Mentorship Program

Mentors are important for attorneys in any stage of their career- and for newly admitted attorneys and student members, they are even more so.  The CDWBA e-Mentorship Program will be focused on creating professional relationships with CDWBA attorneys who can...

President’s Message – Fall Membership Drive

Is it fall yet?!  It sure is in my house, evidenced by the Modern Harvest & Pumpkin Chai candles burning regularly.  This fall brings a new season with a new normal, as well as a new CDWBA year filled with new virtual programs and...

Presidents Message

Dear Members,   Hello everyone. I wanted to introduce myself as the new president of the Capital District Women’s Bar Association’s for the year of 2020-21! I have been a part of this organization for many years now and have served in many positions...

Awards

The CDWBA seeks nominations for its annual awards to be presented at our Installation Dinner in August 2023. Please email all nomination materials to Alexis Kimball at administrator@cdwba.org no later than July 7, 2023.

To obtain a copy of the nominations form please download it here.

To obtain the form for the Carol S. Knox Family Friendly Employer Award,  please download it here.

Please note that a short paragraph about why the person is qualified for the award is all that is necessary. Other materials, such as a nominee’s resume, biography, supporting letters of recommendation, awards received, and news items can be helpful, but are not required to nominate someone.

To see award recipients of past years, please click here.

HON. Judith S. Kaye Distinguished Attorney Member Award 

This award honors an outstanding attorney member for a singular outstanding achievement, longstanding significant involvement, or a lifetime of constancy of purpose in advancing the status of women in the law and in society.  The stated criteria for the award are: member of the CDWBA; achievement of professional excellence, or a provider of significant service to CDWBA and/or the community; some degree of leadership in the community or CDWBA; a mentor to young people and newly admitted attorneys; and an advocate of women in society and in the legal profession.  This is the highest award bestowed by the CDWBA on a member.

CDWBA Exemplary Community Service Award

This award honors an outstanding non-attorney who has distinguished him- or herself by service to the greater Capital District community in a manner which is consistent with CDWBA’s Mission.  The stated criteria for the award are:  significant service to, or leadership in, the community at-large by either (1) promoting the advancement of women who are involved in or affected by the legal system, (2) encouraging the fair and impartial administration of justice, or (3) providing other sustained acts of public service and community education.

Kimberly A. Troisi-Paton Leadership Award

This award recognizes an individual who has demonstrated an enduring commitment to the CDWBA and/or the community through consistent leadership, perseverance, and selfless dedication to the greater good.  The recipient is typically an “unsung hero” who leads by example and whose contributions provide sustainability to the CDWBA, to the community and/or to women in general.  The recipient’s volunteer or community activities are often undertaken in balance with devotion to family and friends, and she is typically someone whose impact is far greater or wide-ranging than she expected it to be.  The nominee may be either a lawyer or a non-lawyer.  Preference will be given to women nominees and to members of the CDWBA, however, consideration may be given to others provided that they meet the award criteria and their volunteer activities and contributions to the community are particularly exemplary and/or have benefitted women in general or the CDWBA.

Outstanding New Lawyer Award

This award is to be given to a CDWBA member who, as of December 31, 2019, has been a member of the bar for not more than five (5) years, and who has made noteworthy contributions to the CDWBA, and outstanding achievements within the profession and/or outstanding contributions to the community.

Carol S. Knox Family Friendly Employer Award

This award is given each year to a legal employer in the Capital District that demonstrates a strong commitment to family friendliness by maintaining policies and practices that assist its employees in achieving balance between their work and family commitments.  This award is in memory of Carol S. Knox, a longtime member of the CDWBA and devoted mother, who cared passionately about the need to improve family friendliness in the legal profession.   

WELCOME TO cdwba

Welcome to the website for the Capital District Women's Bar Association (CDWBA), a Chapter of the Women's Bar Association of the State of New York. Founded in 1978, the CDWBA is more than 350 members strong. Private practitioners, judges, government attorneys, court officials, in-house counsel, and law students are welcome.  Friends of the Association include non-attorneys in law-related professions, including paralegals.

Upcoming Events

FALL MEMBERSHIP MIXER

Wednesday, October 25, 2023

5:30pm - 7:30pm

Whiteman Osterman & Hanna LLP

Join us for light refreshments and good company. This event is free to members but please help us collect items for Equinox by bringing a donation in support of Domestic Violence Awareness Month. Find a list of needed donation items at here. $25 headshots will be offered with local photographer Michael Tamburri. Register here.