National Association of Women Judges 43rd Annual Conference
The National Association of Women Judges (NAWJ) is a professional organization dedicated to promoting diversity, fairness, and equality within the judiciary. Founded in 1979, NAWJ serves as a leading voice for women jurists in the United States, advocating for the advancement of women judges and providing judicial education. The organization is committed to preserving judicial independence and ensuring equal access to justice for all individuals under the rule of law.
NAWJ's Annual Conference serves as a pivotal event for members to engage in educational programming, discuss pertinent legal issues, and network with peers. The 2026 conference, scheduled for October 15–17 in New Orleans, Louisiana, will feature a range of sessions covering topics such as judicial wellness, the impact of artificial intelligence in courts, and strategies for countering disinformation. Plenary sessions will include discussions with notable figures like Professor Anita Hill and Federal Judge Esther Salas, as well as a Supreme Court year-in-review with Dean Erwin Chemerinsky and Professor Francesca Procaccini.
Attendees will have opportunities to participate in district meetings, breakout sessions, and committee meetings, fostering professional development and collaboration. The conference will also host a Gala Reception and Dinner, providing a platform for social interaction and celebration of achievements within the judiciary.
This conference is ideal for judges, legal professionals, and individuals interested in advancing diversity and equality in the legal system. It offers a unique opportunity to engage with thought leaders, gain insights into current legal challenges, and contribute to the ongoing dialogue on enhancing fairness and justice in the courts.
Speakers(29)
Col. Linda Strite Murnane
Retired at United States Air Force
Retired Colonel from the United States Air Force.
Eric Angel
Executive Director at Legal Aid Society of the District of Columbia
Executive Director of the Legal Aid Society of the District of Columbia.
Gigi Sohn
Distinguished Fellow at Georgetown Law Institute for Technology Law & Policy
Distinguished Fellow at Georgetown Law Institute for Technology Law & Policy.
Hon. Amy Nechtem
Juvenile Court Judge at Massachusetts
Juvenile Court Judge in Massachusetts.
Hon. Ann Breen-Greco
Judge at N/A
Judge at N/A.
Hon. Anna Blackburne-Rigsby
Chief Judge at District of Columbia Court of Appeals
Chief Judge of the District of Columbia Court of Appeals.
Hon. Bea Ann Smith
Court of Appeals Judge at Texas
Court of Appeals Judge in Texas.
Hon. Bernadette D'Souza
Civil District Court Judge at New Orleans
Civil District Court Judge in New Orleans.
Hon. Brenda Loftin
Circuit Court Judge (Retired) at St. Louis County
Retired Circuit Court Judge from St. Louis County.
Hon. Brenda Murray
Chief Judge (Retired) at Co-Chair, NAWJ Women in Prison Committee
Retired Chief Judge and Co-Chair of the NAWJ Women in Prison Committee.
Hon. Carmen Velasquez
Supreme Court Judge at Queens County
Supreme Court Judge in Queens County.
Hon. Dana Fabe
Justice (Retired) at Alaska Supreme Court
Retired Justice from the Alaska Supreme Court.
Hon. Elizabeth Allen White
JAMS at California
JAMS Judge in California.
Hon. Elizabeth Lee
Superior Court Judge at San Mateo County
Superior Court Judge at San Mateo County.
Hon. Fernande Duffly
Justice (Retired) at Massachusetts Supreme Court
Retired Justice from the Massachusetts Supreme Court.
Hon. Judith McConnell
Court of Appeal Judge at California
Court of Appeal Judge in California.
Hon. Julie Frantz
Circuit Court Judge (Retired) at Multnomah County
Retired Circuit Court Judge from Multnomah County.
Hon. Karen Donohue
Chief Criminal Judge at King County Superior Court
Chief Criminal Judge at King County Superior Court.
Hon. Karen Sage
District Court Judge at 299th District Court of Texas
District Court Judge at 299th District Court of Texas.
Hon. Mimi Tsankov
Immigration Judge at New York Federal Plaza Immigration Court
Immigration Judge at New York Federal Plaza Immigration Court.
Hon. Orlinda Naranjo
Senior Judge (Ret.) at 419th District Court
Senior Judge (Ret.) at 419th District Court, Texas.
Hon. Pamela Washington
District Court Judge at Anchorage District Court
District Court Judge at Anchorage District Court, Alaska.
Hon. Pennie McLaughlin
Superior Court Judge at San Diego Superior Court
Superior Court Judge at San Diego Superior Court, California.
Hon. Sharon E. Goodie
Administrative Law Judge at District of Columbia Office of Administrative Hearings
Administrative Law Judge at the District of Columbia Office of Administrative Hearings.
Hon. Tamila Ipema
Superior Court Judge at San Diego County
Superior Court Judge at San Diego County.
Hon. Toni Clarke
Circuit Court Judge at Prince George's County (Ret.)
Retired Circuit Court Judge from Prince George's County, Maryland.
Jonathan Smith
Executive Director at Washington Lawyers' Committee for Civil Rights and Urban Affairs
Executive Director of the Washington Lawyers' Committee for Civil Rights and Urban Affairs.
Margaret L. Behm
Managing Partner at Dodson Parker Behm & Caparella, PC
Managing Partner at Dodson Parker Behm & Caparella, PC.
Nicole Erb, Esq.
Partner at White & Case, LLP
Partner at White & Case, LLP.
Event Details
- Date
- October 6-9, 2021
- 4 days
- Location
- 🇺🇸 Nashville, United States
- Hilton New Orleans Riverside
- Pricing
- Varies by tier
- Audience
- Judges, legal professionals, and individuals interested in advancing diversity and equality in the legal system.
- CLE Credits
- CLE accreditation pending
- Attendees
- Approximately 500