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In the late fall of 1993, 13 Calgary women lawyers formed a Steering Committee and entered into discussions for the development of a new organization to meet the changing needs of women in the legal profession. They were a diverse group, representing women in practise, the corporate counsel and business environments, those new to the profession as well as others who had found unique ways to utilize their law degrees. Their common interest crossed political lines and transcended individual aspirations. The Calgary Women Lawyers Association (CWLA) which was launched in the 1960s under the leadership of Mary Hetherington (now retired from the Alberta Court of Appeal) had formally announced through a Law Society notice circulated in the summer of 1993, its decision to cease activities and to disband as an organization. In early January, 1994, the new Steering Committee undertook the task of analyzing the present and future needs of women in the legal profession and working towards developing a networking and support mandate distinct from other professional organizations of its kind. The original Steering Committee members were:
It was decided that a new organization with a distinctive name and logo would best signal a fresh approach and mandate. AWL ( originally intended to be pronounced "All" ) came to be. Elaine McCoy had coined the organization's focus on a collective spirit with her imaginative approach: "AWL (All) for one and one for AWL (All)". However, over time the current acronym became the common short reference. The Steering Committee spent a great deal of time developing its Mission Statement as the guiding principle for the organization. The result was a source of pride for all Steering Committee members and states: The Association of Women Lawyers (AWL) is committed to promoting the advancement, equality, interests and well being of women in the legal profession. A black and white satin banner was designed for use at all public functions. AWL immediately instituted a "patron" system and solicited Calgary law firms for contributions to acquire seed money for hosting its inauguration and its first formal event. A total of 25 patrons comprising lawyers, judges and law firms responded to the request for support. Large placards were placed on easels at public events acknowledging the thoughtful support of AWL's patrons. After a flurry of planning, the inauguration reception took place at the MacDougall Centre, in June 1994. The leaders of the former Calgary Women Lawyers Association were acknowledged in the order of their time of service and those in attendance were introduced. AWL members expressed its appreciation for the work CWLA had undertaken during more than three decades of service to women in the profession. The large group of enthusiastic women lawyers assembled were introduced to the new organization with the unveiling of the Mission Statement and AWL banner. The Hon. Anne McLellan, (then) the new minister for natural resources and the (then) Dean of Law, University of Calgary, Dr. Sheilah Martin helped launch the new organization as guest speakers. Each addressed the unique challenges which women lawyers face and shared their own experiences as well as giving encouragement to the new organization. AWL immediately attracted many new members over the weeks following its inauguration and in the fall of 1994, it re-organized to include some of them on its first executive and board of directors. Two lawyers who joined the organization at that early time in its inception were Virginia Engel (now Q.C.) and Patricia Daunais, Q.C. became AWL presidents in succeeding terms, respectively. They were followed by Lana Lien (now Q.C.) , a founding member, Nadine Casey Macdonald (now Nadine Casey French) Dina Honke and Marcia Johnston. Another new member, Yvonne Gagnon, took on the task of developing a newsletter and her talents in desk top publishing produced the first newsletter shortly after AWL was launched. AWL's first executive committee was:
Two steering committee members Carolyn Phillips and Sandra Hunt MacDonald were each invited by AWL to serve as a judicial liaison on the board of directors upon their appoints to the Court of Queen's Bench and Provincial Court of Alberta, respectively. Within four months of its inauguration, AWL had 250 paid memberships. It hosted its first major event, a luncheon at the Palliser Hotel with the Hon. Allan Rock, Q.C., the federal Minister of Justice. Mr. Rock made his first public appearance in Alberta since the election of the new government in Ottawa in the fall of 1993 at the AWL event. The luncheon was strongly supported by the legal profession and the judiciary and it was the first of many "sold out" events. The inclusion of music was first featured at the 1994 luncheon in the form of a light jazz quartet and has continued to define AWL functions. A few months after the luncheon, AWL sponsored a seminar on career development and networking and from that point forward, the organization has hosted numerous events intended to enhance the stature of women lawyers in the legal profession and to provide them with the support and tools necessary to break through any "glass ceilings" along the way. Keeping women lawyers current on developments in the law and in methods of assisting them in practice has always been an important focus. Career options beyond practice in a law firm setting, a self defense program sponsored by women police officers, financial planning and other educational and career development programs have been among the activities which have attracted the attention of the membership over the years. Luncheons became a popular forum and guest speakers have covered a wide spectrum of speakers: Senator Raynell Andreychuk (also a former Ambassador/Consul General and Provincial Court Judge in Saskatchewan); national broadcaster and author, Pamela Wallin; The Hon. Beverley McLachlan, Chief Justice of the Supreme Court of Canada; The Hon. Louise Arbour, a Justice of the Supreme Court of Canada; John Rosen, defence counsel in the notorious Bernardo and Holmolka criminal trial. AWL had to deal with controversy among some women lawyers and academics over sponsoring Mr. Rosen at an AWL function. AWL's executive and board of directors firmly believed that it was important to remind the profession that women lawyers also represent clients in challenging and unpopular cases and benefit from hearing about the decisions and experiences of others. AWL has not restricted its activities to only serious topics. Members have enjoyed much laughter together over a glass of wine while learning about Italian cooking in the very well received classes presented by Allan Shewchuk, Q.C. and Patricia Blocksom, Q.C. as well as during its annual golf tournament. Both events as well as the annual Spring Celebration to welcome new women lawyers to the profession and to the association have also become "must do" activities of AWL. While AWL's focus has been on the interests of women lawyers, it has always had the support of the legal profession as a whole. The Honourable Madam Justice S.L. Hunt McDonald led the early debate over offering memberships to both men and women lawyers and as soon as her resolution unanimously passed, A. Webster Macdonald, Jr., Q.C. became the first male lawyer to take out a membership in AWL. He was welcomed with enthusiasm. AWL remains committed to the interests of women in the legal profession and continues to welcome new members. Where the original Steering Committee (founding members) are now:
Current Board of Directors for 2010:
Information about becoming a patron or member of AWL and upcoming events may be acquired by contacting Rani Wong – |
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Last modified:
21-Feb-2011