The women's bar association
News Releases
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BOSTON, MA – August 8, 2014 - The Women’s Bar Association of Massachusetts (WBA) commends the Governor and legislature for strengthening the state’s domestic violence laws. The legislation, S 2334 - An Act relative to domestic violence, signed into law today as Chapter 260 of the Acts of 2014 establishes new criminal offenses related to domestic violence, creates new legal protections for victims and imposes training requirements for judges and court personnel.
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BOSTON, MA – July 7, 2014 – The Women’s Bar Association of Massachusetts (WBA) proudly announces its 2014 Lelia J. Robinson Award recipients: Pamela Berman and Monica Halas Named after the first woman admitted to the Massachusetts bar, the Lelia J. Robinson Award has been presented by the WBA since 1994 to recognize women who, like Robinson, have captured the spirit of pioneering in the legal profession and have made a difference in the community. This year, the WBA is proud to honor Pamela Berman and Monica Halas with this award: two women who have made and continue to make immeasurable contributions to the legal profession and the greater community. Both women will be honored at the WBA’s Annual Gala on November 18, 2014 at the Boston Marriott Copley Place. The Gala is the WBA’s largest event of the year and is attended by approximately 1,000 attorneys, judges, legislators, and business professionals. “The WBA is delighted to honor Pam Berman and Monica Halas with this award. Both Ms. Berman and Ms. Halas demonstrate the professional excellence and commitment to women’s issues that are the hallmarks of this award. We know our Gala attendees will find these awardees to be inspiring and motivating,” said WBA President Kara DelTufo.
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BOSTON, MA – June 13, 2014 - The Women’s Bar Association of Massachusetts (WBA) commends Governor Deval Patrick’s nomination of Appeals Court Justice Geraldine Hines to the Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court. Justice Hines, if confirmed, would be the first African-American woman to serve on the state’s highest court. “The WBA applauds the historic nomination of Justice Hines, who has devoted a large part of her accomplished career to advocating for civil rights. Diversity on the bench is essential to helping our judiciary deliver equal justice and to countering perceptions of systemic bias. The WBA has long promoted the benefits of a diverse bench, and we are thrilled that Justice Hines will serve as a role model for more women and persons of color to enter the Judiciary,” stated WBA President Kara DelTufo.
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The Women’s Bar Association of Massachusetts (WBA) commends both the Senate and the House for their commitment to reducing domestic violence (DV) and has reviewed both bills. The WBA has advocated for many of the provisions included in these bills and asks you to consider our specific requests below.
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The Women’s Bar Association of Massachusetts (WBA) is writing to express strong support for S865, An Act Relative to Parental Leave. S865 passed the Senate unanimously on October 24, 2013, and we urge you to bring this very important bill to the House floor for debate and passage prior to the end of this session.