Welcome to Jacksonville Women Lawyers Association
President's Welcome
It is an honor to welcome you to JWLA and serve as your 2025-2026 President. Our association stands as a diverse community of professionals dedicated to gender equality in the legal community. Originally founded in 1982 when there were not many women in the legal profession, Jacksonville Women Lawyers Association now exists in a society where women represent almost half of all lawyers in Florida. As we continue to face both challenges and exciting developments in our profession, the role of our association has never been more important. Through shared knowledge, advocacy, and professional development, we are committed to supporting each other to elevate the standards of our industry. Our commitment is showcased through a wide array of activities – whether it is advocating for nursing lounges in the Courthouses, planning and hosting the Judicial Reception, providing CLE luncheons, Pro Bono opportunities, or all of the other amazing events listed on our website.
This year's theme is "The Decisions that Define Us." We will focus on the decisions we make at home, work, in the community, and most importantly, for yourself. I am proud of all of JWLA’s many accomplishments and appreciate the opportunity to work together to achieve new milestones in the year ahead.
Of course, I cannot do anything without a rockstar board and our amazing members. We invite you to stay connected, participate actively, and share your ideas. Your voice is vital to our continued success.
Thank you for your commitment to our profession and this association.
About Us
The Jacksonville Women Lawyers Association ("JWLA") was founded in 1982 to provide support and networking for women lawyers in Jacksonville, Florida. JWLA membership is open to all attorneys, male or female, in Jacksonville, Florida and surrounding counties. JWLA is a chapter of the Florida Association for Women Lawyers ("FAWL").
Our mission is to actively promote gender equality and the leadership roles of our members in the legal profession, judiciary and community at large.
In addition to programing and events focused on the professional development of our members, JWLA participates annually in the Making Strides Against Breast Cancer Walk, prioritizes mentoring law students through partnership with the Jacksonville University School of Law, and fundraises for the JWLA Kathy Para Student Internship at Jacksonville Area Legal Aid ("JALA").
JWLA's signature event is our Annual Judicial Reception, where lawyers and judges from across Jacksonville come together to celebrate civility and recognize our local, state, administrative, and federal judges and judicial assistants for their contribution to the legal community.
Membership
Some Of JWLA's Membership Benefits Include:
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Membership in the Florida Association For Women Lawyers (FAWL)
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Free and low-cost CLEs
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Great networking opportunities
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Free entrance to the Opening Reception and Holiday Reception
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Access to exclusive members only events, including Tables for 8
JWLA's monthly events help:
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to promote contributions within the legal profession
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to improve the administration of justice and to elevate judicial standards
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to promote the study of law
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to distribute legal knowledge to the general public
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to improve the relations between the bar and the general public
To find out more about our Membership benefits, how to apply, and dues, please visit our membership page.
Thank you to our 2025-2026 Annual Sponsors
Ruby Red Annual Sponsors
Sterling Silver Annual Sponsors
Rose Gold Annual Sponsors
Emerald Annual Sponsors
