Welcome to Jacksonville Women Lawyers Association
President's Welcome
Welcome to the Jacksonville Women Lawyers Association.
Our theme for the year, Authenticity Through Adversity, recognizes a truth that many of us have experienced firsthand: growth rarely happens without challenge. Whether we are navigating demanding careers, caring for families, advocating for clients, leading organizations, or overcoming personal obstacles, adversity has a way of revealing who we truly are. It teaches resilience, cultivates empathy, and gives us the courage to lead with authenticity.
As women in the legal profession, we often feel pressure to have all the answers, to appear unshakable, or to fit a particular mold of success. Yet some of our greatest strengths emerge when we embrace our genuine selves, acknowledge our struggles, and share our experiences with one another. Authentic leadership is not about perfection—it is about integrity, vulnerability, perseverance, and the willingness to continue moving forward.
This year, JWLA will celebrate the stories, accomplishments, and journeys of women who have transformed challenges into opportunities and setbacks into stepping stones. Through our programming, mentorship, networking, and service initiatives, we will create space for meaningful conversations, foster deeper connections, and support one another both professionally and personally.
Whether you are a law student, a new attorney, a seasoned practitioner, a member of the judiciary, or a legal professional at any stage of your journey, you belong here. JWLA is more than an organization—it is a community of talented, compassionate, and determined women committed to lifting one another up and strengthening our profession.
Thank you for being part of this remarkable organization. I look forward to a year of growth, connection, and inspiration as we embrace authenticity, overcome adversity, and continue building a stronger future together.
With gratitude,
Hannah Anderson
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
