Florida Association for Women Lawyers

Established in 1984, the Sarasota Chapter of the Florida Association For Women Lawyers seeks to provide regular meetings on topics of educational interest; to promote networking opportunities among our members, the bench, the local bar and our community; to establish a referral base; and to encourage cooperation, support, and friendships among attorneys. Membership is open to all lawyers, male and female, as well as to law students.

Meetings and events are held regularly throughout the year. Distinguished guest speakers present on topics of interest including local and national legal trends, current affairs, and educational tools providing opportunities to earn continuing legal education credits. CLEs on topical issues have included presentations addressing the prescription drug epidemic; human trafficking; juvenile dependency and guardians ad litem; employment law in the #MeToo era; women’s health; and more.

In addition, Sarasota FAWL also holds several events each year that are less formal and more social in nature. Traditionally, they have included a Holiday party in December and a Judicial Reception in the springtime, which draws judges from the local 12th Judicial Circuit as well as from the Second District Court of Appeals.

In addition to programming for members, Sarasota FAWL selects a charity annually to support through financial as well as in kind support. Over the years, Sarasota FAWL has lent its support to addressing many areas of local need including implementing a child witness room at the courthouse; providing an intern stipend to Legal Aid of Manasota; holding a baby shower for students in CYESIS Teen Parent Program; supplying rape victim kits to the Sarasota Police Department; and assembling a team to participate in the American Cancer Society’s Relay for Life event. Financial grants have provided support to The Haven, SPARCC, Cenacle Legal Services, Legal Aid of Manasota and most recently, in support of the local “Comprehensive Treatment Court.”

Our Mission

To actively promote gender equality and the leadership roles of FAWL’s members in the legal profession, judiciary and community at large. To achieve these goals, FAWL will uphold the highest standard of integrity, honor and courtesy in the legal profession, promote reform in law, and facilitate administration of justice.