New York Women's Bar Association, 132 East 43rd Street, #716, The Chrysler Building, New York, NY, 10017-4019
Message from the President


President Teresa Schiller gave a version of these remarks at the 2007 Annual Meeting on April 23, 2007



You know, when I was young, I enjoyed paging through issues of Women's Day and Family Circle, homemaking magazines that my mother picked up at the grocery store and set out on the coffee table at home. Between the somewhat contradictory headline ads about the best desserts ever and the newest way to lose weight were entertaining advertisements. I remember one set of advertisements in particular from that time – the Virginia Slims "You've Come a Long Way, Baby" advertising campaign.

The tongue-in-cheek ads playfully pitted men against women. Phony sepia-toned photos, picturing the sorry lot of a circa 1900's woman, were juxtaposed against color photographs of a far happier modern woman, wearing stylish contemporary clothing.1 The modern woman looked cool, calm, and in control.

Although cigarettes have become increasingly old-fashioned since I was young (and you’ll hear no endorsement of them here), the cause of women’s rights has not.

Perhaps mindful of that circa 1900's woman in 1935 when our association was created, our founding mothers articulated a mission that included a devotion to improving the status of women in society. Every year since then, our programs and events have promoted that mission. In looking back at this past year’s programs and events, I would like to say, "NYWBA, you’ve come a long way, baby."

We have had numerous programs coordinated by dedicated members, committees, and organizations. I would like to talk today about just some of the programs that we have hosted during the past year: judicial programs, a survey to advance the status of women, technology-related programs, developmental programs, committee programs, membership initiatives, our upcoming annual dinner, and even a bit of fun.

I. Judicial Programs

Let’s talk first about some of our judicial programs.

In one “You’ve Come a Long Way, Baby” advertisement, a circa-1900 bedraggled woman was shown struggling to hold a number of old-fashioned cleaning contraptions like a wooden rug beater, and the caption (quoting Milton) reads, “For nothing lovelier can be found in Woman, than to study household good.” We’ve come a long way. In the NYWBA, we have our own more sophisticated way, figuratively speaking, of keeping things clean – our judicial screening process. We help to ensure the continued integrity of the bench by screening judicial candidates. During the past year, our Judiciary Committee, headed by Co-Chairs Felice Ekelman and Bernie Dworkin, interviewed and checked references of many candidates for judicial office. The resulting rankings were published in the New York Law Journal.

One of the first women judges in our country was Judge Florence Ellinwood Allen, who in 1922 became the first woman to serve as a judge of a court of last resort anywhere in the world, and in 1934 became the first woman appointed to the federal bench. We’ve come a long way since then in terms of the number of woman judges on the bench, and the Association is proud to count among its membership many members of the current judiciary in New York. During this past year, we have had several events to celebrate the importance of the judiciary and the long way we have come. For example, Judge Leslie Crocker Snyder presented Past NYWBA and Past WBASNY President Martha Gifford with the Florence E. Allen Award in recognition of “exceptional attainments by a woman in the law.” Thank you to Proskauer Rose LLP for hosting the exceptional event. We held our annual judges’ reception at Nicole’s in January, attracting more than sixty members of the bench and bar. Thank you to Signature Bank for its support of the event. We honored Justice Phyllis Gangel-Jacob (ret.) for her many years of service to the Women’s Bar and as a member of the judiciary at our second annual Women’s History Month event, courtesy of Commerce Bank and Event Co-Chairs Sylvia Di Pietro, Kelly O’Neill Levy, and Myra Freed. We also held a Lunch with a Judge program featuring Justice Ellen Gesmer, a matrimonial judge at the Bronx Courthouse, and thank you to Vice President Jo Ann Douglas for her efforts in coordinating the event in conjunction with the Bronx Women’s Bar Association. Finally, we have all come together tonight to hear Justices Mazzarelli, Buckley, and Sweeny provide valuable insights into how an appeal really gets decided. Thank you to Vice President Lisa Sokoloff, Laura Twomey, and Fulbright & Jaworski LLP for making this event possible.

II. Survey to Advance the Status of Women

Let’s turn to another topic: our survey to advance the status of women.

An important project that was launched this year by the Association is a survey conducted by the Advance the Status of Women in the Profession Committee, led by Co-Chairs Donna Praiss and Brenda Pomerance. The committee initiated the Association’s first survey of law firms in New York City. The survey, which was sent out to about 280 firms, is anticipated to be an invaluable tool for monitoring and promoting the status of women in the profession. If you would like to find out if your firm has responded to the survey, please contact Donna or Brenda. For a copy of the survey questions, please go to our website. Thank you to Hunton & Williams LLP for hosting the committee’s meetings to prepare the survey, and thanks to Elizabeth Bryson and Vice President Lisa Bauer for providing valuable assistance.

III. Technology-Related Programs

I’d like to talk next about some of our technology-related programs.

In another "You’ve Come a Long Way, Baby" advertisement, a woman who smoked a cigarette, to the disapproval of some logging men, was subsequently sent down the river tied to a log of her own. We can only assume that if she had known what the loggers’ reaction would be, she would never have lit up. To avoid the modern-day perils of lacking important information, “log on” to our website. Created by our Technology and Internet for Lawyers Committee and maintained over the past year by Vice President Lisa Bauer, our website at www.nywba.org is a link to what is going on in the Association.

Our Technology and Internet for Lawyers Committee, headed by Co-Chairs Kay Marmorek and Cassandra Porter, hosted a CLE program earlier in the year. They brought in Renew Data to provide a seminar on electronic discovery, which was attended by more than thirty people. Thank you to Hunton & Williams LLP for providing the space for the event.

IV. Developmental Programs

Let’s talk now about some of our developmental programs.

One of our signature projects illustrates for women summer associates just how far we women have come in legal society. Our summertime panel presentation entitled “What It’s (Really) Like to Practice Law in NYC as a Woman” attracted more than three hundred summer associates this year. The program, coordinated by Vice President Lisa Bauer and co-sponsored with the New York City Bar, featured women lawyers from private practice, government, and public interest organizations speaking about a range of issues, including career plans, mentoring, networking, gender and the legal profession, and work-life balance. The panel presentation was followed by a cocktail reception, which was attended by NYWBA board members and other practicing attorneys in the Association who were on hand to mingle with the summer associates and answer their questions about entering the legal world as women.

Another of our programs designed to help young women along was our New York Supreme Court courthouse tour CLE program. Thank you to Vice President Lisa Sokoloff and Gillian Thomas for coordinating this program, which was so well-received that we expect to repeat it again next year.

Although mindful of how far we have come as women in society, many of us recognize our personal responsibility to advance ourselves individually, which inures to the benefit of all women. To facilitate this process, we hosted in conjunction with Celia Paul Associates a program entitled “The Power of Self-Promotion: Networking and Other Techniques for Building Your Practice and Developing Options in Your Legal Career.” Approximately thirty people attended this seminar, which was well-received. Thank you to Hogan & Hartson LLP for hosting it.

V. Committee Programs

Let’s next hone in on the work of some of our busy committees.

We are mindful of the double duties of some of our members as attorneys and mothers. For this reason, we created the Working Mothers Committee. This year, the committee was admirably led by Carla Vogel, with help from Argyria Kehagias and Leslye Davidson. The group of approximately thirty members met many times during the year to discuss a variety of topics covering general parental needs to career satisfaction issues. The committee also collaborated on the survey that I discussed earlier, which we hope to be the first of many annual surveys. Thanks to the committee co-chairs, Morgan Stanley Investment Management, Clifford Chance US LLP, and Myra Freed for hosting our Working Mothers Committee meetings.

One of the important bases of our membership is our matrimonial lawyer group. Our Matrimonial and Family Law Committee, led by Co-Chairs Judy White and Randi Isaacs and Secretary Jo Ann Douglas, hold regular meetings and actively look for programs that will be of special interest to this group. One matrimonial program that the Association hosted during the year was a seminar on mortgage refinancing in the event of divorce. The event was coordinated by Event Co-Chairs Sylvia Di Pietro, Sue Moss, and Nancy Chemtob, and it attracted more than twenty-five members and prospective members. Thank you to American Home Mortgage for sponsoring the successful event.

In an international city like New York, we are pleased to have international opportunities in partnership with the United Nations and other organizations. Thanks to the efforts of Co-Chairs Brigitte Rajacic and Amy Halpert, the International Law and Practice Committee organized events this year entitled, "Darfur: Engaging Women in the Peace Process," and "Human Trafficking: Is the Girl Child Safe in New York?" Children’s Rights Committee Chair Denise Scotto organized another international event entitled, "Violence Against Children: From the Global to the Local."

Our Alternative Dispute Resolution Committee also had a productive year. Co-Chairs Annie Ugurlayan and Christina Kallas began their efforts by circulating information to Association members about ADR programs in the area. They hosted a presentation on special education mediation and will offer a CLE presentation on April 25 on how ADR is an effective avenue for settling false advertising claims. Thank you to Loeb & Loeb LLP for hosting the April 25th program.

In addition to serving our members, the association is exploring ways to serve those who are less fortunate in our society. Leyla Marrouk, our Pro Bono Committee Chair, has established a strong relationship with Sanctuary for Families, which serves victims of domestic violence. Sanctuary has contributed a number of articles and announcements for inclusion in our monthly newsletter and in each instance has provided contact information for those who wish to become involved. Leyla’s next step is to organize a pro bono event with Sanctuary so that our membership can volunteer directly.

VI. Membership Initiatives

Let's focus for a moment on this past year’s membership initiatives.

To perform all of our important projects, it is vital to have a broad membership of women and men with different skills and backgrounds. Our Membership Committee, led by Vice President Lisa Sokoloff and Bonnie Cohen-Gallet, has worked hard this year to make our members feel welcome. The committee hosted a membership reception in the fall at Skadden Arps Slate Meagher & Flom LLP, and thank you to Skadden Partner Sheila Birnbaum for her assistance with the event. Since then, Lisa and Bonnie have endeavored to reach out individually to new members as they join, providing helpful information about committees and upcoming events.

VII. Our Upcoming Annual Dinner

Let's turn next to an announcement about our upcoming annual dinner.

We are looking forward to our annual cocktail and buffet gala, which will be on May 16 at the Puck Building. Please join us to honor the members of the Association who served on the recent New York Matrimonial Commission statewide task force -- Judge Betty Weinberg Ellerin, Susan Bender, and Marcia Goldstein -- as recipients of the Joan L. Ellenbogen Award, and join us to honor Myra Freed – who has contributed to our Association in countless ways -- as the recipient of the Doris Hoffman Service Award.

VIII. A Bit of Pure Fun

And, finally, a bit of pure fun.

Although we search for ways to advance our mission, we also look for ways to have a bit of fun as well. Thanks to Vice President Jo Ann Douglas, we had the chance to cheer on the New York Liberty at Madison Square Garden last summer. We also enjoyed an evening of haute couture at Dara Lamb, a maker of custom and ready-to-wear clothing for professional women. Over cocktails and hors d’oeuvres, we learned a bit about the latest trends in professional wear and also enjoyed chatting with our fellow members and prospective members.

In closing this evening, I would like to thank Executive Director Christina Kallas, state Women’s Bar Secretary Elizabeth Bryson, the Women’s Bar officers and directors, committee co-chairs, the Advisory Council, and our members for their service this year. Together, we’ve come a long way, baby. Thank you very much.




1James A. Shaw, "You’ve Come a Long Way, Baby: 1968-1986," Jim’s Burnt Offerings, http://www.wclynx.com/burntofferings/adsvirginiaslims_ads.shtml (2007).

Archives

April 2007

In her President's Message, Teresa Schiller reflected on the importance of rainmaking. To view the President's Message in full, click here.

March 2007

In her President's Message, Teresa Schiller reflected on gender diversity in large law firms. To view the President's Message in full, click here.

February 2007

In her President's Message, Teresa Schiller reflected on lessons in humility. To view the President's Message in full, click here.

January 2007

In her President's Message, Teresa Schiller reflected on the benefits of dual membership in the Women's Bar Association of the State of New York. To view the President's Message in full, click here.

December 2006

In her President's Message, Teresa Schiller reflected on the importance of pro bono service. To view the President's Message in full, click here.

November 2006

In her President's Message, Teresa Schiller reflected on military wives as unsung military heroes.To view the President's Message in full, click here.

October 2006

In her President's Message, Teresa Schiller Teresa Schiller reflected on the importance of making our worlds larger again. To view the President's Message in full, click here.

September 2006

In her President's Message, Teresa Schiller Teresa Schiller reflected on the importance of building a network of women lawyers. To view the President's Message in full, click here.

July 2006

In her inaugural President's Message, Teresa Schiller reflected on the importance of community. To view the President's Message in full, click here.

Spring 2006

In her President's column in the Spring issue, President Christina Kallas discussed how women continue to lag behind men when it comes to earning power, and suggests that this is one more item for the legislature to address as it considers 'no-fault' divorce legislation. To view the President's Message in full, click here.

March 2006

For Women's History Month, Christina Kallas reflected upon how far we have yet to go. To view the President's Message in full, click here.

February 2006

In her column for February President Christina Kallas asked us to consider what it is we pay attention to in our culture. To view the President's Message in full, click here.

January 2006

In her column for January President Christina Kallas asked, "Do we (still) need a women's bar association?" To view the President's Message in full, click here.

December 2005

In her column for December President Christina Kallas discusses the Mental Health Court initiative. To view the President's message in full, click here.

November 2005

In her column for November President Christina Kallas asked us all to honor the memory of Ms. Rosa Parks by making one change. To view the President's message in full, click here.

October 2005

In her column for October in honor of Mediation Settlement Month, President Christina Kallas discusses whether mediation is an underused tool in a lawyer's toolbox. To view the President's message in full, click here.

September 2005

In her column for September, President Christina Kallas reflected upon the changes in our country since September 11th. To view the President's message in full, click here.

June 2005

In her column for June, President Christina Kallas discusses change and continuity. To view the President's message in full, click here.

April 2005

In her column in April, President Elizabeth Bryson talked about sexual politics and "women's work." She took issue with Harvard President Lawrence Summers' recent remarks implying that women are innately less suited to pursing careers in science or engineering. Such retrograde thinking is self-defeating. Mr. Summers had to apologize, and Harvard is now actively address the status of women in academia. Ms. Bryson also discussed upcoming events, including the Association's Annual Meeting, a CLE program on "Evolving Opportunities for Women' Lawyers," the Foundation's next fundraising breakfast, the WBASNY Convention, and of course our fantastic 70th Anniversary celebration on June 1st. To view the President's Message in full, click here.

February 2005

In her column in February, President Elizabeth Bryson talked about matters of life and death. She related the experiences of a friend fighting breast cancer and her mother and family addressing the loss of two brothers to AIDS several years ago, and how each circumstance, though very different, teaches us once again the importance of choosing to live life to its fullest every day. By contrast, she considers the proposal in the NYS Legislature to reinstate the death penalty, and WBASNY's brave stance in opposition. To view the President's Message in full, click here.

January 2005

In her column in January, President Elizabeth Bryson discussed the importance of taking steps to ensure that judges in New York have the appropriate qualifications and integrity to ensure the fair and equal administration of justice. She discusses pending legislation and proposed amendments to the Rules of Judicial Conduct that would have an influence on the method of selecting state court judges and the rules that would apply to candidates for judicial office in New York. Ms. Bryson was honored to chair a WBASNY Task Force to look at the proposed legislation and rule changes, and she discusses the process and proposals. She also describes the recent gala celebration WBASNY's 25 Anniversary and the wonderful presentation of the inaugural "Betty Weinberg Ellerin Mentoring Award" to Justice Ellerin. Finally, she reminds everyone of the importance of ensuring that their membership is renewed by January 31, 2005. New members are also welcome, and they can join for half-price dues starting in January! To view the President's Message in full, click here.

December 2004

In her column in December, President Elizabeth Bryson discussed the importance of speaking out and being heard. She demonstrated the value of the Association's screening of candidates for judicial office, particularly now, when the integrity of the judiciary is under attack. Because many of our members practice in solo and small firm settings, Ms. Bryson recommended that members appear before the Commission on Solo and Small Firm Practice, which is holding hearings and looking for comments, concerns and suggestions to make the lives of attorneys in these settings and their clients easier. Members should also plan to join us at several upcoming events that promise to be very exciting, including the NYWBA Foundation's Breakfast Series Speaker Event, a fundraiser scheduled for December 1st, WBASNY's 25th Anniversary Gala on December 2nd that will pay tribute to our own past President, the Honorable Betty Weinberg Ellerin, for her nearly 50 years of mentoring and service to women attorneys and judges throughout New York and across the country, and the New York Women's Agenda's Star Breakfast on December 7th. To view the President's message in full, click here.

November 2004

In her column in November, President Elizabeth Bryson celebrated all the wonderful programs and events that happened this fall, including our Annual Membership Reception. She also discussed the recent controversy with respect to screening the qualifications of candidates for judicial office in New York County, which became the subject of an article in the New York Law Journal. To view the President's message in full, click here.

September 2004

In her column in September, President Elizabeth Bryson asked members to join her in celebrating the Association's 70th Anniversary year (2004-05). Coincidentally, it was also the 25th anniversary year for the Women's Bar Association of the State of New York (WBASNY), which is the umbrella organization for all 16 women's bar associations across New York State. The NYWBA and its past President Joan Ellenbogen were instrumental in the formation of WBASNY, and it is a joy to see that it is flourishing. This is Beth's second term as President, and in her column she discussed the excitement of continuing programs begun last year and new programs that will begin this year. She also congratulated everyone who was involved in the wonderful year-end festivities, including our Annual Dinner and the WBASNY Convention. To view the President's message in full, click here.

April 2005

In her column for April, President Elizabeth Bryson congratulated several women who make history every day, including the 11 honorees designated for Women's History Month by the National Women's History Project and the New York City Commission on Women. She provided an update on the proposed rules that we have supported to allow asylum for women who are victims of domestic violence or other brutality that is directly or indirectly endorsed by their country's governments. Ms. Bryson also highlighted numerous upcoming events, including the NYWBA Annual Meeting and the Annual Ethics Forum, both in April, and the Women's Bar Convention in New Orleans and the NYWBA Annual Dinner, both in May. To view the President's message in full, click here. .

March 2004

In her March 2004 column, Ms. Bryson notes that NYWBA's membership has increased by over 33 percent from last year, and nearly 50% from two years ago. She praises the terrific work of NYWBA members, Officers, Board members, Committee Chairs, and others who worked on our membership drive and demonstrate why our bar association is so important, strong and vital. She also salutes two people who may not be lawyers but whose contributions are absolutely invaluable to the Association and the NYWBA Foundation - Executive Director Marta Toro and NYWBA Foundation member Denise Coleman. "Our Association is blessed with so many wonderful women and men who contribute their talents." To view the President's message in full, click here.

February 2004

In her February 2004 column, Ms. Bryson discussed the importance of mentoring and networking, especially for women attorneys. She also announces that the Association's Annual Meeting will be on April 28, 2004, when the 2004-05 officers and directors will be elected. Our gala Annual Dinner will be on May 26, 2004. At that event, awards will be presented to Linda Greenhouse, Pulitzer Prize winning author and New York Times reporter covering the U.S. Supreme Court, and the Hon. Jacqueline Silbermann, Administrative Judge of the NY County Supreme Court and Chief Administrative Judge for NYS Matrimonial Courts. To view the President's message in full, click here.

December 2003

In her December 2003 column, NYWBA President Elizabeth Bryson profiled important issues for our military, including the incidents of rape and sexual harassment at our military academies, the scourge of domestic violence, and the shameful track record of "don't ask, don't tell." She also discussed our exciting membership drive and the Reception Honoring Newly Elected and Appointed Judges. To view the President's message in full, click here.

November 2003

In her November 2003 column, NYWBA President Elizabeth Bryson discusses the importance and benefits of membership, as well as the recent visit of distinguished attorneys from Malaysia who were invited by the U.S. State Department to meet with NYWBA representatives. To view the President's message in full, click here.

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