THE 2023 WBA GALA IS BROUGHT TO YOU BY OUR GOLD SPONSORS:
WHAT'S IN STORE THE EVENING OF THE GALA?
With so much going on in the world today, it is more critical than ever for women to gather, network, celebrate, and learn from one another. The WBA is proud to provide a celebratory evening to be together once again and look toward the future.
On October 16th, we will enjoy:
Networking with your fellow WBA members
Cocktails, chic bites, and sweet treats
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A welcome from our President, Jessica Babine
Awarding of the Lelia J. Robinson Award
Recognition of the Emerging Women Leaders in the Law
A very special fireside chat with Democratic Whip Katherine Clark led by our President, Jessica Babine
OUR FEATURED GUEST:
Democratic Whip Katherine Clark
Since 2013, Katherine Clark has proudly represented Massachusetts’ vibrant Fifth District, which stretches from the coastal communities of Revere and Winthrop through the northern Boston suburbs to the thriving towns of MetroWest.
In the fall of 2022, Clark was elected by her colleagues to serve as Democratic Whip – the second most senior position in the House Democratic Caucus. She previously served as Assistant Speaker of the House, as Vice Chair of the House Democratic Caucus, and as a senior member of the House Appropriations Committee.
One of only two women to ever serve as Whip, she currently has the distinction of being the highest-ranking woman in Congressional leadership.
From the school board to Capitol Hill, Clark’s public service has been fueled by a passion for lifting up women and families. She is a leading proponent for ending wage discrimination; safeguarding access to abortion; ending gun violence; improving access to affordable, quality child care; and guaranteeing paid leave.
Before her election to Congress, Clark served her community in elected office as a state senator, state representative, and member of the Melrose School Committee. She also served as general counsel for the Massachusetts Office of Child Care Services and as policy chief for the Massachusetts Attorney General.
She lives in Revere with her husband and has three children.
LELIA J. ROBINSON AWARD
The WBA’s Lelia J. Robinson Award is named for the first woman to practice law in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts and seeks to spotlight those women who have spent their careers demonstrating the importance of legal work and commitment to community. This year, three amazing women will receive the LJR Award:
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Justice Judith Cowin (Ret.), Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court
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Taramattie Doucette, Greater Boston Legal Services
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Joan Lukey, Manatt, Phelps & Phillips, LLP
EMERGING WOMEN LEADERS IN THE LAW
The Women’s Bar Association introduced this award in 2019 to recognize the significant professional achievements of women lawyers in the first 12 years of their careers. It honors women who have excelled in the legal field while guiding other women in achieving success and supporting their communities through volunteerism and social justice. We are excited to give this year's award to four emerging women leaders:
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Julie Dick, Bulkley Richardson and Gelinas LLP
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Avana Epperson-Temple, Peabody & Arnold LLP
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Tram Nguyen, State Representative, 18th Essex
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Whitney Williams, Middlesex County District Attorney’s Office
NETWORKING
COME MEET THE BOARD MEMBERS OF THE WBA!
We know how important networking is to our community and we want to make this fun and easy for all! Please join us for some dedicated networking tables with WBA board members at 6PM before the program begins.
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New to town?
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New to law?
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Looking to learn more about what the WBA does and who we are?
This is a terrific opportunity to meet new folks and learn more about the power of our organization.
See you there!
AT THIS YEAR'S GALA, WE'RE EXCITED TO
BRING TOGETHER WOMEN FROM ALL WALKS OF LIFE HIGHLIGHTING THE WORK OF THE WBA
The WBA is the largest local women’s legal organization in Massachusetts with nearly 1,500 members. For the past 45 years, we have worked relentlessly to: provide leadership and mentoring opportunities for women attorneys; run social justice programming; stay active at the heart of key legislative policies in the Commonwealth; and generally create an excellent professional and referral network for our members.
ABOUT THE WBA
Through your generous support, the WBA is able to:
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help our members build a diverse and dynamic network with women working in firms, companies, government, and public interest
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create business development and branding programs
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assist members in gaining leadership positions in the legal industry as well as on corporate and non-profit boards
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develop and promote a robust legislative agenda to address society’s most critical social and legal issues
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participate in amicus advocacy on issues important to protecting civil rights and families in the Commonwealth
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encourage women to enter the judiciary, and recognize the achievements of women in the law
BE A SPONSOR OR ADVERTISE WITH US
The Gala is the WBA’s major annual fundraiser and this year your support is even more important to help us continue our work serving our members, the legal profession, and the underserved members of our communities.
Through your generous support, we are able to continue the important work of the WBA in achieving the full and equal participation of women in the legal profession and in a just society.
MEET OUR GENEROUS SPONSORS
SILVER SPONSORS
BRONZE SPONSORS
GOLD EVENT SPONSORS
SUPER SUPPORTERS
LAW SCHOOL SPONSOR
CORPORATE SPONSOR
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
When/Where is the Gala?
The Gala will be held on Monday, October 16th at Boston Marriott Copley Place at 110 Huntington Ave, Boston, MA 02116. Check-In will be at 6:00PM, networking is from 6:00PM – 7:00PM, and the program will begin at 7:00PM.
What is the attire?
While the event is called a “gala," people wear business attire, as most come directly from the office.
Do I need a physical ticket?
No, we will be checking in Gala Attendees using first & last names. We will have nametags printed out for you to pick up upon checking in.
Is there a sit-down dinner? Are there assigned seats?
The event is not a sit-down dinner. Over the years, we received feedback that attendees prefer to mingle and not be confined to particular tables, though there are plenty of seats available for the speaking portion. Food is served at various buffet stations. Vendor tables are available for purchase.
What kind of food is served?
The event begins with a cocktail hour and passed hors d'oeuvres and light fare food stations. There are generally at least one or two vegetarian and vegan options.
Does the event have an open bar?
No, the event is a cash bar only. Both cash and credit cards are accepted at the bars.
Is there parking?
The Boston Marriott Copley Place is conveniently located near the MBTA Orange Line’s Back Bay Station, the Green Line’s Prudential station and the Green Line’s Copley station.
Parking is available at the adjacent Copley Garage. If you arrive after 5:00PM, we will give you a discounted parking pass so you will pay $16 for the evening.