MDFAWL is a voluntary bar association dedicated to the professional advancement of women lawyers and the promotion of women’s rights.  Our organization is open to men and women who are members of the Bar in any State, law students, and non-lawyers ‘Affiliates’ approved by the Board of Directors.  MDFAWL offers numerous opportunities for personal and professional development.  Our members advance the science of jurisprudence, promote reform in law, facilitate the administration of justice, uphold the highest standards of integrity, learning, honor and courtesy in the legal profession, and promote women’s rights and the common interests of women lawyers.  Learn more about us by reading our past newsletters. We look forward to your participation and we welcome you as an MDFAWL member – joining is easy and you can do it online here.

In 2018 we established the MDFAWL Foundation to expand and improve representation and advocacy on behalf of low-income persons and children; expand educational opportunities for women and minorities; promote social justice; improve the administration of justice; and promote service to the public by members of the legal profession and others in the community. Annually, the Foundation endeavors to grant over $10,000 in scholarships to law students demonstrating financial need, academic merit, and a commitment to social justice.

MDFAWL is well-known for some incredible programming, including substantive learning opportunities, intimate lunches and dinners with judges and in-house counsel, health & wellness programming, and even our nursing mothers program. Our three larger annual events are our Installation & Awards Dinner (June), our Judicial Reception (December), and our Women Making History & Scholarship Award Event (March).

Other benefits include:

• Publications and resources for professional advancement;
• Representation at The Florida Bar through State FAWL;
• Advocacy for women and women attorneys;
• Help overcome gender bias in the profession, workplace obstacles, and unequal treatment;
• Community involvement outside of the legal profession;
• CLE opportunities;
• Networking and professional development programming;
• Awards; and
• Membership benefit discounts

Our Officers & Board of Directors are incredibly passionate about MDFAWL and integral in our organization’s success. We also have an impressive group of Committee Chairs, who are responsible for some of our award-winning programming.

Additionally, the State FAWL President personally contacts the Governor to advocate for members who seek judicial, JNC or state-level government appointments. The State FAWL Member Advancement and Promotion (MAP) Committee contacts The Florida Bar President to advocate for members who seek Bar Committee and JNC appointments.

Membership in our organization is not limited to women – indeed, we are not the Florida Association “of” Women Lawyers, rather, we are the Florida Association “for” Women Lawyers.  Membership in Miami-Dade FAWL is open to people of all genders who support our mission and wish to become involved.