"I think the important thing about my appointment is not that I will decide cases as a woman, but that I am a woman who will get to decide cases." -- Sandra Day O'Connor
Did you know that women still only make up approximately only 41.8% of the judges in the state of Hawai'i? The disparity for women on the bench is most prominent in the Circuit Court of the First, Second, and Third Circuits, where women occupy between 25-28% of the judgeships; District Court of the Second and Third Circuits, where women are 33% of the bench; and Family Court of the Second, Third, and Fifth Circuits, where no women are currently serving.
HWL recognizes that increasing opportunities for, and improving the visibility of, qualified women in the judiciary is extremely important. There are obvious benefits from working toward a balanced bench that reflects the composition of Hawai'i's citizens.
Recently, HWL conducted a survey of its members on the topic of applying to be a judge. Some respondents stated they had not applied for a judgeship because, among other things, they believed the process is too political or they are unqualified. The HWL Judicial Equity Committee will hold an informal "talk story" session to discuss these concerns in more detail, as well as why gender diversity in the judiciary is lacking and what might be done to address it.
Please join this important conversation on November 18, 2014, at noon, in the Ashford & Wriston Diamond Head Conference Room. Note that
Ashford & Wriston has moved to the First Hawaiian Center, on Bishop Street. Please feel free to bring a lunch. Drinks and dessert will be provided.
As part of HWL's continuing efforts to ensure that neighbor-island members can participate in HWL activities, web access to this event will be provided. If you are planning to participate remotely from a neighbor island, please identify yourself in advance, and we will send you the webinar and toll-free conference call number prior to the meeting. You can email us at hawaiiwomenlawyers@gmail.com.
Please register on this website if you plan to attend.
Look forward to seeing you there!