A Note From The President...

Twenty five years ago, the WNY Chapter was started with the determination of a small group of women. The WNY Chapter has continued to thrive due to the hard work and dedication of the women who have come before me. As I take over as the 25th President I pause to think of and acknowledge these women. I have served on the Board of Directors in various capacities since shortly after I was admitted in 2003. The women I have served under, and even those I did not but have come to know through this organization, have unknowingly mentored me and guided me. I have had the opportunity to serve with Melissa Nickson, Karen Richardson, Lisa Mueller, Hilary Banker, Kelly Philips, and most recently, Marybeth Priore. These women are just a few of the women who laid the groundwork for a successful organization and continue to live the mission of WBASNY.

I am pleased to say that the WNY Chapter has now expanded to include more than 300 members. Though we are not yet the biggest chapter across the state, I have no doubt that we will be with enough hard work and dedication. In following in the footsteps of the presidents before me, I am dedicated to expanding our membership further, and strive to reach 350 for this membership year.

The Western New York Chapter of the Women's Bar Association of Western New York supports women lawyers and law students in Western New York by providing a local community in which to promote the advancement of the status of women in society and in the legal profession, and the fair and equal administration of justice; and by acting as a forum through which to communicate the voice of its members with respect to issues of statewide, national, and international significance to women generally and to women attorneys in particular.

The Mission of the Women's Bar Association of the State of New York is to:

• Promote the advancement of the status of women in society and of women in the legal profession;
• Promote the fair and equal administration of justice; and
• Act as a unified voice for its members with respect to issues of statewide, national and international significance to women generally and to women attorneys in particular.