Get ready for an impactful Day of Leadership this year. To learn more about sponsorship opportunities, email mswomenlawyers@gmail.com
We are now accepting nominations for:
🏆 Lifetime Achievement Award
⚖️ Women Lawyer of the Year
Help us recognize those whose leadership, dedication, and service are shaping the future of the profession. Nominate a colleague, mentor, or trailblazer who deserves to be celebrated by email at mswomenlawyers@gmail.com. Nominations will be accepted until May 13, 2026.
Thank you to everyone who joined us for such an engaging and inspiring event! We were especially excited to see such student attendance.
A special thank you to our incredible speakers, Kate Margolis and Caroline Bradley- Kenney, for sharing their insights and sparking thoughtful conversations.
We’d also like to extend our appreciation to Names & Faces Lounge for providing a fantastic catered lunch.
Join us tomorrow at Mississippi College School of Law .
To register, click here the link in the bio.
No cost if you have prepaid for lunch with your membership. $30 if you have not prepaid.
Checks or money orders can be mailed to:
MWLA
P.O. Box 862
Jackson, MS 39205.
To pay via PayPal, visit https://www.paypal.com/ncp/payment/4LTQ9NLD3U9KU
Join us on April 16, 2026 at Mississippi College School of Law
To register visit https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdyO324BiyFFfzXEiJLgM8SFtyI4PFvL_GnpllvRcKnOH68hQ/viewform
No cost if you have prepaid for lunch with your membership. $30 if you have not prepaid.
Checks or money orders can be mailed to:
MWLA
P.O. Box 862
Jackson, MS 39205.
To pay via PayPal, visit https://www.paypal.com/ncp/payment/4LTQ9NLD3U9KU
This Women's History Month, we're celebrating the women lawyers who've changed the game! From advocating for equal rights to leading with conviction, these women have proven that leadership has no limits. We honor the women who've blazed trails and those who continue to push boundaries, inspiring us all to strive for a more just and equitable world. Here's to the power of women in law! ⚖️
Sincerest gratitude to everyone who supported our Help the Homeless service event! Because of your generosity, we were able to make a meaningful impact in our community.
Special thanks to Judge Melba Dixon for her generous monetary donation.
Special thanks to Judge Tametrice Hodges-Linzy for donating 100 pairs of thick, long socks and 450 bars of soap—an incredible contribution!
With your support, we successfully packed 50 care bags filled with essential non-perishable items.
Thank you for helping us bring comfort, care, and dignity to those in need. Together, we are making a difference!
As the temperatures drop, too many people in our community are struggling to stay warm. We’re putting together Winter Essential Bags filled with non-perishable food, thermal blankets, Hot Hands, and other cold-weather necessities. We are aiming to help 50 individuals this season. ❄️💙
If you’re able, we would appreciate your support. Every donation helps someone stay safe, warm, and cared for during the harshest months.
To donate via PayPal, scan the QR code. For other payment options email mswomenlawyers@gmail.com.
This month, we honor the strength, resilience, and courage of those impacted by breast cancer. As women lawyers, we know the power of advocacy—and that includes advocating for our own health.
💗 Schedule your annual screenings.
💗 Support those on their journey.
💗 Spread awareness within your community.
Join us TOMORROW! Students are able to attend free of charge. Tickets are $50 and include 3 hours of CLE credit. To register paste https://forms.gle/fMH3TvvDaxiGD9aR7 in your browser.
Let’s come together to honor these outstanding women and continue building a stronger future for women in law!
#DayOfLeadership #MWLA #WomenInLaw
The Mississippi Women Lawyers Association is excited to announce that nominations are open for its 2025 Outstanding Woman Lawyer Award and its 2025 Lifetime Achievement Award.
The Outstanding Woman Lawyer award is given annually to an attorney who has demonstrated great accomplishments within the legal profession during the previous year.The MWLA Lifetime Achievement Award is presented annually to honor a Mississippi attorney who is a trailblazer for women in the profession.
To nominate an award recipient, please submit their name and a brief substantive statement of support for the nomination. All nominations must be submitted by email to mswomenlawyers@gmail.com.
For a list of our past recipients, please visit our website: www.mswomenlawyers.org/awards/
SAVE THE DATE
Day of Leadership | June 18, 2025
River Hills Country Club
Theme: Mississippi’s First Ladies of the Law: Defeating the Odds in a Male-Driven Profession
Honoring 4 trailblazing women:
Constance Slaughter-Harvey
Joy Lambert Philips
Judge E. Faye Peterson
Judge Sharion Aycock
Tickets: $50
To register: https://forms.gle/fMH3TvvDaxiGD9aR7
Sponsorships available!
Visit our new website:
www.mswomenlawyers.org
Let’s celebrate women breaking barriers in law!
#DayOfLeadership #WomenInLaw #MWLA #Leadership #MississippiLaw #Trailblazers
🌟 Join us for a Lunch & Learn on April 25, 2025! 🌟
Enjoy delicious food, gain valuable insights, and earn a CLE credit—all in one event!
📅 Date: April 25, 2025
⏰ Time: 11:30 am-1:00pm
📍 Location: MS Supreme Court
💲 Cost: $30 for nonmembers
Don’t miss out—mark your calendars, invite a friend, and RSVP by April 21 at mswomenlawyers@gmail.com.
See you there!
Message from President Shunda Baldwin:
"Entertaining the Elderly" was such a fun and rewarding experience. The conviction of taking small things for granted weighed heavily on my heart. Seeing residents around my age taught a lesson that debilitating health conditions can affect even those as young as I am. We met delightful residents who were excited to try painting for the first time. A few of the paintings are attached. Mr. Glen stated that he enjoyed painting because it helped him keep his mind off of all of his problems. Ms. Everez was surprised at her ability to paint the purple lily. Some residents are bedbound and/or have difficulty getting to the activity area. So, I went from room to room to personally deliver our gifts to those residents. One sweet lady shared that "It's much different being in here than being at home. This gift reminds me of home." Another sweet lady was so happy to receive a gift that she told me "I love you." Their genuine spirits are branded into my mind.
This blessing would not have been possible but for the generous hearts of Tamekia Goliday, Colleen Welch, Rhonda Cooper, Tanya Webber and Catoria Martin. They donated a total of $645 and we give a special shout out to Tamekia Goliday and Goliday Law Firm for its huge contribution.
We again give thanks for the hard work of Keren Welch. She organized this event, helped me get painting supplies.
October was first declared as National Domestic Violence Awareness Month in 1989. Since then, October has been a time to acknowledge domestic violence survivors and be a voice for its victims. Domestic violence is prevalent in every community, and affects all people regardless of age, socio-economic status, sexual orientation, gender, race, religion, or nationality.
#every1knowssome1
Join MWLA this Thursday as we partner with the Mississippi Coalition Against Domestic Violence.
Please note the lunch price is for non-members and for members who did not prepay for lunch. Students are welcome.
To RSVP copy and paste the following link in your browser.
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScpcaskXCbz67sQ741xqcIjHU0zUQLeTI3FGjLuic1wHYDOTQ/viewform
To whom much is given, much is required!! Each night, we snuggle in our warm beds after devouring a delicious meal of our choice. We often forget that so many others do not have that privilege. Witnessing people eat from garbage cans and knowing the winter is vastly approaching led to the creation of this community service obligation.
Numerous items were donated to create bags for distribution to the homeless people frequenting Smith Park in downtown Jackson. The bags contained a variety including vienna sausages, tuna kits, sardines, cookies, chips, fruit cups, fruit gummies, crackers, water, powerade, socks and hot hands. One man thanked us for blessing him with food while another ranted over his beloved sardines. Another guy simply wanted water. The bright smiles on each recipients' face served as a chilling reminder of how much we take for granite each day.
This project would not have been possible but for the benevolent love of those who donated their time and/or money. With much gratitude and appreciation, the Mississippi Women Lawyers Association thanks Assma Ali, Aamir Ali, Sila Ali, Ali & Associates, Gabriela Altieri, Shanetrice Townsend, Taylor Weatherspoon, Keren Welch, Rhonda Cooper, Yvette Green, LaJuanda Williams-Griffin, Wisdom Griffin and Toney Baldwin, Jr. Special thanks to Ridgeland High School students, Brandy Baldwin and Elijah Adams, for volunteering to stuff and distribute bags.
A tranquil unwinding was experienced at the Gulfcoast Social on October 1, 2024. The ambiance and atmosphere mimicked a peaceful girls' night on the patio under the moon.
The staff at Rackhouse Steak and Spirits was awesome and the gentleman who served multiple roles of waiter, bartender and host was exemplary. He ensured our comfort and kept our glasses full. The amazing food consisted of Bacon Wrapped Scallops garnished in raspberry chipotle jam, Lamb Lollipops drizzled with house-made greek pesto and goat cheese sour cream, creamy seven cheese blend Royal Red Artichoke Dip, and a festive Charcuterie Board containing an assortment of premium meats, cheese, olives, pickles, grapes and sauces. An impressive selection of wines and libations were available to ease your digestion. We had a wonderful time!! Next time you are in Gulfport, immerse yourself in the pleasurable amenities of Rackhouse Steaks and Spirits.
We gained new members that are eager to get things moving in the Gulfcoast area. Their names are Charmaine Hilton, Susan Sanich and Lexi Powell. Tremendous gratitude is extended to Lauren Sullivan for organizing this event and taking charge to get the Gulfcoast area involved in the Mississippi Women Lawyers Association.
Join MWLA at the 16th Annual Day of Leadership next Thursday for a panel discussion exploring the growing role of women in non-traditional practice areas, including alternative dispute resolution, taxation, and governmental affairs. You do not want to miss this informative and inspiring panel! Reserve your seat by emailing mswomanlawyers@gmail.com.
The Mississippi Women Lawyers Association is excited to announce that nominations are open for its 2024 Outstanding Woman Lawyer Award and its 2024 Lifetime Achievement Award. The Outstanding Woman Lawyer award is given annually to an attorney who has demonstrated great accomplishments within the legal profession during the previous year. The MWLA Lifetime Achievement Award is presented annually to honor a Mississippi attorney who is a trailblazer for women in the profession.
Nominations are open until May 31, 2024. To nominate an award recipient, please submit their name and a brief substantive statement of support for the nomination. All nominations must be submitted by email to mswomenlawyers@gmail.com.
We cannot wait to hear from you!
For more information on these awards, including past recipients, please visit our website: www.mswomenlawyers.com/history/
Make plans to join us on the campus of MC Law Friday, October 20th for 2 hours of CLE (2 CLE credits available including an ethics hour). Lunch will be provided. Feel free to pass along to friends and co-workers!
Register at https://go.mc.edu/register/lawimmigrationcle !https://mswomenlawyers.us9.list-manage.com/track/click?u=10423a7320e92e8acb3fc0fab&id=b2dd7ce279&e=08acacc0a2
Join MWLA for Day of Leadership at River Hills Club this Thursday!
We appreciate your flexibility as our original venue, Cultivation Food Hall, is closing this Wednesday. We have more seating available at River Hills Club, so invite your colleagues and RSVP today by emailing mswomenlawyers@gmail.com to reserve your seat.
Join MWLA for Day of Leadership at River Hills Club this Thursday!
We appreciate your flexibility as our original venue, Cultivation Food Hall, is closing this Wednesday. We have more seating available at River Hills Club, so invite your colleagues and RSVP today by emailing mswomenlawyers@gmail.com to reserve your seat.
Please RSVP as soon as possible to mswomenlawyers@gmail.com! Also, in an effort to help the Rolling Fork tornado victims, we are collecting the following items at the April CLE Luncheon to be donated to relief efforts: feminine products, diapers, formula, deodorant, lotion, soap, toothbrushes, and toothpaste.
Join us at the MWLA Member Luncheon!
Speaker: Amorya Orr, Chair of the Alternative Dispute Resolution Section of the Mississippi Bar
Topic: A Discussion of the Pathway to the Practice of Mediation in Mississippi
When: Thursday, February 16, 2023 at 11:30 a.m.
Where: Rickhouse by The Manship, 717 Poplar Blvd, Jackson, MS 39202
MWLA celebrated our Outstanding Woman Lawyer Award Recipient Associate Dean Deborah Challener and Lifetime Achievement Award Recipient Judge Jacqueline Mask during our Membership Social on June 30th!
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The Living Room at Cultivation Hall (@cultivationjxn ) welcomed our special guests and supporters and we could not have asked for a more engaging, uplifting evening!
May marks Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month. To celebrate, MWLA encourages you to learn more about the AAPI community and their contributions to our country, our state, and the legal profession. The ABA offers several informative on-demand webinars that are a great place to start! Follow the link to learn more: https://www.americanbar.org/groups/crsj/events_cle/webinar-series/aapi-heritage-month-2021/ #aapi #aapiheritagemonth
Congratulations to our new Mississippi Bar Admittees!
On behalf of our membership, MC Law School Liaison Brianna Bailey, President-Elect Laurel Li Harris, and President Sara Cotten appreciate each of you for stopping by our cute table!
A reminder that MWLA dues for First Year Admittees are waived. We’d love to have you join us in our new service year starting next month!
Visit our website at www.mswomenlawyers.org to sign up!
The Mississippi Women Lawyers Association hosted a scholarship writing competition at Mississippi College School of Law and the University of Mississippi School of Law.
Past President Ellen Robb led the charge to reform the scholarship to include an essay component. We are proud to announce that MC Law student Miranda Bell received the MWLA Scholarship! President Sara Cotten and MC Law Liaison Brianna Bailey are pictured here with scholarship recipient Miranda Bell.
Congratulations, Miranda!
We celebrate the last day of #womenshistorymonth with what the month means to Ja’Nekia, our liaison for North MS - Delta: “Women’s History Month highlights the significance of the contributions women have made, currently makes and will make in the future. Women have been instrumental in all of the important moments in history. Women also deserve the same rewards men receive as far as career advancement and pay equity. Happy Women’s History Month!”
Our next #womenshistorymonth spotlight is on current MWLA president Sara Cotten. Sara has this to say about celebrating this month: While accomplishments and movements of women should be celebrated as they are achieved, Women’s History Month allows the valiant efforts of women before us to be reflected on and women among us to be reveled! The highlights and conversations that I encounter consistently throughout this month always help recharge and encourage me to continue to work hard and stay humble.
In celebration of Women’s History Month, we asked our MWLA Board Members to describe what #womenshistorymonth means to them. Past president Ellen Robb replied:
When we are called upon to stop and take a few moments to consider what a month set aside to honor women, it seems a bit overwhelming. So many women who came before us sacrificed to get us where we are today. I see it as an intertwining of the past and the future. Taking a long look back, Joan of Arc and her brave stand against her country's invaders comes to mind. After she was burned at the stake, a court reviewing her trial found that she was improperly convicted and her conviction was nullified.
Recent history shows us that women may constitute all or part of the review courts who take a look at whether a lower court properly followed the law in its operations. It was not until the 1980s that a female sat on the US Supreme Court. Later this year, the Court will likely have four sitting female justices.
What will the future hold? With continued hard work, support, and determination, what once seemed impossible or unlikely is now completely possible and likely inevitable.
This Black History Month, MWLA acknowledges and celebrates the critical role Black Americans have played in shaping our nation and our State.
In celebration of Black Americans’ dedication and sacrifice, MWLA hopes you will consider attending the premier of The Defenders, a new documentary film focused on Mississippi lawyers who represented Black Americans in the years leading up to and during the Civil Rights Movement. The Defenders will premiere tomorrow, February 24, at 7 p.m. in the Craig H. Neilsen Auditorium of the Two Mississippi Museums. The showing is free and open to the public. Face masks and social distancing guidelines are required.
MWLA is proud to celebrate National Hispanic Heritage Month. Created in August 1988, the date was selected in recognition of the independence days shared by El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, and Nicaragua. Now commonly referred to as Latino History Month – or the gender-neutral Latinx History Month – this celebration of the culture, history, and people of Latin America, as well as the impact of Latin America and Latin Americans in the United States, continues until October 15th. Help us celebrate this month by tagging a Latina attorney who has impacted your life or community!
*Graphic created by the ABA Tax Section.
Join us for a panel discussion on the challenges and opportunities of being a female Judge and the motivation behind taking the leap to the Bench! Panelists will include Judge Staci O'Neal, Judge Carlyn Hicks, Judge Tiffany Grove, and Judge Crystal Wise Martin.
You can now RSVP to reserve your spot for lunch and your 1 hour of CLE credit!
Lunches for members who have not pre-paid and all non-members will be $25 at the door. Cost of CLE credit included.
We are excited to share that Jackson Young Lawyers (JYL) and MWLA are jointly sponsoring a Wills for Medical Heroes Clinic on Friday, October 8th to benefit support staff at University Medical Center!
The clinic will consist of a one-hour CLE beginning at 8:15 am followed by 30-minute timeslots for attorneys to assist staff with their estate-plannings needs.
The entire program will be hosted by Zoom and attorneys will be provided a packet of information to guide the conversation.
The link to sign up is in our email blast today, has been added to our Instagram profile, and to the Facebook post. Please sign up by Monday, September 13th.
This is a great way for young lawyers to help those working on the front lines during the pandemic!
Questions? Please contact Candice Rucker (Candice.Rucker@ago.ms.gov) or Johnny Barnes (jbarnes@bradley.com) .
President Sara Cotten, Director of Membership Morgan Middleton, & MC Law Liaison Brianna Bailey dropped in virtually at MC Law’s WSBA Membership Meeting to share about MWLA and answer questions members had about law school and post-graduation experiences!
We appreciate Past President Ellen Robb and Director of Socials/Past WSBA President MaCall Chastain for sharing in today, as well.
We look forward to {reconnecting} with WSBA this year!
Juneteenth, short for “June Nineteenth,” is a celebration that signifies the day federal troops marched into Galveston, Texas in 1865 to take control of the state and free all enslaved people. Since then, June 19th, also referred to as Emancipation Day, is a day for African Americans to honor their culture and history, while also giving non-Black people an opportunity to learn about the day’s significance.
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Credit: www.dfwchild.com
Today, Inauguration Day, marks the shattering of one of the highest ceilings in our nation. @kamalaharris becomes the first woman to be sworn in as Vice President. Not only that, she is the first Black woman and first Asian American woman to hold the office. Congratulations to Vice President Elect Harris. Thank you for being the first. You will not be the last. #EmpowerHER













































































![Denise Fondren serves as our liaison for North MS - Oxford. To her, #womenshistorymonth means “[a]cknowledgment of all the accomplishments of women to our culture and society for hundreds of years. Women run the world!”](https://scontent-iad6-1.cdninstagram.com/v/t51.82787-15/623268374_18117671269600698_7490106860472029022_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_e35_tt6&_nc_cat=109&ccb=7-5&_nc_sid=18de74&efg=eyJlZmdfdGFnIjoiRkVFRC5iZXN0X2ltYWdlX3VybGdlbi5DMyJ9&_nc_ohc=wWTOhXPyYIEQ7kNvwEMhJbX&_nc_oc=AdoVhrr631ZAMS5Zyxphxhv7dsvmDhpEBSUmGqnGfgf4QDbe_sOXli3Xx2VoRUht1tg&_nc_zt=23&_nc_ht=scontent-iad6-1.cdninstagram.com&edm=ANo9K5cEAAAA&_nc_gid=vRUd7O8XME6WLyAi8AydUg&_nc_tpa=Q5bMBQG1gpg7liLu0huGjTIkS8QtDU_Nu6LKkJ604HJ6slztRJ-udnPNOPdOn9xzKW3PXF3bs3YuJTuDXA&oh=00_Af7lft6MvL-Ze1sJ0e10dvmLuyR_iXybUqFrHM_0Sm30YA&oe=69FF3E7A)






















