SBWL Mission Statement

Our mission is to promote the diverse interests of women lawyers in Santa Barbara. Founded in 1999, with a commitment to equality and empowerment, SBWL serves as a catalyst for positive change within the legal profession and the broader community.

See founders' profiles

What We Do

Publish a membership newsletter each month to keep our members informed about important upcoming mission-oriented events and initiatives in our community, legal and social issues impacting women in the legal profession, opportunities to network, connect, and engage with our community.

Publish articles in the Santa Barbara Lawyer magazine in which we examine problems and propose solutions to the internal and external factors which inhibit women in their quest for social and professional equality.

Promote and retain SBWL membership through offering benefits including unique networking opportunities, discounted MCLE programs, small-group and 1:1 mentoring opportunities and empowerment through involvement in our important mission.

To serve the Santa Barbara community as a whole by developing and implementing programs to educate and provide role models for young people, and by promoting or, to the extent practical, facilitating pro-bono services for women in crisis and/or in need of legal services.

Participate in or lend support to amicus briefs on issues important to our mission.

Develop and host educational programs including Mandatory Continuing Legal Education.

Maintain cooperative and positive working relationships with the Santa Barbara County Bar Association, Santa Barbara Barristers, the Colleges of Law, and other organizations.

Coordinate and maintain liaisons with other women's organizations.

Develop and implement strategies for promoting highly qualified women to the judiciary and increasing the number of women judges.

Promote gender equality through advocacy work.

Monitor and keep members informed about legislation and court cases impacting gender equality.

About The SBWL Foundation

SBWL FOUNDATION MISSION STATEMENT

Formed in 1999, the SBWL Foundation's primary objectives and purposes are: PARTICIPATE AND SUPPORT EDUCATIONAL AND CHARITABLE PROJECTS that are consistent with the mission and goals of Santa Barbara Women Lawyers, which include, but are not limited to, providing role models for young people, serving the Santa Barbara Community through pro bono legal services, and promoting gender equality in the legal profession and society as a whole.

TO PROVIDE SCHOLARSHIPS for high school students, undergraduates and law students.

Make a donation to SBWL foundation View or apply for scholarship

Donations are tax deductible to the extent allowable by law.