BWL was founded in 1975 after a small group of Los Angeles based African-American women judges and attorneys held a luncheon meeting to discuss the marked absence of an organization which addressed the needs and concerns of African-American women in the legal profession. The dialogue and events that followed became the genesis of BWL. Over the years, BWL branched out and grew through its various c
ommunity projects and committee activities. The first BWL scholarship luncheon was held in 1975 at the Medallion Restaurant. Since then, BWL has raised scholarship funds annually for second and third year law students through its annual fundraising efforts by the Black Women Lawyers Association of Los Angeles Foundation. In 1982, BWL and Women Lawyers Association of Los Angeles (“WLALA”) co-founded the Harriet Buhai Center for Family Law (“Center”). The Center has evolved into one of the primary providers of pro bono family law services in Los Angeles County. In recognition of BWL's significant community contributions as a founder and co-sponsor of the Center, the National Conference of Women Bar Associations presented its first annual Public Service Award to BWL and WLALA in July 1985. In 1991, BWL was among the various ethnic minority bar associations that formed the Multicultural Bar Alliance. Through its continued involvement and support of this alliance, BWL offers a needed channel for communication for attorneys of color, both outside and within the African-American community. In 1992, the BWL Foundation was established to support and fund BWL's numerous charitable, educational and community-based services. BWL also gives holiday food baskets to needy families, donations to shelters for the homeless and battered women, and strives to expand its outreach programs to schools. The viability of BWL’s programs is dependent upon your support and commitment. Thank you for your interest and commitment to our organization.
