Massachusetts Association of Women Lawyers Holds Annual Banquet

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MAWL Hosts Reception in October, 2007 for the Hon. Fernande Duffly, Incoming President of the National Association of Women Judges
by Michelle Lespasio, Esq.

The Massachusetts Association of Women Lawyers (MAWL) hosted a reception on October 24, 2007 in the Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court Conference Room at the John Adams Courthouse in recognition of the Honorable Fernande Duffly, as incoming president of the National Association of Women Judges (NAWJ).

President Michelle Lespasio spoke about Judge Duffly, noting her many achievements as both an attorney and a judge, and her significant contributions to the profession of law. Judge Duffly was MAWL's distinguished jurist recipient at the annual Banquet in 2004. Judge Duffly, as incoming president to NAWJ, will be among the prominent leaders whose objectives are to provide a leading voice for women jurists and strong committed leadership to ensuring fairness and gender equality in American courts.

Special distinguished guest, Chief Justice Margaret Marshall, spoke of the importance of NAWJ and offered her endorsement and support for Judge Duffly as she undertakes this important role as president of a national organization to lead both the United States and represent the Commonwealth of Massachusetts . Chief Justice Marshall also thanked the Massachusetts Association of Women Lawyers for providing the forum to honor Judge Duffly. She noted the presence of many distinguished guests in the audience. Among these included Chief Justice Phillip Rapoza, Chief Justice Armstrong (Ret.), Chief Justice Grace, Chief Justice Scheier, Justice Dreben, Justice Cowin, Justice Botsford, Justice Green, Justice Kass (Ret.), and Anthony Doniger, Esq.

Justice Duffly was most gracious and appreciative of the reception and thanked everyone for supporting her presidency in NAWJ. She acknowledged her chief justice and colleagues in providing her the support and flexibility that will be required for her to perform both her regular judicial obligations and those involved in leading the national organization. She stressed her commitment to diversity on the bench as she undertakes her role as president of NAWJ.

During the reception, Chief Justice Marshall thoughtfully offered to lead MAWL members on a tour of the John Adams Courthouse and provided fascinating insights into details of the building's renovations, including preservation of history and the selection of artwork.

This well-attended and uplifting evening concluded in time for attendees to get home for the important Red Sox World Series game.