Massachusetts Association of Women Lawyers Holds Annual Banquet

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Massachusetts Association of Women Lawyers Holds Annual Banquet
by Elizabeth K. Steel, Esq.

On June 11, 2008, the Massachusetts Association of Women Lawyers (M.A.W.L.) held its Annual Banquet at the Hotel Marlowe in Cambridge, Massachusetts. Diane Patrick, Esq., First Lady of the Commonwealth, was the Guest Speaker. Joyce London Alexander, U.S. Magistrate, was presented with the Annual Distinguished Jurist Award.

The evening started with a cocktail hour outside the Banquet Room of the Hotel. This year’s cocktail hour had the added treat of a small live band playing. Among those in attendance were the Mayor of Cambridge, Trustees of New England School of Law (Magistrate Alexander’s alma mater), members of LINKS (an African-American women’s professional organization) as well as M.A.W.L. members and guests.

At the start of the dinner, Michelle Lespasio, Esq., President of M.A.W.L., welcomed the guests and summarized the successful events of the past year. She then introduced Annette Hines, Esq., in-coming President of M.A.W.L. for 2008-2009. President-elect Hines greeted everyone and presented President Lespasio with a gift in appreciation of her year of service. She introduced all of the Board Members present including Attorneys Rosemary McAuliffe, Catherine Sinnott, Celia Weinstein, Elizabeth K. Steel, Deborah Habig-Shnek, Jane Barney, Michelle Lespasio, Rosemary Eacman, Mary O’Malley, and Patricia Gorman.

Diane Patrick, Esq. gave a riveting Keynote Speech about women and the law. She spoke about the correspondence between John Adams and Abigail Adams regarding Mrs. Adams’ request to “remember the ladies!” during the country’s quest for independence. Attorney Patrick recalled how she and others had to struggle to be recognized as a lawyer. Attorney Patrick recounted how she had been taken off of a project by her law firm because she was pregnant, even though she was not due for several months. She said that she used to bring her young children to the office in the evening when she had to work late. She noticed that none of the male lawyers working late had to bring in their children!

Diane Patrick also warmly introduced the Hon. Joyce Alexander. She described how hard working she was and her many accomplishments. Judge Alexander was then presented with the Distinguished Jurist Award.

M.A.W.L. members, Barbara Senecal and the Hon. Mary Muse (ret.) presented the annual scholarship awards to two well-deserving local law students. The past accomplishments and future career plans of the two scholarship recipients, both of Boston College (2007), were inspiring.

As the time to end the dinner drew near, everyone left feeling satisfied from the great dinner and the company. All are looking forward to next year’s Banquet!