About Us

AWL was formed in 1976 to advance the role of women in the legal profession. Since then its membership has grown to close to 400 lawyers and judges. AWL provides opportunities for networking and a forum for the exchange of ideas. Its ongoing and annual activities allow the organization to contribute to the Kansas City community.

Purpose

• Providing women lawyers with a forum for the exchange of ideas and stimulation and motivation to advance within the legal profession;

• Providing continuing legal education programs consistent with the purpose of AWL;

• Engaging in efforts to eliminate bias in society against women and others;

• Supporting philanthropically and otherwise efforts within the community to address the plight of women, children and others consistent with the stated purpose of AWL;

• Facilitating the involvement of women in and providing a united effort for the appointment of women to positions of leadership within local, state and national bar associations;

• Facilitating the involvement of women in and providing a united effort for the appointment of women to government boards and civic boards and commissions;

• Facilitating the involvement of women in and providing a united effort for the appointment of women to the judiciary;

• Providing a forum for the exchange of career enhancing information and ideas; and

• Encouraging the Membership to become involved in supporting women in their efforts to achieve AWL's purpose, including, but not limited to, supporting women who seek appointment to, or leadership positions in, the bar, governmental entities, civic groups or the judiciary 

Community Outreach Projects 

AWL is proud of its various contributions to the Greater Kansas City Metropolitan community.  Most recently, AWL was nationally recognized for Step Up, a program that provides free legal assistance to women in area shelters and assists them with resolving outstanding warrants and charges pending in the Kansas City Municipal Court. Disposing of these outstanding charges helps the women access much needed services.  Click here for more information on AWL's national award.

This year, Step Up was a huge success with more than 50 volunteer attorneys assisting women with resolving approximately 650 tickets.  In exchange for community service, many of these women were able to address speeding and parking tickets that had plagued them for years, but which they were financially unable to manage. 

In addition, AWL designates a charity for each of its social gatherings.  Over the years, AWL has proudly supported and contributed to the following organizations.