When the Women’s Bar Association of the District of Columbia (WBA) was founded in 1917—three years before the ratification of the 19th Amendment—our members were already advocating for women’s suffrage, fighting for the right to serve on juries, and demanding economic independence. The fundamental right to vote is woven into our organization’s DNA. This legacy [...]
Dear WBA Community, It is an honor to serve as President of this remarkable organization. For generations, the WBA has been a place where women lawyers find professional development and leadership opportunities, mentorship, and lifelong support. I am proud to continue building on that legacy alongside our Board, co-chairs, members, allies, and community partners. [...]
Rachel Davakis is an attorney with the U.S. Office of Special Counsel’s Investigation and Prosecution Division where she works to safeguard the federal merit system by investigating and prosecuting prohibited personnel practices, including whistleblower retaliation and improper hiring practices. She helps protect the rights of federal employees while promoting fairness, accountability, and integrity across the [...]
Jessica Killeen is a 2023 graduate of the George Washington University Law School with a Graduate Certificate in International Commercial Arbitration from the American University’s Washington College of Law. Jessica is currently clerking in the United States District Court for the District of Maryland and plans to join a firm as a litigation associate at the conclusion [...]
Mary Ellen Kleiman is the Senior Vice President of Legal Affairs and General Counsel for Disability:IN, a leading nonprofit resource for business disability inclusion worldwide. Prior to joining the Disability:IN team, she served as Senior Counsel for the National Association of Chain Drug Stores (NACDS) and advised its related charitable foundation. She also serves as [...]
By Sameena Safdar, CEO, Amplify Your Voice & Customer Success Manager, Thomson Reuters A Recap of the Women's Bar Association of DC Litigation Forum Panel | March 25, 2026 On a Wednesday evening in late March, Caplin & Drysdale's offices hosted one of the more candid conversations happening in the legal profession right now. Presented [...]
Jacqueline Cadman is a Partner with Brown Goldstein & Levy. Her practice areas include Criminal Defense & Investigations, Civil Rights, Wrongful Convictions & Police Misconduct. She began her career in Pennsylvania at the Defender Association of Philadelphia. During her time there, she represented people charged with all types of criminal offenses, ranging from DUIs, gun [...]
By Sameena Safdar, CEO, Amplify Your Voice The Women's Bar Association of the District of Columbia hosted their annual Well-Being Conference on January 30, 2026 at Faegre Drinker Biddle & Reath LLP. This year's theme was Thriving Through Connection, Clarity and Care. Culture, Not Willpower, Shapes Well-Being in Law What conversations about trauma, boundaries, [...]
WBA Issue Statement on Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion in the Legal Profession The Women’s Bar Association of the District of Columbia (WBA) was founded to remedy the exclusion of practicing women attorneys from the local professional association, in which attorneys could exchange practical know-how and form lasting professional relationships. Today, WBA envisions a world in [...]
The Women’s Bar Association of the District of Columbia (WBA) will recognize Skye Perryman, President & CEO of Democracy Forward, as the 2026 WBA Woman Lawyer of the Year. Known for her strategic insight and impact-oriented leadership, Ms. Perryman has a track record of winning tough legal and policy battles, uniting diverse coalitions, inspiring the American [...]
