It is such an honor to be the president of this organization. I am so grateful for this opportunity, and I am committed to working with our board, our co-chairs, and all of you to embody our mission: to maintain the honor and integrity of the profession; promote the administration of justice; advance and protect the interests of women lawyers; promote their mutual improvement; and encourage a spirit of friendship.

In her inaugural address to the association in 1918, one of our founders, Ellen Spencer Mussey, implored our members:
As pioneers in your profession, you have special responsibilities and in this world crisis you will have opportunities for advancement and service. May you prove equal to the demands and opportunities of the present age.

These are likely the most quoted remarks in the WBA’s history, and in these consequential times these words resonate with me as much as ever. Our founders faced an America in which women could not vote; could not serve on a jury; were largely denied entry into law schools and the practice of law; and were excluded from what was, at that time, the only bar association in the city. Although the WBA’s dedication to these causes has helped to bring about much progress, an association dedicated to the support of diverse women and women lawyers remains germane today.

To celebrate and continue to inspire this work, our theme for this bar year is Leading Together. This theme is intended to recognize the work of the WBA to serve its members and the legal profession by providing meaningful connections and opportunities for leadership.

Let us Lead Together this year as:

  • We stand up for the rule of law and those practicing in good faith within the legal profession;
  • We continue to provide meaningful and substantive programming to inform our members and empower you to achieve professional success and satisfaction in your chosen career path as well as bringing others with you; and
  • We work to raise the visibility of women in the legal profession and promote their elevation to leadership.

In the tradition of the WBA, I invite all of you to join our community. The Association is open to all who value our mission and vision for a stronger and more vibrant legal community.

In these consequential times, the WBA can be a force and resource for our members and for our community as we embrace our newly adopted vision of an Association focused on meaningful connection, engagement, and mentoring made stronger by our diversity.

Let us Lead Together to meet the demands and opportunities before us.

Jennifer Mammen
WBA President, 2025-2026