Biennial Award Luncheon

At the Center for Women in Law’s Award Luncheon, supporters and allies come together to celebrate CWIL’s mission to advance all women in the legal profession. Through the Hortense Ward Courageous Leader Award, CWIL recognizes one outstanding woman lawyer who exemplifies Ward’s tenacity, courage, and commitment in her efforts to achieve gender parity in positions of leadership, influence and responsibility in the legal profession as set out in the Austin Manifesto.

2021 Award Luncheon

Keynote speaker: Soledad O’Brien

Honoree: Patricia Diaz Dennis

For information on sponsorship opportunities, please see the sponsorship brochure.

2018 Biennial Award Luncheon

Keynote speaker Elizabeth Vargas

Honoree Bobbi Liebenberg- Senior Partner at Fine, Kaplan and Black

View photos from the 2018 CWIL Award Luncheon here.

Watch Bobbi Liebenberg’s acceptance speech here.

2016 Biennial Award Luncheon

Keynote speakers Donna Brazile and Mary Matalin

Honoree Michele Coleman Mayes – Vice President, General Counsel, and Secretary for the New York Public Library (NYPL)

Watch Michele Coleman Mayes’ acceptance speech here.

2014 Biennial Award Luncheon

Keynote speaker Arianna Huffington

Honoree Mary Cranston – Retired Senior Partner and Immediate Past Chair of Pillsbury Winthrop Shaw Pittman LLP

Watch Mary Cranston’s acceptance speech here.