Who We Are

The Georgia Association of Black Women Attorneys (“GABWA”) is a statewide organization founded in 1981 by a group of African American women to 1) focus on women and children’s issues, 2) increase black female representation in the judiciary and public offices, and 3) take a proactive stance on political issues.

GABWA has an active membership of women and men who strive each day to fulfill the organization’s mission: to nurture, support and galvanize the power of Black women attorneys; advocate for women and children and empower our communities.

GABWA has members throughout the state with regional chapters in Albany, Athens, Augusta, Columbus, Macon, and Savannah. Membership in GABWA is open to all individuals, regardless of race or sex.

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President's Message

On behalf of the Georgia Association of Black Women Attorneys ("GABWA"), weclome! I am humbled and honored to have been entrusted with the privilege and sacred responsibility of serving as GABWA's 43rd President in 2024. I am committed to serving GABWA and the community at large with excellence and in a manner that honors GABWA's mission and past, is relevant and mindful of GABWA's present, and ensures GABWA's continued tradition of excellence in the future.

Please join GABWA in 2024 as we focus on Yesterday, Today, Tomorrow: Honoring, Sustaining, and Furthering Our Perpetual Legacy of Increasing Access, Promoting Equity, & Advocating for Justice. Access, equity, and justice are not only at the core of my personal and professional values but are also core values that are consistent with GABWA’s mission. Our commitment to access, equity, and justice over the forty-two years since our founding in 1981 has informed our continued allegiance to “nurture, support, and galvanize the power of Black women attorneys, advocate for women and children, and empower our communities.” We remain steadfastly committed to the same in 2024. I hope you will join us on the journey.

In Service,

Judge Jana J. Edmondson-Cooper

President

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Member Directory

Founders Awards

Political Action and Judicial Review

You can support or sponsor a GAWBA event or make a donation to the GABWA Foundation by following the links below.

The GABWA Foundation

Our Meetings

Held in-person, virtually and in hybrid formats

Meeting times vary

GABWA hosts an array of meetings, CLEs and social events throughout the year that are engaging, thought-provoking and addressing timely and relevant issues germane to the legal profession and GABWA's mission. GABWA holds its general body meeting on the third Thursday of each month, as well as its Fifth Thursday CLE series, Solo and Small Firm seminar, sessions for law students and newly admitted attorneys, and myriad other networking and professional developments events. We invite you to refer to our calendar of events for additional information on upcoming events and become a member to have access to additional programming throughout the year.

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Membership Benefits

Discounts on highly acclaimed CLE programs and events
Law student and new attorney scholarship opportunities
Camaraderie and connection with renowned legal history-makers
Professional and leadership development
Internal and external speaking opportunities (not guaranteed but available)
Opportunity for statewide exposure
Business referrals
Access to the GABWA listserve
Statewide community service involvement and outreach
Access to members only events and programs
Mentoring opportunities
Social networking
Membership Directory

GABWA hosts a number of programs and events across the State of Georgia, including monthly General Body meetings, Fifth Thursday Lunch Meetings and community service projects. In 2008, 2014 and each year between 2015 through 2022, the State Bar of Georgia recognized GABWA’s outstanding work and contributions to the legal community by bestowing GABWA with the Award of Merit and the President’s Cup.

GABWA is the proud recipient of numerous other awards from the State Bar of Georgia and other organizations that have recognized GABWA’s service and its achievements as a statewide bar association. We invite you to explore our website to learn more about us, and to join our ranks as a proud member and supporter.