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USD Women's Law Caucus Fall Event a Success

Evening forum highlights political participation as a vehicle for social justice.

On Tuesday, November 8, 2011, the University of San Diego School of Law's Women's Law Caucus (WLC) hosted its Annual Fall Speaker Panel and Women in the Law Reception. This year's forum, Political Participation: A Vehicle for Social Justice, drew together USD Law students, professors and alumni, as well as attorneys and community leaders to celebrate the achievements of women and social justice through political involvement. The event was held in Warren Hall at the USD School of Law and was co-sponsored by USD Law Career Services.

A speaker’s panel with an impressive line of panelists kicked off the event. Panelists included the Hon. Lynn Schenk, San Diego’s first female Member of Congress and USD Law Alumna; Casey Gwinn, former San Diego City Attorney and President of the National Family Justice Center Alliance; and Professor Pat Libby, USD SOLES Director and author of The Lobbying Strategy Handbook: 10 Steps for Advancing Any Cause Effectively. The esteemed panelists spoke about the achievements they have made through political involvement, and encouraged the audience to similarly use the political forum to advance social justice.

Immediately following the panel, the WLC Board hosted a Women in the Law Reception in the Warren Hall Faculty Reading Room. The reception provided an opportunity for students to continue the conversation with professors, attorneys, and community members in an intimate setting. Reception attendees included USD Law Student Leaders Natasha Robertson and Chad Peace, Erika Hiramatsu of the Office of the California Attorney General, and Stephen Heverly of San Diego City Councilmember Sherri Lightner’s Office. USD Alumnus Rob Butterfield of Butterfield Schechter LLP and USD Constitutional Law Professor Miranda McGowan were also in attendance.

Third year law student and President of WLC Lydia Strunk, spoke on the success of the event saying, "The WLC certainly met its goal to encourage the next generation of attorneys to recognize political participation as vehicle for influencing law and policy to meet the needs of women and the greater community.” Attorney Michelle Burton of Shoecraft Burton LLP and President of Run Women Run, echoed the sentiment stating, "The program was very impressive and it’s nice to see young women getting involved in politics and the community early.

The Women’s Law Caucus brings together the community of USD Law students interested in exploring the wide spectrum of legal issues affecting women, and empowers future female leaders to promote awareness of social, economic, legal, and political issues facing all people. The WLC is led by a thirteen member board and Faculty Advisor Assistant Dean Mary Jo Wiggins.

Contact: Kendall Holbrook, (858) 245-5042, usdwlc@gmail.com