Standing Committees

Charlotte E. Ray Awards

Selects an honoree for the annual Charlotte E. Ray Award, which recognizes an outstanding African American woman from our local bar in honor of Charlotte E. Ray, the first woman admitted to practice in the District of Columbia and the first African American woman certified as a lawyer in the United States.

Community Outreach

Addresses the concerns of the Washington DC metropolitan community with a primary focus on youth and seniors.  Over the years, the committee has sponsored and supported various community service activities such as a tutorial/enrichment program for DC students, as well as an activities program for senior citizens at Washington Center for Aging Services (WCAS).

Employment and Professional Development

Plans programs and events in the area of employment and professional development.  Announces and researches job opportunities for GWAC members.

Finance and Budget

Serves as consultant to the Treasurer and Financial Secretary, provides financial assistance for GWAC functions, and enforces and implements generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”).

Fundraising/Social

Raises revenue for GWAC operations and social agenda items.  The Committee has sponsored happy hours, a golf outing, as well as a GWAC team for the Race for the Cure.

Judicial & Executive Appointments

Reviews applications from individuals seeking GWAC endorsements for local and federal appointments and makes recommendations to the Board of Directors.

Law Firm and Corporate Counsel

Hosts various types of programs and discussion forums with guest speakers on networking, professional development, legal practice tips and career alternatives.

Legislative Affairs

Focuses on political activities in the Washington, DC area and plans programs and other events to get GWAC involved with legislative matters of interest to GWAC and the Black community.  Members also support and participate in voter registration/education projects.

Membership

Maintains the membership directory, provides Welcome Packages to new members and provides membership materials at all GWAC functions.

Public Relations

Prepares the monthly GWAC Newsletter and GWAC press releases.

Program Planning

Plans programs for the General Body meetings and annual events.

Student Affairs

Puts on various academic, career-oriented, and networking programs throughout the year to assist local law students such as conducting interviewing workshops and workshops on legal employment opportunities.  Sponsors the Legal Intern Placement Program (LIPP), which places local students in area law firms during the summer.  Activities include student interviews, soliciting employers, and placing students.

Auction

In partnership with the GWAC Foundation, hosts the Annual Auction.  Activities include soliciting of donors, negotiating vendor contracts, auction night program development, pricing auction items, and set-up, checkout and cleanup activities on auction night.

By-Laws

Reviews, maintains, and recommends changes to the By-Laws consistent with NBA and Chapter activities.

Dinner Series

Identifies and contacts potential speakers for dinner series and secures dinner venues.

Historical

Assists Historian with duties related to maintaining historical GWAC records.  Chaired by Historian.

Special Actions

Undertakes special projects at the request of the GWAC Board or President.

Strategic Planning

Develops and implements GWAC’s long-term and short-term strategic planning.