The California Women Lawyers will hold its annual Southern California Judicial Reception at 5 p.m. March 13 at Serra Hall in Santa Barbara.

This year, the statewide bar association for women will honor an indispensable community leader, U.S. Central District Court Magistrate Judge Louise A. LaMothe, with the Joan Dempsey Klein Outstanding Jurist Award. Recipients of the award excel as jurists and are known for their longstanding vigorous service to the community and inspiration to the women lawyers of California.

Throughout her career, LaMothe has been a tireless equal opportunity champion, and has been a voice and mentor for women in the legal profession. Click here for event registration and sponsorship opportunities.

The Joan Dempsey Klein Distinguished Jurist Award was first presented in 1994. At the time, it was the “Distinguished Jurist” Award and its first recipient was Joan Dempsey Klein, then a judge on the California Second District Court of Appeal.

Now retired, Klein is a champion of women’s rights and a pioneer in the struggle to achieve equal opportunity for women in the law. She was a founder and provisional president of California Women Lawyers and the first president of the National Association of Women Judges, and she spent considerable time giving support and positive reinforcement to women in the legal profession.

Since 1974, California Women Lawyers has represented the interests of thousands of women in all facets of the legal profession, influencing lawyers, educators, students and judges. CWL has consistently provided a high level of support and commitment to their individual career goals, and to the collective goals of women in law and society.

Click here for more information about California Women Lawyers.