CHARLESTON — A day-long conference will be held Monday to encourage women to become lawyers and judges.
Supreme Court Justice Beth Walker, two other Supreme Court justices and Kanawha Circuit Court Judges Tera Salango and Joanna Tabit will participate in the event, which will be held at the University of Charleston. The event, titled "When There Are Nine: A Day of Elevating Women," is also available to attend virtually.
The name of the event pays homage to the late U.S. Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsberg when she answered the question of when there would be enough women on the Supreme Court.
“UC is a tremendous community partner working to enrich the lives of its students, the Kanawha Valley, and beyond,” Tabit said. “Professors Hallie Chillag and KaraFisher have put together a day of meaningful panels showcasing women in law and the judiciary and empowering young women with those interests to consider pursuing legal careers. I'm very excited to be part of it."
The conference will begin with a live podcast recording of "Lady Justice: Women of the Court" with Walker, Michigan Supreme Court Chief Justice Bridget McCormack and Arkansas Supreme Court Justice Rhonda Wood at 9 a.m.
“I am passionate about encouraging women to pursue careers in law and leadership, and can’t wait to welcome my friends, Chief Justice McCormack and Justice Wood, to West Virginia. Just like our podcast, this important conference is intended to inspire women who are still evaluating their career path," Walker said.
After that, there will be interactive sessions, including one led by Tabit titled, "The Current Landscape in West Virginia: Women and the Law."
There will be nine conference sessions throughout the day. The panelists during the sessions will include legal advocates and practicing attorneys, among other professions.