In 2024, the New York State Bar Association’s Women in Law Section (WILS) had a focused theme of ‘Each One Reach One – Educating Our Community About the ERA.’ This educational campaign was representative of the unique role NYSBA plays in elevating legislative priorities on state and federal levels and found its roots in the House of Delegates’ 2022 adoption of the WILS’ Resolution and Report Supporting Abortion Rights and the New York State Equal Rights Amendment.

The issues discussed in this effort were not new to WILS, which seeks to advance women in the legal profession and all women under the law. The core theme of its events, articles, discussions and legislative and policy efforts is promoting rights against discrimination and the right to equal treatment under the law for women and all people. The new lesson for WILS in 2024 was the increased need for collaboration. WILS was reminded of the power of the collective and its purpose to be a catalyst for increased dialogue with other organizations and women across the state and country.