The Staten Island Women’s Bar Association (SIWBA) seeks to improve the status of women attorneys and women in general, but we also see equally as well to increase justice in the community. We are the guardians of our community, whether or not we work in a “public service” position, and as such we are required to regularly refresh our ethical awareness. In the hue and cry of everyday life we are tempted to take shortcuts to gan an advantage – however, we must consider each time whether to do so involves injury not only to others but to ourselves. An ethical attorney also considers the impact that changes will have on the life of the community. In addition to the search for truth an attorney considers the justness of any outcome that her actions may cause, and indeed, must constantly call upon her philosophical training when seeing to ethically represent any person. We all work together to ensure just outcomes that respond to the highest needs of the community.

Our purpose of building and strengthening the community of women helps women give back to the larger community while fulfilling their personal goals. Are you aware that as a member of the Staten Island Women’s Bar Association you have access to a statewide network of women who are active in all facets of life in the State of New York? SIWBA is a chapter of the Women’s Bar Association of the State of New York (WBASNY). WBASNY members serve on committees that impact the policy and planning process for all statewide legislation and policymaking, whwther civil, criminal or commercial. As a member of a chapter, you might consider serving on a chapter committee while co-chairing the similar statewide committee. The service would allow you to be the pipeline for your committee to the rest of the chapter, bringing issues forward and taking feedback to the stewed committee. It is an exhilarating feeling when you see your words appear in a Memorandum accompanying a bill before the Legislature or in an amicus brief submitted by WBASNY regarding precedent-settign litigation.