Santa Barbara women lawyers
Promoting the diverse interests of women lawyers in Santa Barbara county
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2025 Title sponsor
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2025 SHEro Sponsor
Fauver ・Large ・Archbald ・Spray
2025 SHEro Sponsor
Hon. Louise LaMoth (Ret.) Mediation & Arbitration
2025 SHEro Sponsor
Nouvel Amour
2025 Media Sponsor
Who we are
When SBWL was founded in 1988, Santa Barbara County was one of the only counties in California without a women’s bar organization.
Having had a very positive experience serving on the board of directors of the Women Lawyers Association of Los Angeles, Hannah-Beth Jackson was enthusiastic when Deborah Talmage contacted her and asked for her support and assistance in founding SBWL. They both saw the need for a network of women attorneys who would establish programs related to gender issues such as bias in the courtroom, the glass ceiling, child-care pressures, gender discrimination within law firms, and lack of support for women sole practitioners.
Our Mission
Diversity
Promoting diverse interests of women lawyers in Santa Barbara.
Equality
Promote gender equality.
Community
Serve the Santa Barbara community as a whole.
Mentoring circles
SBWL’s Mentoring Circles program is a wonderful way for members to build meaningful relationships with one another. Mentoring Circles are small groups of lawyers in varying stages of their legal careers.
We provide a confidential setting for sharing experiences, questions, tips and advice on work and life; opening up about career challenges, triumphs and trivialities; and collaborating for positive change. Placement is subject to conflict checks to promote candor and confidence.
Meetings are generally held monthly at a time and place convenient for group members. If you are interested, fill the form below and we will contact you!
Awards and Recognition
These awards recognize our dedication to advancing women in law, promoting gender equality, supporting work-life balance, and championing the next generation of legal professionals.
Learn more about our achievements and contributions to the legal community.
Frequently asked questions
How do I Join Santa Barbara Lawyers?
Membership is renewed on a yearly basis. Apply or renew by downloading the application and return by email or mail.
Go to our membership page here for more information
Where can I find more information about Santa Barbara Women Lawyers Events?
Answer: Check out our events page here.
How do I join a Santa Barbara Women Lawyers mentoring circle?
Answer: If you are a current SBWL member, you join a SBWL mentoring circle. If you are interested in joining a mentoring circle, please contact SBWL on our contact page and provide your name, experience level, employer, and practice area. A SBWL Board member will contact you regarding placement in a mentoring circle.
How can I support Santa Barbara Women Lawyers?
Answer: Attend SBWL MCLE events, networking events, Annual Dinner, join the Board of Directors for SBWL or SBWLF, volunteer to assist with a SBWL committee, submit articles for SBWL to consider for inclusion into SBWL newsletters, and donate to the SBWL Foundation.
How can I nominate someone for 'Attorney of the Year' and other awards?
Answer: At its Annual Dinner every December, SBWL presents its ‘Attorney of the Year’ Award. Usually, nomination forms are released in late Summer and due sometime in Fall. A copy of the most recent nomination form can be found at our Awards page here.
Does Santa Barbara Women Lawyers award scholarships?
Answer: Each year, Santa Barbara Women Lawyers Foundation awards scholarships to deserving high school and law students. More information can be found on our scholarship page. The deadline varies each year. The scholarships are presented by the Foundation at an Awards Luncheon during the Fall.
How can I donate to Santa Barbara Women Lawyers Foundation?
Answer: Tax deductible donations can me made to Santa Barbara Women Lawyers Foundation by visiting our donation page.
Take our pro bono survey
Your participation in this survey will help us connect you with meaningful pro bono opportunities in your area, whether it’s offering services through legal aid organizations, participating in referral programs, volunteering at legal resource centers, or joining Pro Bono Day events.
Contact us
We’d love to hear from you, we’ll be in touch shortly!
