Who We Are
ETLAW is a professional legal organization that fosters personal and professional development and works to advance women in the legal profession and in society as a whole. The organization was founded in 1983 by a group of pioneering women who sought to organize and connect female attorneys in the East Tennessee area. Today, there are ETLAW members spanning a wide variety of legal practice areas, including the judiciary. There are many benefits of being an ETLAW member, including professional development, continuing legal education, and networking.
In addition to its monthly CLE presentations on a variety of legal topics, ETLAW regularly hosts speakers ranging from politicians to judges to civic leaders to educate its members on current issues. ETLAW also takes an active voice in the legal community, and hosts a variety of programs, from book studies to judges’ panels, to give its members a forum to discuss ideas. ETLAW’s biggest event of the year is its annual Supreme Court Luncheon where the entire Tennessee Supreme Court and the judiciary from the East Tennessee area gather with ETLAW members and others in the legal community to network and celebrate Tennessee’s highest court. ETLAW also sponsors scholarships at the University of Tennessee College of Law, and actively provides judicial endorsements.
Finally, ETLAW also has a significant impact in the community, including its annual participation in the Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure, annual toiletry drive for the YWCA, and strong collaborative partnerships with the University of Tennessee College of Law, the Lincoln Memorial University Duncan School of Law, and the YWCA.
News & Events
ETLAW’s New Address
ETLAW has a new address! Please send any necessary mail to: East Tennessee Lawyers' Association for Women c/o Stephanie Coleman Owings, Wilson & Coleman 900 S. Gay Street, Suite 800 Knoxville, Tennessee 37902
Toiletry Drive, Meeting, and CLE December 11, 2024
Please join us at The Foundry December 11, 2024 for our annual Toiletry Drive, Annual Meeting voting in the new slate and announcing the Spirit of Justice Award winner, and a special 1 hour bonus CLE. Click here to see the full event announcement.
Spring 2024
March is Women's History Month! As we spring into the warmer seasons, ETLAW appreciates those who came before us. The women who carved paths through this profession created our ability to exist in the world of law. While we look forward for ourselves, we must also...
Become a Member
Membership in ETLAW is open to any person who supports the following purposes of the organization:
1. To promote the efficient administration of justice and the constant improvement of law, especially as such relates to women;
2. To encourage the participation of women in existing bar organizations, particularly at the committee and officer levels;
3. To promote career opportunities for women within the legal profession, and specifically, to act as a clearing house for employment openings and referrals; and
4. To educate the public on issues related to women’s participation in the judicial system, both as professionals and litigants.
If you have any questions about membership, please contact the Board at etlawpresident@gmail.com.
If you have any questions about membership, please contact the Board at etlawpresident@gmail.com.
What Our Members Say
ETLAW has been a great source of information, easy CLE, friendship, and a place to focus on the contributions of women to the profession.
– Wanda Sobieski
ETLAW strikes a great balance of fun and practical.
– Katie Jones
ETLAW gave me an opportunity to meet attorneys from other practice areas and generations while still allowing me to learn and use my time wisely with CLE lunches and networking. I probably wouldn’t have the job I have today if it wasn’t for my time on the ETLAW board and the relationships I formed during that time.
– Andi Anderson