20250SCR_004096CHP INTRODUCED 2025-03-17 AMENDED_SENATE 2025-04-01 PASSED_ASSEMBLY 2025-04-24 PASSED_SENATE 2025-04-03 ENROLLED 2025-04-25 CHAPTERED 2025-04-29 FILED 2025-04-29 2025 SCR CHP CHR 0 Introduced by Senator Blakespear (Principal coauthor: Senator Caballero) (Coauthors: Senators Allen, Archuleta, Ashby, Cervantes, Cortese, Durazo, Padilla, Reyes, Stern, and Umberg) (Coauthors: Assembly Members Bonta, Haney, Harabedian, Kalra, Pacheco, Papan, Stefani, and Zbur) LEAD_AUTHOR SENATE Blakespear PRINCIPAL_COAUTHOR SENATE Caballero COAUTHOR SENATE Allen COAUTHOR SENATE Archuleta COAUTHOR SENATE Ashby COAUTHOR SENATE Cervantes COAUTHOR SENATE Cortese COAUTHOR SENATE Durazo COAUTHOR SENATE Padilla COAUTHOR SENATE Reyes COAUTHOR SENATE Stern COAUTHOR SENATE Umberg COAUTHOR ASSEMBLY Bonta COAUTHOR ASSEMBLY Haney COAUTHOR ASSEMBLY Harabedian COAUTHOR ASSEMBLY Kalra COAUTHOR ASSEMBLY Pacheco COAUTHOR ASSEMBLY Papan COAUTHOR ASSEMBLY Stefani COAUTHOR ASSEMBLY Zbur Relative to Women in Law.

Women in Law Women in Law Month This measure would proclaim April as Women in Law Month to honor the contributions of women to the legal profession and to promote continued efforts toward gender equality in the field of law and would encourage law firms, legal organizations, and educational institutions throughout California to commemorate Women in Law Month, as provided. NO

WHEREAS, Women have made significant contributions to the legal profession and justice system in California, yet continue to face challenges in achieving full equality and representation; and

WHEREAS, The history of women in law in California dates back to pioneering figures, such as Clara Shortridge Foltz, who became the first female attorney in the state in 1878, paving the way for future generations of women in the legal profession; and

WHEREAS, In 1942, Annette Abbott Adams broke new ground by becoming the first female justice in California when she was appointed presiding justice of the Court of Appeal, Third Appellate District; and

WHEREAS, As of 2023, women comprised only 28 percent of all law firm partners nationwide, highlighting the persistent gender disparity in leadership roles within the legal profession; and

WHEREAS, As of 2025, women make up approximately 50 percent of law school graduates in California, yet remain underrepresented in leadership positions within law firms, the judiciary, and other legal institutions; and

WHEREAS, Despite progress, women in law continue to face obstacles such as gender bias, pay inequity, and work-life balance challenges that can hinder their career advancement and retention in the legal profession; and

WHEREAS, The inclusion of diverse women in the legal field, including women of color, LGBTQ+ women, and women with disabilities, brings invaluable perspectives, enriches the legal discourse, and enhances the quality of justice for all Californians; and

WHEREAS, Women in law have made substantial contributions to the advancement of civil rights, gender equality, and social justice, playing crucial roles in landmark cases and legislative reforms that have shaped California’s legal landscape; and

WHEREAS, Mentorship programs and professional support networks play a crucial role in the advancement and retention of women in the legal profession, fostering leadership skills and career development; and

WHEREAS, Recognizing and celebrating the achievements of women in law can inspire future generations of female legal professionals and promote greater gender equality in the field;

now, therefore,

be it Resolved by the Senate of the State of California, the Assembly thereof concurring, That the Legislature hereby proclaims April as Women in Law Month in California to honor the contributions of women to the legal profession and to promote continued efforts toward gender equality in the field of law; and be it further Resolved, That the Legislature encourages law firms, legal organizations, and educational institutions throughout California to commemorate Women in Law Month by organizing events, programs, and initiatives that highlight the achievements of women in law and address ongoing challenges; and be it further Resolved, That the Secretary of the Senate transmit copies of this resolution to the author for appropriate distribution.