As an organization, GAWL continues to identify brief opportunities for cases that advance or clarify the law regarding an issue that falls within GAWL’s mission statement, impacts GAWL policy as adopted by the Board of Directors, relates to the administration of justice or the advancement of the legal profession, or affects the rights or interests of women.
Historically, GAWL has made strides to join amicus briefs in various appellate courts supporting cases that advance gender equality, access to justice, and the rule of law. For example, in 2025, GAWL joined the National Women’s Law Center and Lawyers and Law Professionals in an amicus brief in the Eleventh Circuit case, Drane v. Warden (Case No. 3:18-cv-00150-TCB) to address gender discrimination in jury selection.
Maintaining those same goals and efforts, GAWL is expanding its amicus efforts to also serve as the primary author and signatory for amicus briefs filed in appellate courts, inviting others to join their own briefs. As an example, in 2026, GAWL filed a Motion for Leave to file an amicus brief in support of the petitioner in the United States Supreme Court case Strickland v. Mortiz (Case No. 25-1303), urging the Court to grant certiorari to address sexual harassment and gender discrimination in the federal judiciary.
Donee’s Role and Responsibility
GAWL members who choose to contribute to Friends of GAWL do not assume any role in the process of identifying cases, nor the procedure for researching, drafting, or filling amicus briefs. All decisionmaking power is granted to the Civic Engagement Committee, brief writing team, and GAWL Board of Directors as required in the bylaws. Donees agree to this structure and understand that they do not hold any influence over the organization’s amicus efforts. However, interested donees are encouraged to separately inquire about independent involvement with the brief writing team.
All donees will be recognized in the Annual Dinner Program.
Notice of Nonpartisanship
As a nonpartisan organization, GAWL does not endorse any political party nor take any political position outside of arguments contained within the issues on appeal in individual amicus briefs. The procedures outlined in the bylaws, specifically, the two-thirds vote of the Board of Directors, ensure fair representation on behalf of the organization's members and limit bias in amicus advocacy.
