I am honored and excited to serve as the SCWLA President for 2010. I am certain that this year will present many opportunities for us to promote and strengthen our influence as an organization in South Carolina. My goal as President is to encourage you, individually and as an organization, to remember our mission and take positive steps that will lead to more opportunities and benefits for women lawyers.

As I look forward to the new year for SCWLA, I want to take this opportunity to look back on the history of South Carolina women in law, and I urge each of you to do the same. This year, the Board hopes to release a historical documentary about women lawyers, which was commissioned by SCWLA. This film is an important reminder of how far women lawyers have come, and I hope every SCWLA member can own a copy of it. It exemplifies the success that can be realized with work and determination, and the impact we can have on our profession. It is my hope that each of you will view it, be inspired by the dedication and determination of the women who preceded us, and take action.

Another of my priorities as President is to motivate each and every SCLWA member to contribute to our community by volunteering. I am certain that volunteering is one of the best ways to improve our communities, while promoting our organization at the same time. Whether individually or through an organization, volunteering is an excellent way to carry on the mission of SCWLA while giving back to others.

I look forward to serving as your President. This year, I challenge you to remember the mission of SCWLA and to honor all of the women lawyers who have come before us. I encourage you to get involved with volunteer projects in your community, and contribute to our history which is still being made.

Natalie Parker Bluestein
President
South Carolina Women Lawyers Association