Members: The Honorable Francis J. Darigan, Jr., Chair The Honorable Howard I. Lipsey The Honorable Stephen P. Erickson The Honorable Debra L. Olsson David N. Cicilline, Esquire Ms. Freda Goldman Elizabeth A. Kelleher, Esquire Andrew M. Kohlenberg, Esquire Denise M. Lombardo-Myers, Esquire Dr. Kathryn Quina Aurendina Gonsalves Veiga, Esquire

The Advisory Committee on Women in the Courts was established in 1984 as a study committee to examine the extent of gender bias in the state courts. In 1993 the committee was given a permanent status. The role of the committee is to develop educational programs for judges and for non-judicial staff to increase awareness about the problems and effects of gender bias in the judicial process. The committee also is tasked with examining court statutes, rules, practices and conduct when there is any indication that they may result in the unfair treatment of women. At least every five years the committee is responsible for conducting a survey of court participants to discern if there are any areas where gender bias is perceived as a problem.
The committee has twelve members, including representatives of the judiciary, the bar, and the public. Members serve for two year terms, and the committee reports on its activities and makesrecommendations to the Chief Justice every two years. During 1997 the committee's primary focus was on implementation of a client's statement of rights and responsibilities. The purpose of this statement is to improve communication between attorneys and their clients, and it is intended to benefit particularly female clients dealing with attorneys in the context of a divorce.