About us

The association of the Southern Missouri Women Lawyers (SMWL) was organized in Springfield, Missouri in 2015 with the first officers and directors: Patty Shilling, President; Deanna Scott, Vice President; Lara Fors, Secretary/Treasurer; and Directors Honorable Nancy Rahmeyer, Honorable Carol Aiken,  Deborah Dodge, and Andrea Long.  SMWL was organized for the purpose of providing an opportunity for the professional advancement of women in the practice of law.  The association meets after work bimonthly for networking and one hour of continuing legal education (CLE) in varied topics of the law.  Additional CLEs are offered in SMWL’s lunchtime CLE series. 

Members of SMWL have leadership opportunities to serve committees in several areas including mentorship, philanthropy, young lawyers, and events.  A popular event has been the annual SMWL Harvest Party, which recognizes and celebrates the new crop of attorneys employed in this area with great food, wine, and music.

SMWL is a 501(c)(6) non-profit organization governed by a Board of Directors comprised of five officers and six directors with staggered two-year terms.

All members of the Missouri Bar in southern Missouri are invited to join.