When Miami-Dade Circuit Judge Sandy Karlan helped form the Miami-Dade chapter of the Florida Association for Women Lawyers in 1980, women were not allowed to join the Miami City Club. Few women were serving as judges, on judicial nominating commissions or in leadership positions at the Florida Bar and voluntary bar associations.
Karlan, who became FAWL president in 1984, had no qualms about firing off letters of protest to any group she felt discriminated against women in the legal profession. In part through her efforts, groups including the Miami City Club began opened their doors to women. Karlan responded by holding FAWL’s meetings at the club.
