This Award was established in 1985 to honor individuals who have contributed to the integrity of the legal profession, advanced the interests of women engaged in the practice of law, promoted legal education, aided in the administration of justice, and advanced the status of women in society and the legal profession. The Award is the highest honor of our organization and is named for the late Honorable Rita C. Davidson, a long-time WBA member who was the first Award recipient.
To nominate an individual for the Rita C. Davidson Award / To recommend an individual for the Rita C. Davidson Award, please contact us.
Rita C. Davidson Award Recipients:
| Justice Michele D. Hotten 2023 |
| The Honorable Angela M. Eaves 2022 |
| Adrienne A. Jones 2019 |
| Yun Jung Yang 2018 |
| Michelle Daugherty Siri 2018 |
| The Honorable Shirley M. Watts 2017 |
| Madam Secretary Madeleine Albright (watch the video) 2016 |
| Sheila Sachs 2015 |
| Angela D. Alsobrooks 2014 |
| The Honorable Louise G. Scrivener 2014 |
| Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg (watch the video) 2013 |
| Governor Martin O'Malley 2012 |
| The Honorable Catherine Curran O'Malley 2012 |
| The Honorable Mary Ellen Barbera 2011 |
| The Honorable Kathleen M. Dumais 2010 |
| The Honorable Ellen Lipton Hollander 2010 |
| The Honorable Toni Evon Clarke 2009 |
| The Honorable Cynthia S. Miraglia 2009 |
| The Honorable Lynne A. Battaglia 2008 |
| The Honorable Ann Newman Sundt 2007 |
| The Honorable Kathleen O'Ferrall Friedman 2007 |
| Marion Wright Edleman 2006 |
| Supreme Court Justice Sandra Day O'Connor 2005 |
| The Honorable Deborah K. Chasanow 2004 |
| Susan L Bayly 2003 |
| The Honorable Ann S. Harrington 2002 |
| Chief Judge Robert E. Bell 2001 |
| Pamela J. White 2000 |
| The Honorable Sally D. Adkins 1999 |
| The Honorable Mabel E. Houze Hubbard 1999 |
| The Honorable Sharon M. Grosfeld 1998 |
| The Honorable Diane G. Motz 1997 |
| Governor Parris Glendening 1996 |
| The Honorable Irma Raker 1995 |
| The Honorable Barabara Kerr Howe 1994 |
| The Honorable Theresa Nolan 1993 |
| Chief Judge Robert C. Murphy 1992 |
| The Honorable Mary Arabian 1991 |
| The Honorable Mary Ellen Rinehardt 1990 |
| The Honorable Bess Lavine 1989 |
| The Honorable Rosalyn B. Bell 1988 |
| The Honorable Martha Wyatt 1987 |
| Jeannette Wolman 1986 |
| Rita C. Davidson 1985 |