Chicago, August 5, 2010 -- The National Association of Women Lawyers® (NAWL) applauds President Obama's appointment of Associate Supreme Court Justice Elena Kagan following the Senate's confirmation on Thursday.  NAWL's Committee for the Evaluation of Supreme Court Nominees previously found Solicitor General Elena Kagan "well-qualified" for the position of Associate Justice of the United States Supreme Court.  Committee Co-Chair, Patricia Lee Refo, in testimony submitted to the Senate Judiciary Committee in support of the confirmation, stated:

"The Committee is confident that General Kagan will approach cases and controversies with a mind that is open to all perspectives and with an appreciation of the professional and societal difficulties encountered by women and minorities."

NAWL President Dorian Denburg says, "Solicitor General Kagan's intellect is second to none, her judgment superb, and her perspective a judicious mix of scholarship and common sense.  For all of these reasons, NAWL is confident she will be an effective Supreme Court Justice.  With Kagan's confirmation, progress is being made on the longstanding disparity in the representation of women on our highest court. While we must continue our efforts to eliminate persistent barriers that hinder the retention and promotion of women attorneys, today is a very good day and everyone should stop and take notice."

NAWL's Committee for the Evaluation of Supreme Court Nominees reviews and evaluates the qualifications of each Presidential nominee to the United States Supreme Court with an emphasis on laws and decisions regarding women's rights or that have a special impact on women. Members of the Committee are appointed by the President of NAWL and include a distinguished array of law professors, appellate practitioners and lawyers concentrating in litigation, with diverse backgrounds from around the country and who work in a variety of professional settings.