Welcome to the Web site of MWELA -- the Metropolitan Washington Employment Lawyers Association. We are more than 250 lawyers who represent people in the District of Columbia, Maryland and Virginia.

As advocates for employee rights and civil rights, we work to protect the rights and privileges of employees in both the private and public sectors of the Washington metropolitan area workforce. We are dedicated to promoting workplace fairness and the right of employees to work in an environment free of discrimination. MWELA provides assistance, support and resources to members throughout the metropolitan area to attain the highest ideals of practice and encourage the sharing of expertise and skills to best serve our clients.

On our vibrant and active list-serv, MWELA members share strategies, tips, and responses to queries regarding recurrent employment law issues. The list-serv is also available as an on-line searchable database, a powerful research tool.

MWELA holds monthly Brown Bag gatherings featuring presentations on trial strategies and techniques, emerging employment law issues, use of new courtroom technologies, successful litigation efforts, and other matters critical to a successful employment law practice.

Our Moot Court Committee regularly prepares our members for oral argument before appellate courts. MWELA's Amicus Committee produces thoughtful and excellent briefs on important policy matters before the courts of appeals, lending a powerful additional voice for the plaintiff and for employees generally. MWELA produces a monthly Newsletter covering member news, victories, and key decisions.

At our all-day Annual Conference, MWELA presents local and federal judges, colleagues, and outside experts on topics concerning all aspects of the plaintiffs. employment practice. We also present our annual Lawyer of the Year award.

MWELA maintains an on-line Brief Bank, with ready arguments, briefs, and pleadings. MWELA works toward changes in public policy through the lobbying efforts of our members, to strengthen anti-discrimination and related workplace laws.

MWELA is the local affiliate of the National Employment Lawyers Association (NELA). NELA and its 67 state and local affiliates have more than 3,000 members. We strongly encourage our members to join NELA. For more, please contact Ms. Colleen Goodin, Membership Director, NELA, (415) 227-4655 (cgoodin@nelahq.org)or go to www.nela.org for an application. MWELA members receive a discount on NELA.s dues.

MWELA members and our colleagues in the Maryland Employment Lawyers Association can also access our brief bank, list-serve and newsletter archives and other resources. If you are a lawyer and devote a majority of your employment practice to representing plaintiffs, join us.