SAN FRANCISCO – The Philippine Consulate General in San Francisco assembled an esteemed panel of Filipina American lawyers for a forum in celebration of National Women’s Month in the Philippines and Women’s History Month in America.
The Consulate hosted the “Women in Law: A Forum with Pathbreaking Filipina American Lawyers and Justices” at the Kalayaan Hall of the Philippine Center in San Francisco last March 21.
Moderated by Vice Consul Glaiza Quarteros, the forum explored the indispensable contributions of Filipino American women in the practice of law in the United States.
The event is a continuation of the Women’s Month forum series of the Consulate, including the “Women in Tech” online forum in 2021, the “Women in Health” online forum in 2022, the “Women in Government” forum in 2023, and the “Women and Philippine Culture” forum in 2024.
In his welcome remarks, Consul General Neil Ferrer said that the 2025 National Women’s Month subtheme “Babae sa Lahat ng Sektor, Aangat ang Bukas sa Bagong Pilipinas,” reflects “the Philippine government’s commitment to translating gender equality efforts from policy into tangible, meaningful changes in the lives of women.”
“Through this event, we celebrate not only their remarkable achievements but also the collective strength of Filipino women in law. We acknowledge the indelible contributions of women who have defied barriers, shattered glass and bamboo ceilings, and redefined what is possible,” Consul General Ferrer said.
The Philippine Consul General recognized trailblazers such as Filipina lawyer Erlinda Arce Ignacio Espiritu, the first-ever woman to graduate from the prestigious Harvard Law School, and retired Chief Justice Tani Cantil-Sakauye, the first Filipino and Asian American to serve as Chief Justice of California.
“As we recognize the successes of Filipino American women in law, I also wish to ask for the commitment of everyone in the law profession to foster greater inclusivity, mentorship, and support systems. May you continue to open doors for future lawyers, justices and advocates, ensuring that justice is not just a principle you uphold in the courtroom but a reality for all, regardless of gender, race or creed,” Consul General Ferrer added.
Former Chief Justice Cantil-Sakauye, who now serves as President and CEO of the Public Policy Institute of California, recorded a video message for the forum.
“I have had the privilege to be a lawyer and to serve 32 years on the judiciary, the last 12 leading the third branch of government, the judiciary. I did this all with strength from my Filipino heritage, from my family, my culture, my history… So I encourage all of you to rely on your strength of your community, your history, to inspire you and continue working the law,” Chief Justice Cantil-Sakauye remarked.
Judge Marlo Nisperos of the Superior Court of California in Solano County also spoke at forum through a video message.
“It is important to have more Filipino American lawyers and judges in the United States. The system that oversees the fair and equitable resolutions of civil and criminal cases should be representative of the communities it serves. It ensures a sense of justice, fairness, and understanding,” Judge Nisperos said.
“As immigrants, the children of immigrants or grandchildren of immigrants, we bring valuable insight to our cases as advocates and adjudicators. We bring courage, compassion, and dedication to our work, which results in the betterment of our community,” Judge Nisperos added.
The following joined the distinguished panel: Elaine Bordeaux, Managing Partner of E. Antonio Bordeaux PLLC in Colorado; Melba Cawit, Past President of the Integrated Bar of the Philippines (IBP) California Chapter; and Maribeth Charvet, President-elect of the Filipino Bar Association of Northern California (FBANC).
The invited speakers shared their stories and experiences as immigrants and legal practitioners, their views on local and national issues, and their thoughts about the influence of their Filipino ancestry and heritage in their role as lawyers, justices and advocates.
“Data shows that about 50 percent of enrollees in (law) schools are women. But the truth remains that we are in a disadvantaged position versus our male counterparts. But things are changing. So I would encourage everyone to pursue their dreams. Hard work, determination, and persistence will get you through. We need more women lawyers in the field because I believe women are more compassionate, more quick-thinker, more determined,” Cawit said.
“There is a lot of value to being authentic to yourself. There’s no need to hide your qualities as a woman, as a Filipino or Filipino American. That’s what makes us so unique. Being a well-rounded attorney is more valuable than just someone who can cite the cases in the book and argue whatever if you are able to provide good client service where your client feels seen, heard, and cared for. That creates a much more fulfilling career,” Charvet shared.
“I am a lawyer and I am an artist, a sculptor. Whether you want to be a lawyer, an artist, a nurse, a doctor, you have to put your heart into it. It is a lot of work, but it is definitely worth it… Surround yourself with people who can lift you up, who can inspire you… Whatever is your situation in life, you have to be courageous to dream and you have to do something for that dream,” Bordeaux said.
In her closing remarks, Deputy Consul General Maria Paz Cortes expressed her gratitude to all Filipina lawyers in the United States for the work that they do in advancing justice, especially for the Filipino American Community.
“Let us thank them for breaking the glass ceiling in the field of law and legal practice here in the US and for showing us and future generations that we can achieve even more — so that instead of saying ‘She is the first Filipino American to hold this position.’ we will soon say, ‘She is one of many.’ That is our hope that, someday, we can talk about many more Filipino Americans leading in the practice of law and helping empower our communities,” Deputy Consul General Cortes said.
The “Women in Law” forum may be viewed in its entirety on the Consulate’s official Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/PHinSF/live_videos.
