Central Illinois Women's Bar Association Our Mission Advocate for Women in the Practice of Law Our Purpose CIWBA is organized exclusively for charitable and educational purposes in such manner that no part of its income or property shall inure to the private benefit of any donor member officer or individual having a personal or private interest in the activities of the organization. In the educational area our purpose is to promote the full participation of women in the practice of law and the judiciary to facilitate interaction between the practicing bar and women attorneys in alternative careers and public service and to promote and foster interests of women attorneys including but not limited to community outreach service. Our History CIWBA was founded in 1982. Many prominent attorneys in the Springfield area have been members and past presidents of the organization.