Gertrude Rush Conference & Awards Gala

The Gertrude Rush Conference & Awards is one of the National Bar Association’s most inspiring traditions. It honors the legacy of Gertrude Elzora Durden Rush, the first African American woman admitted to the Iowa bar and the only woman among the NBA’s founders.

Each year, this signature event gathers visionaries, legal pioneers, and community leaders to celebrate those who carry forward Rush’s spirit of excellence, resilience, and unyielding commitment to justice. Through thought-provoking sessions, powerful keynotes, and the prestigious Gertrude Rush Awards Gala, the conference uplifts today’s champions of civil rights while preparing tomorrow’s leaders of the profession.

Set against the backdrop of San Diego, the 2025 Gertrude Rush Conference will not only honor history, it will make history. Join us as we celebrate trailblazers, confront today’s challenges, and chart a bold course for the future.

Full Board Meeting: Thursday, March 26, 2025, from 12:00 PM PST to 3:00 PM PST

46th Gertrude E. Rush Conference and Awards Gala and Spring General Counsel Invitational

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  • March 26 - 29, 2026
  • Region 9
    San Diego, California
    United States