New Hampshire Women’s Bar Association
Crafting a modern identity for women in law
The Project
A legacy refreshed, a new mark of leadership
The New Hampshire Women’s Bar Association (NHWBA) came to RYCO Design ready for change. With a powerful mission rooted in gender equity, leadership, and community, the organization sought a brand identity that could reflect its evolving vision and reinforce its presence within the legal field.
The task: a full rebrand beginning with a logo that would become a proud emblem for its members—strong, sophisticated, and unmistakably modern.
Client
New Hampshire Women’s Bar Association
Industry
Professional Association
Location
Manchester, New Hampshire
Project Scope
Branding
Logo Design
Old Logo
New Logo
The Need
Moving beyond antiquated aesthetics
The NHWBA’s previous logo felt outdated and overly formal—lacking the warmth, confidence, and flexibility needed for today’s world. While it served as a basic identifier, the typography and composition didn’t speak to the energy, values, or progressive spirit of the organization.
What they needed was something much more than a logo. They needed a symbol of belonging. A mark that conveyed strength without rigidity. A flexible identity that could hold its own on legal documents, conference banners, member swag, and across digital platforms.
They envisioned a brand that could carry them into the next chapter—one rooted in the profession of law, but driven by the voices of women leading its transformation.
The Journey
Designing with depth, symbolism, and strength
We began with research and discovery, learning not just about the NHWBA’s mission and values, but about its members—their roles, their leadership, and their aspirations.
Our initial round of concepts explored meaningful icons: the purple finch (New Hampshire’s state bird), classical pillars, and elegant typography that felt both professional and approachable. Working closely with the branding committee, we narrowed in on a design that resonated deeply. From there, we refined the logo over three rounds of iteration to land on a mark that felt both powerful and personal.
The final icon is a custom crest; a bold shield that houses layered symbolism. At its center is a stylized “W” for Women, which also forms the base of a courthouse column—a visual anchor connecting to the legal field. Next to it, three stars represent the NHWBA’s core pillars: Leadership, Professional Development, and Education. The organization’s initials, NHWBA, are proudly positioned at the top of the crest for immediate recognition.
Paired with the wordmark, the logo takes on a fresh typographic hierarchy. “New Hampshire” is positioned with restraint, allowing the real emphasis to land where it belongs—on “Women’s Bar Association.” The typography is refined and contemporary, carrying subtle character that reflects the individuality and strength of the community it represents.
To ensure usability, we delivered the identity system in a full suite of formats: vertical, horizontal, crest-only, and a member badge version, all optimized for both print and digital.
The Result
A bold emblem for a purpose-driven future
The new logo has become more than just a fresh face for the NHWBA—it’s a source of pride. The crest strikes the balance between heritage and forward momentum, symbolizing the organization’s role as both a steward of tradition and a driver of change.
Where the previous logo lacked versatility and warmth, the new mark brings clarity, confidence, and cohesion. Whether on a conference program, a member pin, or a website header, the logo now functions as a recognizable symbol of a vibrant and inclusive community.
The branding committee embraced the final design enthusiastically, calling it “a timeless, empowering identity that truly represents who we are.” With their new logo in hand, the NHWBA is stepping boldly into its next chapter—leading with purpose, unity, and unmistakable visual strength.