The new NALP (National Association for Law Placement) Handbook, “Perspectives on Career Services, Third Edition” has been published, including the chapter that I contributed on “Women Lawyers.”

The subjects discussed in the chapter include:

• Alarming statistics on retention and advancement of women lawyers;
• The low percentage of women lawyers in positions of leadership and management;
• Definitions of success for women lawyers;
•  Recognition that the male definitions of success typically do not work for women with greater responsibilities in their personal lives than the men they work for or compete against;
• Realistic expectations for career success for women lawyers and the role that changed circumstances plays;
  
• The impact of uncertain economic times on the choices for women lawyers;
• Bias and stereotyping, including unconscious bias, and how young women lawyers need to deal with these situations;
• Effective Women’s Initiatives at law firms and the need to include male law firm leaders in those efforts;
• The role of senior women as mentors for young women lawyers;
• The importance of networking and client development to successful careers for women lawyers;
  
• The need for law school courses on the realities of the law profession and how to manage careers; and
  
• Additional resources for young women law students and lawyers;

This handbook is an invaluable resource for pre-law advisors in undergraduate colleges and universities and for career services offices at law schools, and I am very pleased to have had this part in working on the updated version.  Here is the link.

“Creativity requires the courage to let go of certainties.”

Erich Seligmann Fromm

If you follow my blogs, you know that I am a very enthusiastic attendee and occasional participant at the Georgetown Law Women’s Forum.  Yes, I am a “Hoya Loya,” as I sometimes refer to my fellow Georgetown Law grads, but that is not the entire story when it comes to my loyalty to the Women’s Forum.

This annual event, first held in 1998, was the brainchild of some women at Georgetown Law who were prescient in recognizing the need to address the challenges facing women lawyers and in highlighting the remarkable work that women lawyers are doing to enhance the profession.  Some of those same women are still involved in the event, and they work just as hard today to make the event relevant, educational and uplifting.  Bravo to them — and they know who they are!

This year’s Forum was held on March 4, 2016, and, of course, I was there.  The opening remarks by the Vice Dean of the Law Center were inspiring, and the panel topics were intriguing.  Both cybersecurity and international arbitration are not topics du jour in my household or even my professional conversations, and I always am interested in expanding my horizons.  I learned that the field of cybersecurity is very complicated, from both the perspectives of general counsel and the outside counsel who support them, and that this relatively new field presents great opportunities for women lawyers.  I also learned that international arbitration is a kind of “natural” setting for women lawyers, and it made me wish I had paid a little more attention to the subject in the past.  Problem solving and alternative dispute resolution always has interested me, and the international travel and living abroad opportunities are the kind of business perks I like!

There also is another dimension to the Women’s Forum that I always enjoy.  The lunch is tasty, yes, but I am referring to the awards conferred on women Georgetown Law graduates who have contributed significantly to the law school and the profession.  I particularly like to hear the acceptance speeches, which give me a window into the passion and the purpose of these remarkable women.  This year’s recipients, were no exception.  Juliette Pryor, executive vice president, general counsel and chief compliance officer for US Foods, and Chang Oh Turkmani, managing director of the Mega Company, both had fascinating stories to tell and perspectives to share on the role of women in our profession.

Stay tuned here, and I will alert you in time to attend next year’s Georgetown Law Women’s Forum.  You do not have to be a Georgetown Law graduate to enjoy this inspiring day.  It is a remarkable networking opportunity, and I guarantee that you will enjoy it.

I will look for you there next year!

If you have been reading the BFAB blog for long enough, you have heard me extoll the virtues of the Georgetown Law Women’s Forum.  It happens every year at about this time, and it is more than worthy of your time and attention.

The 2016 Forum will happen this Friday, March 4th, from 9 AM to 2 PM and includes a delicious lunch that is perfect for networking.  In fact, the entire event is perfect for networking, and you know how important I think that is.

Mark your calendars and register on line at this link  to get more information about the program or on this direct registration link.  You do not have to be a GT Law student or grad to attend.  This year’s program theme is “Opportunities in a Changing World,” and the information could also be a game changer for you.

I moderated a panel at last year’s Forum, and I have attended regularly for years.  Click on the event website photos and see me happily participating with interesting and interested women lawyers.  It is a rush!

Here is how the website describes this year’s program:

The 2016 Women’s Forum will explore “Opportunities in a Changing World” Join us as we discuss the role lawyers play as thought leaders when faced with new challenges and emerging developments in the legal landscape. This annual event will feature dynamic speakers, interactive panels, the presentation of the Alumnae Award, and networking opportunities. Come share your stories with fellow professional women and build relationships that will foster mutual growth and enhance opportunities.

Also check out my blog about last year’s Forum, and you will see why I am so enthusiastic about this annual event.  Well, yes, I am a Hoya lawyer, but it goes beyond that.  Far beyond!  This is just great career stuff, and you need to be there!

Look for me!