As editor-in-chief of Corporate Counsel, last week I had the privilege and honor to play a part in our Women, Influence & Power in Law awards and conference. And although I have the opportunity to participate in several wonderful conferences that focus on the in-house community throughout the year, there is something very special about this one. Yes, it may have a little bit to do with that fact I am indeed a woman lawyer, but it is also what I personally experience those three days. And those three days are packed full. From the executive leadership day content to the awards event recognizing women legal leaders to the a-ma-zing keynote and luncheon speakers to the substance of the multiday programming. So it is hard to pick just three to focus on here, but I am going to try.

The camaraderie and connections. The energy in the room at the conference is palpable. And never is that so apparent as when you are listening to someone like former Attorney General Loretta Lynch speak. As she addresses the crowd and you look out upon a room of 700+ women lawyers, they are riveted and engaged. Mind you, it is 9 o'clock in the morning and everyone is having their first cup of coffee, but no one is on their phones checking email and there is a constant, in unison head nodding in agreement on the many truths being uttered about how far in the legal profession women have come, where we are now and what work still needs to be done. It is those inspiring words of wisdom that everyone that attends (including me) can take back with them for motivation when things seem a little bleak. After attending the conference, there is that sense that we are all in this together. And it is that camaraderie that enables you to make true professional connections and friendships. In the legal profession, we can sometimes feel alone or unable to connect due to the competitive environment. And in many instances, sometimes you are literally the "only women in room" in leadership situations. Conferences like WIPL show us that, across our industry, we experience similar situations and that the key to problem-solving is finding ways to address, discuss and solve.

Recognizing those who "walk the walk" and are actually moving that needle. The awards event which highlighted and honored 60 top-notch women legal leaders was part of the WIPL conference this year. These honorees are women who are leading by example in the legal industry and, in doing so, demonstrating a commitment to advancing the empowerment of women in law. This is so important because, as I have shared in many panels on diversity and inclusion, the statistics are cringeworthy. Despite the increased emphasis on diversity and inclusion within the legal industry over the past decade or so, the legal profession remains one of the least diverse of any profession. And some certain industry-based legal departments and law firm specialties are even worse. Here are some bleak stats: According to the American Bar Association, back in 2007 women made up just 30% of the legal profession. In 2017, that number is just 35%. And to put some perspective on this. We know that women make up over 50% of law school classes. And in private practice, women are roughly 48% of summer associates and 45% of associates. Sounds good, right? Well, they make up only 20% of partners and just 18% of equity partners. In terms of racial and ethnic diversity in the legal field, the numbers paint an even bleaker picture. So honoring a room full of accomplished women lawyers actually making a difference is extremely hopeful and energizing.

Actionable content on how to grow in your career. On several panels there was a recurring theme that I hadn't really heard discussed in other conferences—and that was the idea of hiring or consulting an executive coach. The idea of taking steps to focus on your career growth potential as well as personal wellness, was a theme that weaved itself within many of the panels. It became a large part of the closed-door discussion on my panel about how to learn the language of business essentials to effectively work alongside other corporate leaders within your organization. This focus on growing your own brand as an effective thought leader, mentor and business strategist, was front and center as a topic of interest during the conference. Personal stories of success in using a coach were shared, as well as how to go about finding an effective coach to fit your goals and career path. We will be sure to write about that topic on Corporate Counsel!

Thanks again to all who attended. If I didn't have the pleasure meeting you at this year's conference, I hope to see you next year.

This year we expanded our Women, Influence & Power in Law conference to women legal leaders in the U.K. Join us for three days of learning networking, and unprecedented exchange with the most powerful women in law. WIPL is designed to arm you with the strategy and practical solutions to be a driving force, both professionally and within your organization. Go beyond the surface issues to dig deep into what it means to grow, inspire, lead, and excel in the legal industry.  Register Today for the U.K. conference in London!