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.
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