Women Criminal Defense Attorneys: We Can’t Just “Talk the Talk”

‘Tis the season for giving. In that spirit I wanted to suggest that each of us pledge to open our doors to young women interested in criminal defense. I spent an hour last week with a young woman who reached out to me. She had just graduated from law school and was clearly passionate about criminal defense, and simply needed guidance on the best route to reach her goals. I spent time advising her because I don’t think it is enough to just talk the talk, I think if I say my door is open, I have to actually open it up to women that are seeking guidance from other women.

What struck me when I spoke to her was how few women criminal defense attorneys had really been willing to help and offer her advice.  One of my favorite quotes is by Madeline Albright and she summed it up perfectly when she said, “There is a special place in hell, for women that don’t help other women.”   So if Madeline Albright clearly values time spent helping other women than I think each of us can find the time to open our doors and give a little of ourselves.  Happy Holidays!!