Women Criminal Defense Attorneys: The Importance of Having Women’s Events
I just returned from the NACDL Spring meeting held in New York City. During the conference, NACDL members organized and held a women’s event at the Brune & Richard offices sponsored by the following great women: Susan Brune, Deborah Colson, Justine Harris, Isabelle Kirshner, Amy Millard, Diana Parker, Marjorie Peerce, Melinda Sarafa, Silvia Serpe, Susan Walsh, Lisa Wayne, Ellen Yaroshefsky, Andrea Zellan, along with Yery Marrero and myself.
The event was a huge success, with close to 90 women in attendance. There were white-collar lawyers, general criminal lawyers, and public defenders. It didn’t matter if you were big firm or small firm, private or government, new attorney or seasoned attorney… the sole purpose was for women who largely focus their practices in the criminal defense arena to have a chance to meet one another, build relationships, and create opportunities to refer business to each other. And the event did just that. For instance, if I learn of a case in New York, I now have several great lawyers in mind to refer the case to. This is how we ensure women grow and succeed in this field. The event also gave younger women a chance to rub elbows with those of us that have been around the block.
Another NACDL women’s event is being planned for San Francisco, right before the NACDL conference and annual meeting on July 24, 2013, at the offices of Keker & Van Nest. This event will have the following sponsors: Jan Little, Cris Arguedas, Gail Shifman, Nanci Clarence, Jessica Nall, Mary McNamara, Lisa Wayne, and myself. It is yet another opportunity for local and national women in criminal defense to network and build relationships.
Creating opportunities for women to connect is a critical step toward helping one another succeed in this arena. We first have to know each other and identify who is out there in the trenches. It sounds basic, but it’s critical. Take a look at the names of the women who are sponsoring these events. These are women who have established themselves at the forefront of their practice areas and who are blazing trails for the women coming up behind them. And many of the challenges they have faced in the past (and are still facing) are the same challenges you are facing. These events offer priceless opportunities to connect, to network, and to learn from one another. This type of movement is exactly what Karen Popp has spent the last decade cultivating and growing through the Women White Collar Defense Association. And her success speaks for itself.
The event in New York City was excellent, and I am looking forward to the San Francisco event. I have an old friend who likes to say, “You can't win 'em if you don't try them” and the same goes for business. You aren’t going to get that new business opportunity, if you don’t show up. So, I hope many of you will be at the next event and the ones that follow.