GAWL LEADERSHIP ACADEMY: IT'S ABOUT LEADERSHIP

 According to a number of studies, the glass ceiling has not even cracked, much less broken, for women lawyers. Although more than a third of lawyers are women, 85% of all partners in law firms are men.  A University of Colorado study found that women lawyers are less likely to be promoted to partner, both and at their first firms and at firms they join later on.  The same study found that, sadly, a full 49% of women lawyers are not satisfied with their present employers.  The field of law is losing women lawyers. Even in government, public interest, and other non-firm environments, women struggle daily with work-life balance issues and lack of professional satisfaction.

GAWL is determined to attack these problems head on. According to some of the same studies, women lawyers believe they are missing out on mentoring and training that would better equip them to be leaders in their firms and communities. The GAWL Leadership Academy is designed to give women lawyers a crash-course in the subjects they need, but have been missing. They will get training, and they will be able to network with other rising stars from across the state.

The GAWL Leadership Academy consists of 3 intense one to two day sessions spread out over three months.  The 2010 academy classes will meet in Callaway Gardens on February 26-27, in Savannah on March 28-29, and in Atlanta on April 23.  Qualified applicants are required to attend each session and must already have been in practice a minimum of 6 years by the date of application.  GAWL is seeking qualified applicants from throughout the state of Georgia and across all types of employment.

 Meet The 2009 Graduates of the Leadership Academy:

• Precious Anderson - The Anderson Law Firm LLC (Atlanta)
• Eleanor Attwood - Parks, Chesin & Walbert PC (Atlanta)
• Veronica E. Brinson - Law Offices of Veronica E. Brinson LLC (Macon)
• Kristin E. Brooks - Equifax, Inc. (Atlanta)
• Veronica H. Cope - Allen, Lopet & Associates (Atlanta)
• Alyson Harter - Schulten, Ward & Turner LLP (Atlanta)
• Cassandra Kirk - Fulton County Office of the Child Advocate (Atlanta)
• Rhonda B. Kreuziger - The Kreuziger Law Firm PC (Fayetteville)
• Cindy S. Manning - Alston & Bird LLP (Atlanta)
• Andraya Mimms - United States Trustee Program (Savannah)
• Wendy A. Owens - Law Office of Wendy A. Owens PC (Savannah)
• Elena C. Parent - HOPE Atlanta (Atlanta)
• Kathleen W. Simcoe - Commander + Pound LLP (Atlanta)
• Julie M. Wade - The Wade Law Firm (Savannah)
• Mialeeka C. Williams - The Coca-Cola Company (Atlanta)
• Jennifer W. Wolak - Fields Howell Athans & McLaughlin LLP (Atlanta)

Congratulations to our 2009 Class!! 

GAWL is now accepting applications for the 2010 Leadership Academy.  Please click here to apply now online or click here for a PDF that can be submitted by email.  Applications are due November 16, 2009.