About Women In Law International – helping women attorneys and professionals network and communicate
Women in Law International (also encompassing www.womeninlaw.com) evolved on the basis that the law touches the lives of all women, not only those who work within the justice system. Knowledge of the law is a valuable asset that allows women lawyers to assist and inform fellow women lawyers as well as to support other female professional and business colleagues. In December 2003 the Women in Law Newsletter was launched on-line. Over these seven years there have been increasingly obvious links between women in law and women in business, as well as related associations globally having regard to other relevant trends such as:
Moreover increased gender diversity on boards is becoming a positive governance issue.This has been supported by data in various jurisdictions including statistics provided by the Forum for Private Business (FPB) in the UK, as well as by the British Chamber of Commerce (BCC) initiative, Women in Business. One major concern of many organisations is female retention: women should be encouraged to continue their professional and business life to enable positive impacts on the economy. This has also become part of a transatlantic – and even global – debate.
Rationale and PhilosophyThroughout her career the Founder Dr. Spedding has prioritised issues that are important to her both as a lawyer and a person. She has been eager to communicate and contribute to such issues: hence her ultimate choice of international law with a focus on corporate responsibility that spans environmental law, energy law, corporate governance, ethical practice, risk management and due diligence. This has proved to be not only a stimulating, fulfilling and creative area of practice, but also one that has a wider interdisciplinary relevance that touches on lifestyle issues, including environmental health and stress related concerns.
Key Issues and ConnectionsLifestyle and well-being issues also link with ethics, corporate governance, corporate social responsibility (CSR) and risk management, all of which have obvious growing importance and relevance for and to the way in which lawyers practice. In this area Dr Spedding is also well known as a practitioner and author. Such matters as CSR – traditionally considered to represent the softer areas of legal practice – are often particularly understood by female practitioners. Moreover there are several parallel areas of concern both for female professional colleagues and female entrepreneurs or businesswomen. These are being considered by Women in Law in research activities, workshops and debates and can lead to enlightening solutions- see Services – such as the key issues:
ExperienceSince its inception the Founder, Dr Linda Spedding, and Editorial Board Members have spent considerable time and resources:
Potential ServicesSubscribers and contributors to the newsletter – which was directed at a global cross-cultural audience – were approached in order to cover topical legal developments as a positive communication tool to achieve greater trust and understanding not only among members of the legal profession internationally but also a much wider audience. In view of the proliferation in newsletters and the technological advances a new strategy was evolved for the decade commencing 2010. This led to the re launch of Women in Law in the UK to offer membership that includes consulting and training services: see www.womeninlaw.com
The International site will continue to offer publication opportunities in a more dynamic way. It is intended to be interactive to facilitate practical feedback and debate with blog potential along with the provision of main services overseas. This may be tied in with a virtual corporate community.
WorkLife Balance and Professional PracticeWiL International emphasises balance from the viewpoint of life and practice in different parts of the world. Far too often female lawyers are forced to leave the profession during the most productive stage of their career due to the unwillingness of firms to provide greater flexibility in work schedules to allow women to give appropriate attention and care to the needs of their families. Stress management and achieving a happy, healthy professional life are vital. Female lawyer retention is also impacting on the quality of legal services and on the bottom line of law firms, as well as on the economy. This goes beyond a human resources issue. Law firms generally are seeking positive initiatives to demonstrate that they:
International SupportWhile the initial target audience was women, there is no doubt that the community and network embrace issues that impact on all of us that consider:
Knowledge Transfer and MentoringSince women sometimes feel excluded from many informal mentoring programmes that occurs in law firms. Law firm managers should take steps to create opportunities for women to be mentored, whether inside or outside the firm. However, the lack of senior women who are available to be mentors and role models presents a challenge. This provides an opportunity for engagement of WiL International and its national Chapters to consider:
New Directions and PrioritiesIn 2009 we suspended the publication of Women in Law newsletters while we worked on the priorities and direction of WiL International and consolidated the way forward for 2010 and beyond. In view of the international reach of our communications and activities the focus will be on topics that have practical impact for women which in turn have practical implications for the next generation. One key theme will be gender and sustainability: WiL International is working with the GRI Gender and Sustainability initiative mentioned below and is a consultee in a process for change. See also www.ifc.org/gender and WiL International principles referred to below.
Another is intergenerational planning that covers the very crucial need for appropriate succession preparedness, will drafting and estate planning. These issues can affect individuals, families, businesses, partnerships, organisations and even communities. They have clear links with governance and responsibility and require a complete assessment of the rights and responsibilities of people everywhere. Whereas there are continual incentives and awareness activities in many countries regarding the need for a will, the actual statistics remain surprisingly low. Given the significance of this document this requires awareness raising globally. A will assists in:
Global DebatesAs Women in Law International develops the international network it respects and honours International Women’s Day, held each year on 8 March, when hundreds of events occur all around the world. The events range from small random informal gatherings to large-scale highly organised events. All celebrate women’s advancement and highlight the need for continued vigilance and action.The evolution of Women in Law International and its services tie in with the changing economic position of women worldwide. As their economic status improves positive change can occur in a manner that improves the lives of others also. Indeed in her Autumn 2008 enews report from Womenable, Julie Weeks pointed out some of the efforts underway that measure the status of women internationally. The information below was written by Julie Weeks and is taken entirely from the Womenable Autumn 2008 report :
“So how are [these] global compacts and declarations doing in improving the lives of women worldwide, and in increasing the economic empowerment of women? Well, while basic health and education has improved over the past several decades, it is still a tale of two cities: according to the World Bank, 18% of the world’s population (just under 1 billion people) exist on less than $1USD per day and nearly half live on less than $2.50 USD/day. In addition, the UN estimates that 70% of the world’s poor are women.
Economic empowerment in general and self-employment and entrepreneurship among women in particular remain under-measured and – as we womenablers know – it is only what is measured that can then be managed. Here, then, are some efforts that are measuring the status of women internationally, and that include a focus on economic activity, if not always entrepreneurship:
One key theme will be gender and sustainability. WiL International continues to participate in the GRI Gender and Sustainability discussions and projects to make strategic partnerships with like minded groups and to raise awareness of the reporting principles in this crucial area to make positive change globally. It is intended to develop this debate by engaging law students, young lawyers and trainees internationally as well as by recognising the contribution of NGOs globally and supporting the initiative of an International NGO Day.
Law firms are encouraged to sign up to the UNIFEM & UN Global Compact’s Women’s Empowerment Principles:
Further information about the principles is available for download: http://www.unglobalcompact.org/docs/issues_doc/human_rights/Resources/WEP_EMB_Booklet.pdf
The GRI Guidelines can be used to measure and publicly report on progress to achieve gender equality as part of a wider reporting process for a law firm to transparently communicate its sustainability performance. For ideas of practices on how to implement the UNIFEM UNGC Women’s Empowerment Principles, check out IFC & GRI Embedding Gender in Sustainability Reporting: http://www.globalreporting.org/NR/rdonlyres/A98BDFC5-0984-45D1-A778-39405A81C1CD/3532/GRIIFC_Full_Gender1.pdf
The publication is also now available in Hindi, Chinese, Spanish and Portuguese: http://www.globalreporting.org/LearningAndSupport/GRIPublications/ResearchPublications/Topics.htm
As part of its practical awareness raising initiatives Women in Law International is highlighting the issue of trafficking as a key concern globally.
Women in Law International (also encompassing www.womeninlaw.com) evolved on the basis that the law touches the lives of all women, not only those who work within the justice system. Knowledge of the law is a valuable asset that allows women lawyers to assist and inform fellow women lawyers as well as to support other female professional and business colleagues. In December 2003 the Women in Law Newsletter was launched on-line. Over these seven years there have been increasingly obvious links between women in law and women in business, as well as related associations globally having regard to other relevant trends such as:
- there are more business start ups by women; and
- these entrepreneurs often prefer female advisors.
Moreover increased gender diversity on boards is becoming a positive governance issue.This has been supported by data in various jurisdictions including statistics provided by the Forum for Private Business (FPB) in the UK, as well as by the British Chamber of Commerce (BCC) initiative, Women in Business. One major concern of many organisations is female retention: women should be encouraged to continue their professional and business life to enable positive impacts on the economy. This has also become part of a transatlantic – and even global – debate.
Rationale and PhilosophyThroughout her career the Founder Dr. Spedding has prioritised issues that are important to her both as a lawyer and a person. She has been eager to communicate and contribute to such issues: hence her ultimate choice of international law with a focus on corporate responsibility that spans environmental law, energy law, corporate governance, ethical practice, risk management and due diligence. This has proved to be not only a stimulating, fulfilling and creative area of practice, but also one that has a wider interdisciplinary relevance that touches on lifestyle issues, including environmental health and stress related concerns.
Key Issues and ConnectionsLifestyle and well-being issues also link with ethics, corporate governance, corporate social responsibility (CSR) and risk management, all of which have obvious growing importance and relevance for and to the way in which lawyers practice. In this area Dr Spedding is also well known as a practitioner and author. Such matters as CSR – traditionally considered to represent the softer areas of legal practice – are often particularly understood by female practitioners. Moreover there are several parallel areas of concern both for female professional colleagues and female entrepreneurs or businesswomen. These are being considered by Women in Law in research activities, workshops and debates and can lead to enlightening solutions- see Services – such as the key issues:
- How far the professional life cycle of female lawyers conflicts with their personal lives and needs;
- How to improve retention of female lawyers;
- How to ensure enhanced work life balance for the profession as a whole;
- Whether female lawyers are more understanding of certain areas of practice including environmental law, CSR, succession law and risk management;
- Whether more female partners can create solutions through raising awareness, lobbying for change and mentoring;
- Whether more females on the Bench would impact on judgements and access to justice generally; and
- Whether more female directors serving on boards would bring about more ethical conduct
ExperienceSince its inception the Founder, Dr Linda Spedding, and Editorial Board Members have spent considerable time and resources:
- Evaluating the needs of women professionals and business representatives;
- Participating at various events throughout Europe, the USA and India on the need to create an interactive networking programme; and
- Developing the concept of the project, giving due consideration to input received from multiple sources.
Potential ServicesSubscribers and contributors to the newsletter – which was directed at a global cross-cultural audience – were approached in order to cover topical legal developments as a positive communication tool to achieve greater trust and understanding not only among members of the legal profession internationally but also a much wider audience. In view of the proliferation in newsletters and the technological advances a new strategy was evolved for the decade commencing 2010. This led to the re launch of Women in Law in the UK to offer membership that includes consulting and training services: see www.womeninlaw.com
The International site will continue to offer publication opportunities in a more dynamic way. It is intended to be interactive to facilitate practical feedback and debate with blog potential along with the provision of main services overseas. This may be tied in with a virtual corporate community.
WorkLife Balance and Professional PracticeWiL International emphasises balance from the viewpoint of life and practice in different parts of the world. Far too often female lawyers are forced to leave the profession during the most productive stage of their career due to the unwillingness of firms to provide greater flexibility in work schedules to allow women to give appropriate attention and care to the needs of their families. Stress management and achieving a happy, healthy professional life are vital. Female lawyer retention is also impacting on the quality of legal services and on the bottom line of law firms, as well as on the economy. This goes beyond a human resources issue. Law firms generally are seeking positive initiatives to demonstrate that they:
- are caring organisations;
- do not just give lip service to employment issues; and
- can offer neutral “safe harbour” mentoring opportunities.
- open debate and communication; and
- the sharing of experiences – good and bad – from women throughout the world.
International SupportWhile the initial target audience was women, there is no doubt that the community and network embrace issues that impact on all of us that consider:
- the evolving role of the law; and
- the way in which lawyers practice.
- mentoring and coaching;
- communication skills;
- training in substantive, professional, human resources and management issues; and
- drafting and writing.
- find out what can be learned from statistics and experiences to prepare for the future;
- consider the key factors relevant to alternative work practices and billable hours;
- understand why more and more lawyers are deciding to leave private practice to pursue a career as in-house counsel;
- learn about other mentoring techniques and the importance of mentoring to advance the profession;
- investigate career applications and diversification;
- look at the importance of emotion management in the practice of law;
- examine the challenges involved in achieving work/life balance;
- explore the issues of retention of women lawyers in private practice in particular; and
- network internationally.
Knowledge Transfer and MentoringSince women sometimes feel excluded from many informal mentoring programmes that occurs in law firms. Law firm managers should take steps to create opportunities for women to be mentored, whether inside or outside the firm. However, the lack of senior women who are available to be mentors and role models presents a challenge. This provides an opportunity for engagement of WiL International and its national Chapters to consider:
- whether women need female mentors;
- how to use mentoring to ensure that women get the necessary career experience;
- mentoring as a tool to help women at transition points in their lives – maternity leave, flex time, advancement into partnerships;
- mentoring circles as an alternative to one to one mentoring; and
- hints and tips for working efficiently from home.
New Directions and PrioritiesIn 2009 we suspended the publication of Women in Law newsletters while we worked on the priorities and direction of WiL International and consolidated the way forward for 2010 and beyond. In view of the international reach of our communications and activities the focus will be on topics that have practical impact for women which in turn have practical implications for the next generation. One key theme will be gender and sustainability: WiL International is working with the GRI Gender and Sustainability initiative mentioned below and is a consultee in a process for change. See also www.ifc.org/gender and WiL International principles referred to below.
Another is intergenerational planning that covers the very crucial need for appropriate succession preparedness, will drafting and estate planning. These issues can affect individuals, families, businesses, partnerships, organisations and even communities. They have clear links with governance and responsibility and require a complete assessment of the rights and responsibilities of people everywhere. Whereas there are continual incentives and awareness activities in many countries regarding the need for a will, the actual statistics remain surprisingly low. Given the significance of this document this requires awareness raising globally. A will assists in:
- setting out the wishes of the individual concerned;
- enabling some clarity at a time when life may be at its most confusing for loved ones and family members.
- Practical comparative research;
- Will drafting advice and supporting services;
- Appropriate mentoring; and
- Initiatives to organisations and companies to offer wills for their people as part of their corporate responsibility.
Global DebatesAs Women in Law International develops the international network it respects and honours International Women’s Day, held each year on 8 March, when hundreds of events occur all around the world. The events range from small random informal gatherings to large-scale highly organised events. All celebrate women’s advancement and highlight the need for continued vigilance and action.The evolution of Women in Law International and its services tie in with the changing economic position of women worldwide. As their economic status improves positive change can occur in a manner that improves the lives of others also. Indeed in her Autumn 2008 enews report from Womenable, Julie Weeks pointed out some of the efforts underway that measure the status of women internationally. The information below was written by Julie Weeks and is taken entirely from the Womenable Autumn 2008 report :
“So how are [these] global compacts and declarations doing in improving the lives of women worldwide, and in increasing the economic empowerment of women? Well, while basic health and education has improved over the past several decades, it is still a tale of two cities: according to the World Bank, 18% of the world’s population (just under 1 billion people) exist on less than $1USD per day and nearly half live on less than $2.50 USD/day. In addition, the UN estimates that 70% of the world’s poor are women.
Economic empowerment in general and self-employment and entrepreneurship among women in particular remain under-measured and – as we womenablers know – it is only what is measured that can then be managed. Here, then, are some efforts that are measuring the status of women internationally, and that include a focus on economic activity, if not always entrepreneurship:
- The World Economic Forum has just released its third annual Global Gender Gap report. Scandinavian countries continue to lead the way in the rankings, with greater gender parity in economic participation, educational attainment, political empowerment, and health – the four major areas of measurement. Overall, the 130 countries included in the study made progress on the first three of those indicators, but lost a bit of ground in the area of health parity. Visit the World Economic Forum’s Gender Community web site to read more and to download the 2008 report.
- For the past four years, researchers engaged in the Global Entrepreneurship Monitor consortium have published special reports focused on women and entrepreneurship. Learn more about GEM and download the women’s entrepreneurship reports at the GEM website’s Women and Entrepreneurship page.
- Perhaps the most comprehensive (but also in some ways the hardest to decipher or draw conclusions from) source of statistical information on the status of women worldwide is the UN’s publications on “The World’s Women.” There have been two such detailed reports published, in 2000 and in 2005, with the older one somewhat easier to analyze vis-a-vis women’s economic engagement.
- And, of course, we would be remiss in not mentioning that the easiest way to keep track of the key sources of knowledge and insight on women’s entrepreneurship worldwide is to bookmark Womenable’s Reference Library page and refer to it regularly. We’re always adding new information and links to must-have publications from around the world.”
One key theme will be gender and sustainability. WiL International continues to participate in the GRI Gender and Sustainability discussions and projects to make strategic partnerships with like minded groups and to raise awareness of the reporting principles in this crucial area to make positive change globally. It is intended to develop this debate by engaging law students, young lawyers and trainees internationally as well as by recognising the contribution of NGOs globally and supporting the initiative of an International NGO Day.
Law firms are encouraged to sign up to the UNIFEM & UN Global Compact’s Women’s Empowerment Principles:
- Establish high-level corporate leadership for gender equality.
- Treat all women and men fairly at work – respect and support human rights and nondiscrimination.
- Ensure the health, safety and well-being of all women and men workers.
- Promote education, training and professional development for women.
- Implement enterprise development, supply chain and marketing practices that empower women.
- Promote equality through community initiatives and advocacy.
- Measure and publicly report on progress to achieve gender equality.
Further information about the principles is available for download: http://www.unglobalcompact.org/docs/issues_doc/human_rights/Resources/WEP_EMB_Booklet.pdf
The GRI Guidelines can be used to measure and publicly report on progress to achieve gender equality as part of a wider reporting process for a law firm to transparently communicate its sustainability performance. For ideas of practices on how to implement the UNIFEM UNGC Women’s Empowerment Principles, check out IFC & GRI Embedding Gender in Sustainability Reporting: http://www.globalreporting.org/NR/rdonlyres/A98BDFC5-0984-45D1-A778-39405A81C1CD/3532/GRIIFC_Full_Gender1.pdf
The publication is also now available in Hindi, Chinese, Spanish and Portuguese: http://www.globalreporting.org/LearningAndSupport/GRIPublications/ResearchPublications/Topics.htm
As part of its practical awareness raising initiatives Women in Law International is highlighting the issue of trafficking as a key concern globally.