The Women Lawyers Association of Michigan (WLAM) is training the future female leaders in the practice of law, and we want you. The organization has launched the WLAM Leadership Class to further its mission of securing the rights of women in society and advancing the interests of women in the legal profession and the administration of justice.
The WLAM Leadership Class is open to female law school students currently enrolled in an accredited Michigan law school. Students accepted into the program will participate in virtual leadership classes including mentoring and networking development with experienced women lawyers and judges from a diverse background of the law. In addition to the class participation, selected students will also work on a community service project.
"There are many future qualified women in law school equipped to be strong students and we want ensure they are strong advocates when they leave law school," said Roquia Draper president of WLAM. "We, as experienced professionals, have all stood in each young women's shoes and not one of us has done it without a mentorship or sponsorship." Draper added. "The Leadership Class will enhance participants' business contacts, professional development resources and training is not always accessible in law school."
In 2020, the American Bar Association reports that women make up more than half of all law school enrollment at 54%. This is the fifth straight year women have outnumbered the male students in law schools. Despite these gains, gender disparity runs rampant in the profession within law firms, courts and the classroom. Women make up 51% of the United States population but only represent 1/3 of the United States Supreme Court. Of the 115 justices who have served throughout history, only 6 have been women.
"This program is a professional scholarship to provide the skills necessary to thrive in the legal profession," Draper said. "It will strengthen the foundation of the women's shoulders we have all stood on to get to where we are today and continue to assist women in obtaining equity for the future of our profession."
WLAM was founded in 1919 with a mission to secure the rights of women in society and advance the interests of women members of the legal profession. There are eight chapters throughout Michigan with a membership of lawyers, judges, and law students.
Any female law student interested in the Leadership Class can apply by going to web page at www.womenlawyers.org/wlam-leadership-class. Any questions regarding the program should be directed to the Leadership Class Co-Chairs Kirsten Silwanowicz and Tanya Grillo.
