The Atlanta Bar Association’s Women in the Profession Section is dedicated to furthering the practice and perception of law, with a focus on issues unique to women in the practice. Throughout the year, the Women in the Profession Section (WIP) hosts networking events during which women lawyers can interact and develop support systems. WIP also organizes continuing education courses, community service opportunities, and other substantive programs. Here is a look at some of our previous events, plus programs we to look forward to in 2019:

The Women in the Profession Sections kicked off its (lucky!) 13th board year with a networking social on October 23rd at Bulla Gastrobar in Midtown. Also in October, WIP, in partnership with JAMS Mediation, held its annual program on mediation-related issues. This year’s theme was “Resolving Gender Discrimination & Harassment Claims in the #MeToo Era.” Board member Meredith Carter spoke on the panel. On November 7th, WIP collaborated with the Atlanta Bar Association’s Corporate Counsel Section for the CLE and networking event “Hot Topics in Employment Law for In-House Counsel.” The Women in the Profession Section also participated in the Run For Justice 5K on November 10th; proceeds from that event benefitted Atlanta Legal Aid Society.

WIP is off to a strong start, but there are plenty more events to attend this winter and spring! On December 19th, WIP will hold its annual holiday party at the home of the Honorable Susan Edlein, State Court of Georgia. On January 30th, WIP is hosting a luncheon CLE on professionalism. Guests will hear from Karlise Grier of the Chief Justice’s Commission on Professionalism. Attendees are eligible for one hour of professionalism continuing education credit. (Stay tuned for more details). In February, WIP is teaming up with our sponsor Exponent for the CLE presentation “The Scoop on Scooters: Federal and State Laws, Regulations, Safety, and Potential Bumps in the Road for Electric Scooters.” The event, which will feature a panel of attorneys, expert witnesses, and other special guests, will take place on February 27th at Greenberg Traurig – followed by a networking happy hour. (Be on the lookout for more details and for the event registration). Looking further into the 2018-2019 board year, WIP and the Atlanta Legal Aid Society’s Health Law Unit will also be organizing a wills training as part of the Atlanta Bar’s Pro Bono March Madness. We also plan to participate in the Susan G. Komen of Atlanta More Than Pink fundraising walk in May, and as always, we will honor a Woman of Achievement at our annual awards luncheon in June.

To receive the latest WIP updates and event details, you can follow us on Facebook @AtlantaBarWIP, on Twitter @AtlantaBar using the hashtag #WIP, or on LinkedIn at “Atlanta Bar Women in the Profession Section.” Membership in WIP is open to all legal professionals, in all age groups and career stages. Our membership represents a variety of practices, from civil to criminal, judges and government lawyers, partners and law students. Annual dues are just $30; visit atlantabar.org for more details.

Thank you to our sponsors Exponent, Hodgkiss Consulting, and JAMS. If you are interested in sponsorship opportunities for the 2018-2019 board year, please email WIP Chair Megan Hodgkiss at hodgkissconsulting@gmail.com.

Women in the Profession Section 2018-2019 Board of Directors:

Megan Hodgkiss, Chair

Kimberly Charles, Immediate Past Chair

Emily Ward, Chair-Elect

Sarah White, Secretary

Laurie Rashidi-Yazd, Treasurer

Kristy Barnhart, Member at Large

Meredith Carter, Member at Large

Tawny Mack, Member at Large

Jenny Sabo, Member at Large

Sarah Siedentopf, Member at Large

Talis Trevino, Member at Large

Michelle Urbani, Member at Large