2015 Top Women Lawyers in Leadership Awards & Reception

One of the obstacles to obtaining these higher levels of leadership is that women do not tend to feel the same innate confidence and urge to take on unfamiliar projects and opportunities that men feel. As Andie Kramer put it, “Women feel that if we’re not 110% ready or have already done [something], then we don’t raise our hands for new assignments, for new projects, for new opportunities,” whereas men are volunteering and taking on new opportunities at about 70%. But, as Karina Ayala- Bermejo reminded attendees, “you are never truly ready,” so if you wait until you feel ready, you may miss your opportunity. And, fear of the unknown can be a great motivator, explained Monica Weed. The trick is to find a way to harness that fear and use it to our advantage. Michele Jochner suggested that women need to ask for what we want and not to expect that opportunities will be presented to us. Rather, we have to seek out those opportunities and make clear what we want.

Susan Novosad explained that she tries to teach her firm’s young female lawyers that they don’t have to be like a man in order to succeed. Rather, you can be aggressive, smart, and work hard and still be yourself. Anne Spillane, the first female Chief of Staff to the Attorney General, agreed, saying that women have different styles in the work place that often lead to greater collaboration and understanding. She reminded attendees that hard work and preparedness are essential characteristics in a leader while Deane Brown, a former President of the WBAI, encouraged aspiring leaders to be good listeners. Karina Ayala-Bermejo said that women should work to develop grit, confidence, and a mindset wherein they are open to growth and the unknown. Monica Weed highlighted that a leader needs to have the trust and respect of their colleagues or else no one will be willing to follow her.