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Initiatives

Women in the Profession

Mission

The Vance Center’s Women in the Profession (WIP) Program promotes the advancement of women in the legal profession with an emphasis on individual leadership and leadership within the profession. We work to use the practice of law to enhance the status of women in general and ensure women equal protection under the law.

Through innovative programming, data-driven analysis, mentorship initiatives, networking opportunities, and much more, WIP seeks to use the practice of law to amplify women’s presence and voices in the legal profession, promote gender equity and equal protection for women, and construct more diverse and representative legal spaces around the world.

WIP’s network, spanning 24 countries, has helped build an international community of legal professionals committed to women’s advancement and create more opportunities for peer-to-peer exchange and networking.  

Chapters

Encuentro de Mujeres Abogadas - Argentina
WIP - Dominican Republic Chapter
Abogadas + 505 - Nicaragua
Programa Bolivia WIP
Mujeres en la Profesion Panama
WIP-Capitulo El Salvador
Liderando Paraguay
WIP Colombia
Grupo de Mujeres Abogadas de Honduras
WIP Uruguay
WIP Costa Rica
Mujeres en Accion - Venezuela

WHO WE ARE

WIP’s general membership includes hundreds of women attorneys throughout the Americas and in a growing number of countries in sub-Saharan Africa....

Close

WHO WE ARE

WIP’s general membership includes hundreds of women attorneys throughout the Americas and in a growing number of countries in sub-Saharan Africa. Over more than 15 years, these attorneys have built national-level structures and an international network to facilitate sharing of best practices, professional development programming, enhanced networking opportunities, and much more.  

Each local chapter was founded by leading women lawyers from their respective countries, tailored to meet the specific needs of their legal communities. These chapters independently determine their programmatic focus and governance structure, allowing them to evolve, adapt, and shift to address the unique challenges faced by women in the legal profession.  

They implement diverse initiatives, including mentoring programs, thematic workshops on topics from compliance to anti-corruption, and training sessions that spotlight gender roles and the evolving positions of women in the legal industry. A common thread running through this programming is the ongoing opportunity for women lawyers to strengthen and expand their professional networks, with some chapters extending their reach to include women from across various legal sectors. This cross-sector collaboration fosters a broader understanding of legal issues, empowering members with comprehensive knowledge and fresh perspectives. 

“The Little Girl in Me,” a current project of Ecuador’s WIP chapter, exemplifies this creative approach to confronting systemic issues. Chapters also conduct data-based studies and analyses to assess the landscape for women in law within their countries, often filling informational gaps and providing a foundation for improved policies. “Unequal Law: The Gaps in Legal Procedure,” a study produced by the Mexican WIP chapter in 2023,  highlights the disparities women face in Mexico’s legal system. 

Each local WIP chapter is represented by two members on WIP’s International Steering Committee (ISC), which also includes members of the Vance Center Committee. This committee serves as a hub for sharing updates on local initiatives and making decisions about collaborative projects across the WIP network. The ISC also coordinates WIP programming at the international level. 

Through organizing conferences, hosting meetings and training opportunities, providing mentorship, and more, the ISC seeks to enable women lawyers to share best practices and collaborate on solutions to narrow the gender gap in compensation and leadership.

WHAT WE DO

WIP is one of the most successful examples of the Vance Center’s initiatives to actively promote diversity and inclusion in the legal profession. ...

Close

WHAT WE DO

WIP is one of the most successful examples of the Vance Center’s initiatives to actively promote diversity and inclusion in the legal profession.

For many participants, WIP is their first local opportunity to meet a committed network of women attorneys who are as intent on changing the legal profession as they are about succeeding within it. 

The program provides a unique platform for women lawyers across Latin America—and now around the globe—to collaborate, share experiences, and learn from respected leaders in the legal profession. It plays a transformative role in advancing diversity and inclusion, helping women break barriers in leadership roles, and shaping the future of an equitable legal profession. 

WIP fosters professional and personal growth, creating a multi-generational and multi sector community that builds each other up through mentorship, shared experiences, and collective action. It enables women to sharpen their skills, expand their networking capacities, and make a tangible impact in their local legal markets, as seen in countries in Latin America. 

By connecting law firms and in-house departments, WIP promotes collaboration with a focus on leadership, mentorship, and pro bono work. The program empowers women to recognize their potential and act on it, ensuring that this legacy of support continues for future generations. WIP also fosters an invaluable sense of sisterhood, providing the tools and networks needed to tackle the challenges of the profession and champion equality and diversity. 

Local Chapters

Through its 24 local chapters (19 throughout Latin America, four in sub-Saharan Africa, and one in Miami, Florida), WIP promotes its mission of enhancing diversity and inclusion at all levels in the legal profession, with an emphasis on promoting leadership among its members. Each chapter organizes at least two events each year providing women lawyers in their respective countries with a platform to share ideas and create initiatives. 

WIP’s local chapter leaders are the core drivers of our programming.  Each chapter commits to organizing pro bono projects and local professional development events. These leaders bring industry expertise and dedication to women’s issues to their local groups and ensure the continued growth of WIP throughout the region. 

See more about recent chapter events in Peru, Mexico, Ethiopia, and more. 

 Consistent with the Vance Center’s effort to build global engagement among lawyers to contribute to social change, each chapter carries out one pro bono project each year that advances the status of women who face vulnerable circumstances. 

International Conferences
Beginning in 2007, with its local partners, WIP convened conferences in Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Mexico, Panama, Peru, and Uruguay. Law firm partners and associates, in-house lawyers, government lawyers, members of the judiciary, and law students from across the region have collaborated to promote diversity and inclusion in the legal profession. The conferences have led to new initiatives in the region to improve opportunities and conditions for women in the legal profession, and more specifically to promote the hiring, retention, and career advancement of women lawyers. 

Hear about the benefits of getting involved from Valeria Chapa, Vice President & General Counsel for Latin America, Honeywell International Inc., and co-founder of AbogadasMX, the national WIP chapter of Mexico.

Learn about WIP’s leadership training and mentoring opportunities from Fátima De Romaña, partner at Lazo, De Romaña & CMB Abogados in Peru, and Margarita Zambrano Albuja, partner at Meythaler & Zambrano Abogados in Ecuador.

 

BOLETÍN WIP

In March 2024, the Vance Center and WIP Ecuador launched the WIP Bulletin, a publication featuring articles, analysis, and opinion pieces by members of WIP chapters around the world....

Close

BOLETÍN WIP

In March 2024, the Vance Center and WIP Ecuador launched the WIP Bulletin, a publication featuring articles, analysis, and opinion pieces by members of WIP chapters around the world on essential issues, as well as timely updates on chapter activities.

The inaugural edition, published in Spanish, featuring articles exploring current issues of gender equality and women’s representation across the legal sector.

Leer Edición 1 (en español)

The second edition, published in June 2024, focuses on the specific intersection of intellectual property and gender equity, covering topics ranging from the Sustainable Development Goals to trademark law in the fashion world and artificial intelligence. It features articles and opinion columns from more than a dozen contributors representing WIP chapters in nine countries around the world, including the first contribution from a member of our Nigerian WIP chapter.

Read Issue 2 in English

 

Leer Edicion 2 en espanol

CONTACT US

For more information about the Women in the Profession Program, please contact Karina Benzaquen....

Close

CONTACT US

For more information about the Women in the Profession Program, please contact Karina Benzaquen, Senior Manager of International Diversity and Pro Bono Programs, at kbenzaquen@nycbar.org.

WHO WE ARE

WIP’s general membership includes hundreds of women attorneys throughout the Americas and in a growing number of countries in sub-Saharan Africa....

Close

WHO WE ARE

WIP’s general membership includes hundreds of women attorneys throughout the Americas and in a growing number of countries in sub-Saharan Africa. Over more than 15 years, these attorneys have built national-level structures and an international network to facilitate sharing of best practices, professional development programming, enhanced networking opportunities, and much more.  

Each local chapter was founded by leading women lawyers from their respective countries, tailored to meet the specific needs of their legal communities. These chapters independently determine their programmatic focus and governance structure, allowing them to evolve, adapt, and shift to address the unique challenges faced by women in the legal profession.  

They implement diverse initiatives, including mentoring programs, thematic workshops on topics from compliance to anti-corruption, and training sessions that spotlight gender roles and the evolving positions of women in the legal industry. A common thread running through this programming is the ongoing opportunity for women lawyers to strengthen and expand their professional networks, with some chapters extending their reach to include women from across various legal sectors. This cross-sector collaboration fosters a broader understanding of legal issues, empowering members with comprehensive knowledge and fresh perspectives. 

“The Little Girl in Me,” a current project of Ecuador’s WIP chapter, exemplifies this creative approach to confronting systemic issues. Chapters also conduct data-based studies and analyses to assess the landscape for women in law within their countries, often filling informational gaps and providing a foundation for improved policies. “Unequal Law: The Gaps in Legal Procedure,” a study produced by the Mexican WIP chapter in 2023,  highlights the disparities women face in Mexico’s legal system. 

Each local WIP chapter is represented by two members on WIP’s International Steering Committee (ISC), which also includes members of the Vance Center Committee. This committee serves as a hub for sharing updates on local initiatives and making decisions about collaborative projects across the WIP network. The ISC also coordinates WIP programming at the international level. 

Through organizing conferences, hosting meetings and training opportunities, providing mentorship, and more, the ISC seeks to enable women lawyers to share best practices and collaborate on solutions to narrow the gender gap in compensation and leadership.

WHAT WE DO

WIP is one of the most successful examples of the Vance Center’s initiatives to actively promote diversity and inclusion in the legal profession. ...

Close

WHAT WE DO

WIP is one of the most successful examples of the Vance Center’s initiatives to actively promote diversity and inclusion in the legal profession.

For many participants, WIP is their first local opportunity to meet a committed network of women attorneys who are as intent on changing the legal profession as they are about succeeding within it. 

The program provides a unique platform for women lawyers across Latin America—and now around the globe—to collaborate, share experiences, and learn from respected leaders in the legal profession. It plays a transformative role in advancing diversity and inclusion, helping women break barriers in leadership roles, and shaping the future of an equitable legal profession. 

WIP fosters professional and personal growth, creating a multi-generational and multi sector community that builds each other up through mentorship, shared experiences, and collective action. It enables women to sharpen their skills, expand their networking capacities, and make a tangible impact in their local legal markets, as seen in countries in Latin America. 

By connecting law firms and in-house departments, WIP promotes collaboration with a focus on leadership, mentorship, and pro bono work. The program empowers women to recognize their potential and act on it, ensuring that this legacy of support continues for future generations. WIP also fosters an invaluable sense of sisterhood, providing the tools and networks needed to tackle the challenges of the profession and champion equality and diversity. 

Local Chapters

Through its 24 local chapters (19 throughout Latin America, four in sub-Saharan Africa, and one in Miami, Florida), WIP promotes its mission of enhancing diversity and inclusion at all levels in the legal profession, with an emphasis on promoting leadership among its members. Each chapter organizes at least two events each year providing women lawyers in their respective countries with a platform to share ideas and create initiatives. 

WIP’s local chapter leaders are the core drivers of our programming.  Each chapter commits to organizing pro bono projects and local professional development events. These leaders bring industry expertise and dedication to women’s issues to their local groups and ensure the continued growth of WIP throughout the region. 

See more about recent chapter events in Peru, Mexico, Ethiopia, and more. 

 Consistent with the Vance Center’s effort to build global engagement among lawyers to contribute to social change, each chapter carries out one pro bono project each year that advances the status of women who face vulnerable circumstances. 

International Conferences
Beginning in 2007, with its local partners, WIP convened conferences in Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Mexico, Panama, Peru, and Uruguay. Law firm partners and associates, in-house lawyers, government lawyers, members of the judiciary, and law students from across the region have collaborated to promote diversity and inclusion in the legal profession. The conferences have led to new initiatives in the region to improve opportunities and conditions for women in the legal profession, and more specifically to promote the hiring, retention, and career advancement of women lawyers. 

Hear about the benefits of getting involved from Valeria Chapa, Vice President & General Counsel for Latin America, Honeywell International Inc., and co-founder of AbogadasMX, the national WIP chapter of Mexico.

Learn about WIP’s leadership training and mentoring opportunities from Fátima De Romaña, partner at Lazo, De Romaña & CMB Abogados in Peru, and Margarita Zambrano Albuja, partner at Meythaler & Zambrano Abogados in Ecuador.

 

BOLETÍN WIP

In March 2024, the Vance Center and WIP Ecuador launched the WIP Bulletin, a publication featuring articles, analysis, and opinion pieces by members of WIP chapters around the world....

Close

BOLETÍN WIP

In March 2024, the Vance Center and WIP Ecuador launched the WIP Bulletin, a publication featuring articles, analysis, and opinion pieces by members of WIP chapters around the world on essential issues, as well as timely updates on chapter activities.

The inaugural edition, published in Spanish, featuring articles exploring current issues of gender equality and women’s representation across the legal sector.

Leer Edición 1 (en español)

The second edition, published in June 2024, focuses on the specific intersection of intellectual property and gender equity, covering topics ranging from the Sustainable Development Goals to trademark law in the fashion world and artificial intelligence. It features articles and opinion columns from more than a dozen contributors representing WIP chapters in nine countries around the world, including the first contribution from a member of our Nigerian WIP chapter.

Read Issue 2 in English

 

Leer Edicion 2 en espanol

CONTACT US

For more information about the Women in the Profession Program, please contact Karina Benzaquen....

Close

CONTACT US

For more information about the Women in the Profession Program, please contact Karina Benzaquen, Senior Manager of International Diversity and Pro Bono Programs, at kbenzaquen@nycbar.org.

WIP has been an integral part of the professional and personal growth of many women lawyers in Guatemala. It has fostered a multi-generational community of lawyers who build each other up through shared experiences and has opened up an international network of purpose-driven women who seek to create a healthier ecosystem in the legal world. Our networking capacities have expanded, our soft skills have sharpened, and we have seen firsthand the fruits of our efforts with more women in leadership roles.

Natalia Callejas Aquino, Partner, Aguilar Castillo Love

WIP has had a strong impact on the legal market in Argentina. [It has been] a huge inspiration that pushed us to create a network of leading women lawyersboth outside and in-house counselthat meet periodically since its inception in 2007 to share experiences, best practices and collaborate on specific projects.

Cecilia Mairal, Partner, Marval O’Farrell Mairal

First and foremost, I would like to stress what WIP has personally enabled me to achieve: the creation of a strong network and sisterhood of female colleagues in leadership positions who have become an invaluable source of support and allyship in my professional career. Through WIP, I have gained the tools to recognize and tackle prevailing challenges, promoting equality and diversity in the professional arena. Thank you, WIP!

Sarah De León, Senior Partner, Headrick

I am honored to lead an initiative that supports women lawyers to understand their potential and their fundamental role in society. By first becoming better people, we can be better professionals. The goal of our WIP Costa Rica chapter has been to connect law firms and in-house departments for collaboration and to build a common purpose. We are sharing experiences, knowledge, and growing collectively, with three pillars: Leadership, Mentoring and Pro Bono, recognizing and learning from those who came before us, and ensuring that WIP continues for generations to come.

Tatiana Rojas, Partner, Aguilar Castillo Love

WIP has been an amazing platform because it has created an opportunity to benchmark with other colleagues in other Latin American countries, led and guided by very well-respected lawyers in New York that have experience with diversity and inclusion, who have helped push the needle and change the landscape of the legal profession.

Valeria Chapa, President of WIP’s Mexico Chapter, AbogadasMX.