Episode 11. 2 of 2 - Boomer Women in the Legal Profession - Retirement Options & Looking toward the Future for Women Leaders in the Law

In this second episode of Boomer Women in the Legal Profession, our panel discusses how to prepare the next generation of women leaders in the Law. Attorney Scharf emphasizes the importance of innovative research and initiatives to advance women lawyers into leadership positions. Attorney Mayes stresses providing upcoming women leaders with “stretch opportunities” to move-up to the next level, including focusing on the personal development of individual women lawyers with real time feedback from sponsors and executive coaches. Attorney Buckley adds that “we should start early, and we should do more to train women to be leaders earlier in their lives.” Speaking on behalf of Culhane Meadows where women lawyers comprise over 50% of the firm’s equity partners, Attorney Rittenberry Culhane explains the importance for upcoming women lawyers to develop direct and close relationships with clients early in their careers. Poock shares the generational opportunity for women leaders in the Law to succeed to the law practices of Boomer male attorneys as they continue retiring during the next 5-20 years. The panelists conclude by sharing their hopes and dreams for women leaders in the Law by 12/31/29, including Attorney Scharf stating: “My hope is that . . . we have turned the curve and can have an unconstrained discussion about retirement and its opportunities, regardless of gender, race, and ethnicity.”