About Event

LaddHer Up is a unique retreat for women law firm associates in the earlier stages of their careers — in their first ten years of practice — to personally engage with women general counsel for networking opportunities, business development discussions, and coaching and mentorship

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Why Attend?


  • Network with like-minded individuals, learn from industry experts, and participate in interactive workshops.
  • Don't miss this opportunity to ignite your inner hero and take your life to the next level.
  • Register now for a virtual experience like no other. October 10-11, 2024. See you there!

Agenda

Day - 01

time icon August 31, 2024 11:45

Speed Coaching

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Day - 02

time icon October 9, 2024 18:00

General Counsel Welcome Reception

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time icon October 9, 2024 18:00

Associate Meet & Greet/Registration

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As an attorney rising in your career you certainly understand the importance of engaging with like-minded professionals. We emphasize the immense value of attending our opening event for Associates. This isn’t just another social gathering—it’s a powerful networking reception designed to lay the foundation for two days of invaluable professional development. By attending, you’re not only introducing yourself to peers but making a strategic decision to get the most out of this conference. You'll have the chance to connect with dynamic members of the Ms. JD team and network with Associates from across the United States. This is your moment to elevate your experience and build lasting professional relationships.

Day - 03

time icon October 10, 2024 07:30

Retreat Registration Check-In

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time icon October 10, 2024 07:45

Opening Breakfast

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time icon October 10, 2024 08:30

How to Leverage the Retreat

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time icon October 10, 2024 08:45

Navigating the Chapters in Your Personal Brand

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Navigating the Chapters in Your Personal Brand" The workshop "Navigating the Chapters in Your Personal Brand" by Paula Edgar will equip attendees with the tools to effectively build and evolve your personal brand. Attendees will explore strategies to clearly communicate your unique strengths, align your brand with career aspirations, and navigate the complexities of your professional journeys. Paula's dynamic session will provide practical insights to help participants stand out and advance in your legal careers.

Paula Edgar

CEO, PGE Consulting Group LLC

"Paula T. Edgar, Esq. is CEO of PGE Consulting Group LLC, an organizational strategy firm that provides training and education solutions at the intersection of professional development and diversity, equity, and inclusion. Paula is a highly sought-after keynote speaker and facilitator, conducting live and virtual presentations for clients across industries. Paula develops customized programming to maximize the experience for attendees, ensuring they leave informed and inspired to have a lasting impact both individually and within their organizations. Her professional development skill set includes personal branding, relationship building, mentor/sponsor best practices, and business development. Paula’s areas of diversity expertise include unconscious bias, inclusive leadership, and allyship. Paula encourages all participants to Engage Your Hustle™- her business tagline, mantra, and method to elevate their professional endeavors. Additionally, Paula is the host of the Branding Room Only podcast which is dedicated to sharing career stories, strategies, and lessons learned on how industry leaders and influencers have built their personal brands. Paula is also a committed civic leader. She is active in numerous organizations and social justice initiatives, including her roles as a New York City Bar Board Officer, a Commissioner of the American Bar Association (ABA)’s Commission on Women in the Profession, a Diversity Fellow for the ABA’s Criminal Justice Section, a past President of the Metropolitan Black Bar Association (MBBA), and as a founding Board Member of The Black BigLaw Pipeline, Inc. Paula was a 2015 Council of Urban Professionals (CUP) Fellow, a Trustee of the Ellis L. Phillips Foundation, and a former member of the Executive Committee of the Deerfield Academy Alumni Association. As an attorney, Paula practiced employment and workplace discrimination law for the New York City Commission on Human Rights and her professional experiences include several leadership roles focused on talent development and inclusion. Paula has written for and been featured in a wide array of publications including the New York Times, Bloomberg Law, Essence Magazine, Shondaland, and Business Insider. Paula’s impact has been recognized by several organizations, including receiving the CUP 2023 Law Catalyst Award, the Outstanding Non-Traditional Career Award from the National Bar Association's (NBA) Women Lawyers Division, tthe Ruth Whitehead Whaley Service Award from the Association of Black Women Attorneys (ABWA), and the Ms. JD “Woman of Inspiration” award. She has also been recognized by the Network Journal Magazine as a “40 Under Forty” Achievement Awardee, and as a “Rising Star” by A Better Chance. Paula received her B.A. in Anthropology from California State University, Fullerton, and her J.D. from the City University of New York School of Law.

time icon October 10, 2024 09:45

Transition Break

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time icon October 10, 2024 10:00

Strategic Networking for Powerful Results & Relationships

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Strategic Networking for Powerful Results & Relationships" The workshop "Strategic Networking for Powerful Results & Relationships" by Sheila Murphy will empower attendees to harness the full potential of networking.  You will learn actionable techniques to build meaningful relationships, leverage connections for career advancement, and create a network that supports your long-term professional goals.  This workshop will provide the insights and strategies you need to network with purpose and achieve powerful results in your legal career.

Sheila Murphy

CEO & GC, Focus Forward Consulting

Sheila is the CEO, President and General Counsel of Focus Forward Consulting where she coaches her clients to make power moves that create forward momentum in their careers, compensation, and courage. As a certified coach, Sheila works with lawyers who want to be an unstoppable force in their careers. Prior to launching Focus Forward Consulting, Sheila was Senior Vice President and Associate General Counsel at MetLife and also spent many years in private practice. As a staunch advocate for propelling women forward into leadership positions Sheila volunteered her time as a member of the Board of Directors of National Association ofWomen Lawyers (NAWL), serves on the advisory board of Transforming Women & Leadership in Law, and co-chairs the CARE's Women's Network of New York, which eradicates poverty by empowering women and girls. Sheila has received numerous accolades including the 2019 Lifetime Achievement Award from Corporate Counsel’s Women, Influence, Power in Law Award program, theHighest Leaf Award in 2010 from the Women’s Venture Fund and in 2017 was named aLeading Women Lawyer in NYC by Crain's New York Business. Sheila is a graduate of the University of Pennsylvania Law School. Sheila earned her Associate Certified Coach and Certified Professional Co-Active Coach from the International Coaching Federation and the Co-Active Leadership Institute, respectively.

time icon October 10, 2024 11:00

Transition Break

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time icon October 10, 2024 11:15

GC Panel: “General Counsel Panel: How to Build Your Journey to Rainmaker”

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In the "General Counsel Panel: How to Build Your Journey to Rainmaker,” LaddHer Up Host Committee Co-Chair Kate Dugan will moderate a discussion featuring accomplished women general counsel. Together, they will share insights and strategies on how to cultivate the skills and relationships necessary to become a rainmaker in the legal field. This panel is designed to provide attendees with actionable advice and inspiration to advance your career, whether you are just starting out or looking to take the next big step.

time icon October 10, 2024 12:30

Lunch & Career Meetups

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time icon October 10, 2024 15:00

Group Recreation Outings

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time icon October 10, 2024 18:15

Full Group Photo

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time icon October 10, 2024 18:25

Networking Wine Reception

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time icon October 10, 2024 19:30

Dinner and Keynote

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Dinner & Keynote Conversation The dinner and keynote conversation will feature Deborah Telman, a renowned general counsel, in conversation with Host Committee Co-Chair Megan Belcher. They will discuss Deborah's career trajectory, the obstacles she has faced, and the strategies that have led to her success. This engaging conversation will provide attendees with valuable insights and inspiration for their own professional journeys.

Day - 04

time icon October 11, 2024 07:15

Networking Breakfast

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time icon October 11, 2024 08:30

About Ms. JD

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time icon October 11, 2024 08:45

How to Follow Up After the Retreat

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time icon October 11, 2024 09:00

Partner Panel “What It Takes to Make It to the Top of Law Firm Leadership”

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Partner Panel: “What It Takes to Make It to the Top of Law Firm Leadership” The panel discussion "What It Takes to Make It to the Top of Law Firm Leadership" will feature accomplished women law firm partners sharing their experiences and strategies for achieving leadership roles. Moderated by Janice Brown, the panel will provide valuable insights into the challenges and opportunities faced on the journey to the top. This session is tailored to inspire and guide early career associates as they navigate their own paths to leadership.

time icon October 11, 2024 10:00

Transition Break

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time icon October 11, 2024 10:15

“Identifying and Cultivating Powerful Mentors and Sponsors”

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GC Panel: “Identifying and Cultivating Powerful Mentors and Sponsors” The panel discussion "General Counsel Panel: Identifying and Cultivating Powerful Mentors and Sponsors" will feature insights from inspiring women general counsel, moderated by Julie Gruber. The panel will explore strategies for identifying, building, and leveraging relationships with mentors and sponsors to advance your career. This discussion is designed to provide valuable guidance for attendees, helping them to navigate and accelerate their professional growth.

time icon October 11, 2024 13:00

Lunch

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Event Sponsors

Husch Blackwell

Baker McKenzie

Davis Polk

Davis Polk

In an unpredictable world, you need a trusted partner who fully understands your business and the challenges you face. Davis Polk brings an unmatched level of legal experience, industry knowledge and deep collaboration to help you navigate uncertainty and seize new opportunities.

Frequently Asked Questions


Yes, you’ll need to fill out our registration form to gain access to the event. Please fill in the registration form with some basic information to get started.

The information you provide upon registration will only be used to establish you as a user on the platform and to create your login credentials. It will not be used for any other purposes.

Yes, the vFairs platform is compatible with any computer or mobile device and any browser.

Yes, this event is completely free to attend. We encourage you to login and have a look around at your convenience.

The event will be on demand indefinitely, however we may make updates and changes to the platform periodically. Make sure to keep checking back in to see our newest features in action!