“When There are Nine” Conference to Take Place at UC

Women and the Law Conference October 11, 2021 on UC Campus

The voices of state Supreme Court justices, legal advocates, practicing attorneys and others will offer a unique perspective on women and the law when the University of Charleston presents “When There are Nine,” a conference designed as a ‘for women, by women’ conversation, dialogue, and informational opportunity for those considering a career in the law.

The conference will take place Monday, October 11 from 9:00 am through 4:15 pm, and will address issues of equity, inclusion, advancement, and leadership.

Special guests will include a wide range of professionals in the field of law, including a US District Court judge, attorneys from several area firms, legal advocates from Mountain State Justice and Legal Aid, and those who have taken their law degree in unexpected directions.

 

A live podcast recording of Lady Justice: Women of the Court will take place at 9:00 am. The podcast features four women Supreme Court justices on their state’s highest appellate court who come together to discuss the law and its real-world implications.

 

Following the podcast, there will be a series of Interactive Sessions designed to facilitate discussion among participants and provide space to share experiences, reflections, and skills that may be used to make positive differences in ourselves and others.

The sessions will be both in-seat and virtual and will use a variety of formats including skill building workshops and roundtables.  Topics will include:

• The Current Landscape in West Virginia: Women and the Law
• Learned Lessons from Underrepresented Leaders
• Addressing Discrimination, Inequality, and Poverty: Work in Public Interest Law
• Mastering the Code: How to be Heard in Male-Dominated Spaces
• Inner Boss: Overcoming Imposter Syndrome, Managing Fear, Conquering Self-Doubt
• Flexibility and Agility: Strengths and Weaknesses of Modern Working Environment for Women Lawyers
• Voices from Current Law Students and Recent Graduates: Lessons from the Classroom
• Paying Attention: Examples from Male Allies About Creating More Equitable Work Spaces
• Beyond Practicing Law: JDs in Diverse Careers

 

The title “When There Are Nine” comes from a quote by the late Justice Ruth Bader Ginsberg. Asked when she thought there would be enough women on the Supreme Court, she answered, “When there are nine.”