Eagleionline

March 7, 2008, by Jesse Stellato

NEWTON, MA - The Women’s Law Center (WLC) at Boston College Law School held its biggest event of the year last night. Alumnae, students, faculty and staff gathered in Alumni House to network and discuss of the challenges and delights of being a woman in the legal profession.

“It’s encouraging to have a community of women, including students, faculty and alumnae of BC, who are dedicated to helping each other succeed as women in the law,” said Marissa Dungey ‘09.

Over 40 Boston College Law School students received advice from women alumnae from various realms of the legal profession, from private practice public interest, and from prosecution to defense.

Students and alumnae discussed a wide range of topics, including the under-representation of women as partners in law firms (less than 20% despite women graduating from law school at the same rate as men for decades, according to WCL), legal writing, negotiation skills, work-life balance, and legal malpractice insurance.

“I am grateful for the advice I received from all the successful women in attendance, and for the opportunity to interact with female faculty, staff, and alumnae in a comfortable, social setting,” said Kristen McKeon Whittle ‘09, Treasurer of WLC and one of the main organizers of the event.

Female faculty and staff came out in record numbers, giving students a chance to informally interact with them and learn from their experiences. Faculty who attended included Associate Deans Norah Wylie and Marianne Lord, Professors Mary-Rose Papandrea, Ingrid Hillinger, Alexis Anderson, Judith Tracy, Joan Blum, Gail Hupper, Elisabeth Keller and Sharon Beckman. Career Services Assistant Director Judy Levenfeld also attended.

Some of those who were not able to attend sent their advice through Whittle.

“I was thrilled with the turnout,” said Tracy Coogan ‘09, President of WLC. “We are especially thankful to the faculty, staff and alumnae who took time out of their busy schedules to share their stories, experiences and advice.”

Students interested in getting involved in the WLC should contact Tracy Coogan (tracy-dot-coogan-dot-1-at-bc-dot-edu) or Kristen McKeon Whittle (kristen-dot-mckeon-dot-1-at-bc-dot-edu).