Leadership Class: Career Catalyst Program Application

The DWLA Leadership Class: A Career Catalyst Program is a signature initiative created to advance DWLA’s mission of elevating the standing of women in the legal profession. This program is designed to give women law students an early, meaningful jumpstart on their legal careers by providing the tools to (1) build and refine the professional skills essential for success in law; (2) navigate the Dallas legal community and understand the power of strategic professional connections; (3) establish an early, influential professional network; and (4) identify and develop personal leadership skills.

Participation in the Leadership Class offers invaluable insight into thriving as a woman in law and provides unique access to mentors, leaders, and opportunities within the Dallas legal community.

The 2026 program will begin with a mandatory retreat from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. on Saturday, May 30, 2026. Later in the summer, participants will attend an evening workshop where practicing attorneys will share their experiences as women in law and offer guidance on developing and sustaining a successful legal career. A lunch‑and‑learn session will also be held, featuring a panel of women lawyers discussing the importance of bar involvement and its impact on personal and professional growth. In addition to these events, participants will come together to support a local nonprofit organization through participation in a community service project.

To be considered, please complete the application below and attach all required documents. Applicants will be selected based on their demonstrated commitment to elevating the standing of women in the legal profession, their interest in contributing to the Dallas legal community, and their readiness to engage in meaningful professional development. Additional consideration will be given to leadership potential, community service, professionalism, and the unique perspectives each applicant brings to the cohort.

Eligibility Requirements

Applicants must meet the following criteria:

• Attend the retreat, one summer workshop (evening event), and one lunch‑and‑learn
• Complete a community service project
• Attend SMU, TAMU, UNT Dallas, Baylor, UT, Texas Tech, or OU law schools, or otherwise demonstrating a commitment to working in the Dallas legal community during the summer of 2026
• J.D. expected after May 2027

Contact us if you have questions regarding the program.