Women’s Mentoring Circles (WMC) is a program that seeks to facilitate the connection between established women lawyers and their younger counterparts through mentorship.

An Opportunity for Women Lawyers to Change the Statistics

A joint initiative between the Dallas Women Lawyers Association (DWLA) and the Dallas Association of Young Lawyers (DAYL), the WMC program promotes the development, advancement, and retainment of women lawyers through mentorship, education, and community-building activities.  Since launching in 2016, WMC has built a community of women lawyers in Dallas who are united in the common goal of seeing women succeed in the legal profession.

Providing Tangible Tools for Advancement in the Profession and Cultivating Meaningful Connections

Group Mentoring
WMC participants are divided into Mentoring Circles consisting of 10-14 women lawyers in different stages of their careers, providing more opportunities for connection.

Program Format
During the year, there are 4 large-group events with featured speakers and discussion panels, as well as several small group meetups between members of individual Mentoring Circles.  The large-group events provide insight and advice on a variety of topics, including business development, networking, and career advancement, and the small group meetups offer an opportunity for mentors and mentees to connect with one another.

Dates for 2023 WMC’s 4 large-group events (each at noon at the Arts District Mansion):

    • March 29, 2023
    • May 10, 2023
    • June 7, 2023
    • July 26, 2023

An Award winning program

WMC is a nationally recognized, award-winning program.  In 2017, WMC was awarded the Star of Achievement Award at the State Bar of Texas Annual Meeting.  In 2022, WMC received the National Conference of Women’s Bar Associations’ Outstanding Member Program Special Recognition Award. As a result, the WMC program will be replicated by women’s bar associations across the country.

Why Mentoring Circles?

“Mentoring Circles is a wonderful way to expand your relationships to the legal community, especially because
the program focuses on empowering young women as professionals.”

-Kate Morris, Hosch & Morris, PLLC

Mentee Benefits:

  • Receive guidance from multiple mentors
  • Gain support while navigating life as a young attorney
  • Build a solid network
  • Develop practical skills that support professional growth

Mentor Benefits:

  • Strengthen and develop professional contacts/referral sources
  • Refine your leadership skills
  • Cultivate connections through shared experiences
  • You can learn from everyone, not just Mentors

Mentee Responsibilities

  • Attend large-group events and Mentoring Circle meetups
  • Communicate with your Mentoring Circle
  • Keep the confidences of your Mentoring Circle members
  • Show up and be present

Mentor Responsibilities:

  • Attend the 4 large-group events and Mentoring Circle meetups
  • Provide support and guidance to Mentees
  • Maintain a “safe space” for your Mentoring Circle

As more female attorneys enter the legal market,  there is more opportunity than ever before to shape the profession’s future.

Interested in joining Mentoring Circles?

 

The WMC Program is open to all women attorneys licensed to practice in the State of Texas. Participation is limited to members of the Dallas Association of Young Lawyers or the Dallas Women Lawyers Association. Not a member? You can sign up for DAYL here, and DWLA here.

Questions? Contact VPs of Mentoring for more information