Empowering Women in the Law

3 Credits · Level: Undergraduate

WOMEN LAWYERS AS LEADERS: How have women lawyers and judges shaped our legal system? What leadership or other skills do they have in common? Seeking answers to those questions, in this seminar we will begin by analyzing the leadership and lives of the six female justices of the United States Supreme Court. We will look at the way their thoughts, policies, and opinions have shaped US constitutional jurisprudence by studying their opinions and putting their work in historical context. In addition, we will examine the evolution of women in US legal practice, and compare the leadership skills of several contemporary female lawyers working to protect our democratic institutions, including Stacey Abrams, Fani Willis, Leticia James and Becca Heller. Finally, through guest lecturers, we will examine various careers in law and unique challenges and opportunities for women lawyers.