The Virginia Law Foundation (VLF) announces its inaugural Women and the Law Institute, scheduled for March 20–21, 2025, at the Woman’s Club at the Bolling Haxall House in Richmond. This new symposium, moderated by prominent legal leaders Claire G. Gastañaga, Colleen Marea Quinn, the Honorable Angela E. Roberts, and Renu Brennan, aims to support women in their careers and lives, provide essential resources and tools for success, and foster a thriving community.
“The Women and the Law Institute will be an inclusive, multigenerational forum designed to empower women as leaders and change-makers,” said Colleen Marea Quinn, founder of Quinn Law Centers, Institute Co-Chair, and VLF President. “We will explore the history of women in law, as well as the experiences of women impacted by the law. Expanding our Virginia CLE® programming is a key priority for the VLF, and this new Institute is an important step toward that goal.”
The inaugural Institute will focus on the impact of the law on women throughout history, highlight the journeys of women who have made law their career, and encourage the growth of mentorship programs to advance both individual careers and the broader legal community. Co-Chair Claire G. Gastañaga describes the Institute as, “a special opportunity to come together to remember the past, celebrate how women are leading the evolution of the legal profession, and determine what we still need to do to assure women take their earned roles as leaders in the law.”
Attendees will have the opportunity to attend an optional welcome dinner on Thursday night, featuring a keynote by Eva DeVirgilis, award-winning playwright, actor, makeup artist, and vocal advocate for the empowerment of women and girls worldwide. DeVirgilis will set the stage for a full day of programming on Friday, featuring four dynamic panels exploring the historical and contemporary experiences of women in law, the challenges they face, and the importance of mentorship. Panelists will include women who are pioneering change in the legal field. All panels are expected to provide MCLE credit, and more information on this will be available in early 2025.
To receive updates and be among the first to know when registration opens, visit womenandthelaw.org.
