SMU Law Launches Jennifer M. Collins Women's Leadership Initiative

On March 9, 2022, SMU Dedman School of Law launched the Jennifer M. Collins Women’s Leadership Initiative with an event titled Making Strides: Why Gender Inequality in the Legal Profession Still Exists and How We Can Make Real Progress. The event featured guest speaker Melissa Murray, Frederick I. and Grace Stokes Professor of Law and Faculty Director of the Birnbaum Women’s Leadership Network at NYU School of Law and Joanna Grossman, Ellen K. Solender Endowed Chair in Women and the Law and Professor of Law at SMU Dedman School of Law.

The Jennifer M. Collins Women’s Leadership Initiative aims to enhance the leadership and professional skills of women SMU Law students and practicing attorneys and address the unique challenges they may face during their education and throughout their careers. Led by Dedman Law Director of Alumni Relations Christine Leatherberry, this Initiative addresses issues such as retaining women in the legal profession, elevating women in leadership positions, and enhancing rainmaking and networking skills. The initiative is made possible by our generous alumna and donor, Angela Braly ‘85, along with sponsors: Baker Botts LLP, Haynes & Boone LLP, Vinson & Elkins LLP, Bracewell LLP, Greenberg Traurig, LLP,  Sidley Austin, LLP.