Across Interlaw’s global network, the Women of Interlaw Network (WIN) affinity group continues to provide a platform for female lawyers to connect, share experiences, and support one another’s professional growth. 

Through in-person meetings, conference programming, and online initiatives, WIN brings together women from partner firms to strengthen relationships, foster leadership, and promote the advancement of women in the legal profession. 

WIN programming is a regular feature of Interlaw’s regional and global events, offering opportunities for members to meet informally, exchange perspectives, and discuss shared professional challenges and opportunities. 

In addition to these in-person gatherings, the network also hosts online professional development sessions and networking events throughout the year, creating opportunities for members across different jurisdictions and time zones to engage with the broader Interlaw community. 

Recent in-person WIN meetings have highlighted the continued momentum of the network. In June 2025, members gathered in Paris, France for the EMEA WIN Meeting, hosted by UGGC Avocats, bringing together participants from across Europe, the Middle East, Africa, and beyond to exchange insights and strengthen cross-border relationships. 

Later in the year, the North America WIN Meeting was held in New York in September 2025, hosted by Pryor Cashman, providing a forum for discussion and collaboration among female lawyers from across the region. 

Building on this momentum, the next North America WIN Meeting will take place on March 12, 2026 in Columbus, Ohio, hosted by Bricker Graydon Wyatt, continuing the network’s commitment to regional engagement and professional connection. 

To mark International Women’s Day 2026 on Sunday, March 8, Interlaw invited the regional WIN chairs to reflect on the importance of female leadership and on this year’s theme, “Rights. Justice. Action. For ALL Women and Girls.” 

Christine Chen, WIN Asia Pacific Chair and partner at Winkler Partners in Taiwan, emphasized the importance of role models within the profession. “Visible female leadership in the legal profession matters. When women lead and share their experiences, they can help open doors for others and demonstrate that diverse voices strengthen the future of our profession.” 

Reflecting on the theme of this year’s International Women’s Day, she added, “Rights. Justice. Action. reminds us that progress for ALL women and girls requires more than recognition: it requires commitment and tangible steps from all of us to ensure opportunity, fairness, and inclusion across our profession and beyond.” 

For Jennifer Carrel, WIN EMEA Chair and partner at UGGC Avocats in France, resilience is a defining quality of leadership. “Resilient leadership is essential in today’s legal profession. When women lead with determination, adaptability, and integrity, they help create stronger teams and demonstrate that challenges can be met with confidence and purpose.” 

She also highlighted the broader responsibility lawyers carry in advancing equality. “The theme ‘Rights. Justice. Action.’ reminds us that equality is not only an aspiration, it is a responsibility. As lawyers, we have a unique role in advancing these principles and ensuring that progress for women and girls is reflected in the systems, institutions, and opportunities that shape our societies.” 

Deanna Koestel, WIN North America Chair and partner at Pashman Stein Walder Hayden in New Jersey, USA, noted the importance of confidence in shaping the future of the profession. “Confident leadership from women is vital to the continued evolution of the legal profession. When women lead with clarity, conviction, and authenticity, they not only shape stronger organizations but also empower the next generation to pursue leadership with confidence.” 

Looking to the practical impact of this year’s theme, she added: “This year's theme is a reminder that progress depends on what we do in practice. As lawyers, we can take meaningful steps, by mentoring emerging female talent, advocating for fair policies, and ensuring women’s voices are heard in the rooms where decisions are made.” 

Through regular meetings, ongoing programming, and cross-border engagement, the Women of Interlaw Network continues to play an important role in strengthening professional connections and supporting the advancement of women across the Interlaw community.