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Retaining highly qualified women lawyers is a priority of law firm leaders. Lex Mundi Global Opportunities for Advancement and Leadership for Women in the Legal Profession (GOAL) is addressing this challenge by identifying and providing specific resources that can assist firms in the advancement and retention of this valuable talent pool, leading to more positive working relationships and a positive impact overall. The mission of Lex Mundi GOAL is to assist Lex Mundi member firms to:
- Retain women lawyers
- Increase and enrich women lawyers’ business development opportunities and growth
- Advance women lawyers to positions of leadership within their firms and within Lex Mundi... Read More>>
Hot Topics:
Submitted by: Lauren Rikleen, Bowditch Institute for Women’s Success
In the legal profession, subjective decision making and a lack of clear objective standards can lead to mixed messages and affect the ability for women to advance. However, there are steps that law firms can take to overcome these effects of unexamined bias.
Submitted by: Jane DiRenzo Pigott, R3 Group LLC
This hot topic addresses the importance of women investing in creating relationships within their firm as well as the potential disadvantages of underinvestment in "social capital."
Spotlight on Lex Mundi Women Lawyers:
Trudy Halla || Bio>>
Shareholder
Briggs and Morgan, P.A.
Chair of Lex Mundi GOAL
“I am very excited to be part of this global landmark initiative aimed at helping Lex Mundi member firms improve their ability to retain women lawyers. The projects undertaken by Lex Mundi GOAL are designed to give firms the necessary tools to retain talent and provide leadership opportunities to women.”
Trudy Halla is a shareholder with Briggs and Morgan, P.A., Lex Mundi’s member firm for Minnesota, U.S.A. She is a member and former head of the Public Finance Section and has served as an officer and a member of the firm's board of directors. Her principal areas of practice are public finance, banking, and commercial lending. Trudy is the Chair of Lex Mundi GOAL and has served as her firm’s primary Lex Mundi contact for several years.
As the first woman in her family to complete college, Trudy says that one of her key traits is a willingness to listen to all sides and find common ground.
Trudy’s advice to other women lawyers is to not rely solely on pre-planned mentor programs. “Make friends with those you work with – equals as well as colleagues who are older/younger, senior/junior. You know you are intelligent, so don't be afraid to ask for feedback. Those who are willing to respond to you honestly will become your mentors.”
Among her many accomplishments, Trudy was elected as a fellow of the American Bar Foundation, fellow of the American College of Bond Lawyers and selected as a "Leading American Attorney”. In 2004, Trudy was named an "Attorney of the Year" by Minnesota Lawyer, and she received one of the first WOW Achievement Awards from the Minneapolis Regional Chamber of Commerce as the Exemplary Woman of the Community. Later in the year, Trudy was also given the "Attorney of the Year" award by Minnesota Lawyer in recognition of leadership during her term as president of Minnesota Women Lawyers. In 2007, Minnesota Women Lawyers recognized Trudy with the Myra Bradwell Award.
Trudy is a past president of Minnesota Women Lawyers, of the Hennepin County Bar Association and the Minikahda Club. She has also served on the executive committee of the Minnesota State Bar Association, on the board of directors of the Hennepin County Bar Foundation and the Volunteer Lawyers Network, and as an officer and director of the National Association of Bond Lawyers.
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