The New Jersey State Bar Association offers 80 sections, committees and divisions for members to stay apprised of the latest trends in their specialty, shape legislation and become better attorneys for their practice and clients. The Women in the Profession Section is one of the most vibrant in the Association. Ayesha K. Hamilton, the section chair, spoke recently about her history with the section, its purpose and how women attorneys can benefit by joining. Visit njsba.com to learn more.
When did you join the NJSBA and what inspired you to get involved with the Women in the Profession Section?
I joined the NJSBA in 2014 when I moved back to New Jersey. As a business and employment lawyer, I believed the state bar offered the chance to build lasting relationships that would benefit me personally and help strengthen my practice. WIPS is among the most important sections within the Association because it serves one of the largest demographics in the profession – women. Practicing law as a woman has its rewards and challenges. Even the most successful and impactful women attorneys face persistent bias and the pressures of work-life balance. I joined WIPS because I wanted to be a part of a professional network of strong, intelligent, multitasking women who can help each other.
Describe the mission of WIPS and how joining the section can benefit women lawyers at all stages of their careers.
WIPS is dedicated to advancing women's rights in the law and in the legal profession. But it is much more than that – it is a community of women with shared experiences who can relate to, support and empower one another, something women do best. WIPS is the perfect space to connect with other women attorneys across many different practice areas and career stages. Younger attorneys can find mentors who can guide them in their career growth, while the more seasoned members can leverage their experience to speak powerfully on issues that impact women attorneys. The section also hosts an array of networking events and skill-building programs to help women thrive.
How has your involvement in WIPS benefited you both personally and professionally?
As a solo practitioner, the practice can be a lonely place. I have found friends that I consider family at the state bar and am particularly energized by the WIPS sisterhood. The support, mentorship and inspiration I’ve found here continues to push me to grow. It is a community that truly understands the unique challenges women face in law. Being part of this section reminds me that I’m not navigating my career alone.
WIPS is offering an exciting lineup of programs this year – can you share a preview of what’s ahead and why women in the profession should take part?
In September, we are thrilled to have Janice Heinold, a sommelier extraordinaire and a former NJSBA trustee, lead our annual wine tasting event. For October, we have a workshop called "Commanding the Room" with guidance from an image consultant, Melanie Lippman, on how we can project strength and power. We will also launch the first seminar in our three-part virtual lunch and learn series discussing more topics relating to professional development specifically designed for our section. These roundtables tap into the very essence of knowledge sharing and mentoring, allowing for robust discussion, as we learn from each other. They will teach women lawyers how to negotiate for their worth, lessons in leadership and paths to growth. It’s shaping up to be remarkable year. Every woman lawyer has something to gain from being part of these programs.