THE AUTHORS<\/strong>: On June 18th, 2024, the French Chapter of Women in a Legal World (WLW) was officially inaugurated at the BFPL Avocats<\/strong> office in Paris. This event marks a major milestone in WLW’s international expansion, underscoring its mission to promote and empower women\u2019s talent in the legal profession globally. The French team, led by Aur\u00e9lie Arenales Huet<\/a>, international arbitration counsel, and arbitrator, partner at BFPL Avocats, showcased their commitment to this mission through a well-organized and inspiring event.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The inauguration was a prestigious event featuring distinguished speakers such as Isabelle Rome, former France Minister Delegate for Gender Equality, Diversity, and Equal Opportunities and actual France Ambassador for Human Rights; Dominique de la Garanderie, the first female head of the Paris Bar; Vanessa Bousardo, current Vice-President of the Paris Bar; and Simon Dufeigneux, Director of Public Affairs at Sisley. Their participation highlighted the importance of gender equality in the legal profession and provided invaluable insights from their careers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The event brought together a diverse group of influential women from various legal sectors, including partners from top law firms, general counsel from major international corporations, judges, and judicial officers. Notable attendees included Catalina Echeverri Gallego<\/a>, partner in international arbitration at Wordstone<\/a>; Ana Jos\u00e9 Varela, CFO at the OECD; Ana Prado Blanco, General Counsel at Mercedes-Benz France; Melissa Ordonez<\/a>, partner in international arbitration at Hogan Lovells<\/a>; and C\u00e9cile Vaullerin, Deputy General Secretary of the Conseil d’Etat, among others.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Dedicated to promoting and empowering women in the legal profession, WLW is a non-profit organization founded in Spain in 2018 by Marlen Est\u00e9vez<\/a>, its President and international arbitration and litigation partner at Roca Junyent<\/a>, Clara Cerd\u00e1n Molina, its Vice-President and General Counsel at Solarig, and Ana Bel\u00e9n Mart\u00ednez Engu\u00eddanos, its General Secretary and Director General of the General Council of Procurators of Spain. Valentina Yane Gauffin, Legal Manager at KS Ventures AG in Switzerland, acts as President of the Young Section in Spain, a pillar of WLW\u2019s mission of empowering legal women from the start of their careers through academic alliances, special mentorship programs, and unique networking opportunities, among other regular initiatives. Just six years since its inception, WLW already boasts almost 1,000 influential female members across various legal sectors and has established chapters across Spain and internationally.<\/p>\n\n\n\n In the presentation events that led up to the inauguration of the French Chapter, Aur\u00e9lie has shared how her career and personal life had spanned various continents providing her with unique opportunities to connect with colleagues and students from various horizons, each time revealing the crucial importance and power of meaningful connections in career development, echoing the wisdom of the African proverb: \u201cIf you want to go fast, go alone; if you want to go far, go together<\/em>\u201d. Aur\u00e9lie\u2019s passion for the law, her professional ties to Spain, including her first arbitration cases, and her knowledge of Marlen Est\u00e9vez<\/a> through various serendipitous encounters made this alliance with an association founded in Spain feel incredibly natural and almost inevitable. According to Aur\u00e9lie, what truly makes WLW unique and both professionally and intellectually invigorating is the chance to meet and connect with legal women across all legal disciplines \u2013 which rarely occurs in practice \u2013 to reflect and work together on topics and challenges that concern all women in law. This allows for uplifting collaboration and creative results. WLW’s sectoral committees also facilitate the exchange and mutual promotion of women\u2019s talent in their respective areas. The cross-generational makeup of the association is also particularly fulfilling with seasoned professionals sharing their experience and network with younger practitioners, who, in return, bring a wealth of innovative ideas and perspectives, creating a dynamic environment of growth and mutual support. Last but not least, the association\u2019s international dimension is a major distinctive asset that sets it apart from other existing women\u2019s organizations in France, offering a wealth of opportunities for the association and its members.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Alongside Aur\u00e9lie are:<\/p>\n\n\n\n The French team\u2019s vision is clear: advancing WLW\u2019s goals in France and helping women to thrive and excel in their legal careers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n WLW is dedicated to promoting women\u2019s talent and leadership in all legal professions through:<\/p>\n\n\n\n WLW adopts an inclusive approach, integrating men into the dialogue about promoting female talent. The organization also amplifies its impact by working hand-in-hand with other women\u2019s networks such as the Gender & Governance Action Platform (2GAP), Femmes de Loi, Femmes d\u2019Exception, and Notaires au F\u00e9minin. These collaborations enable WLW to leverage collective expertise and develop powerful strategies to address and overcome barriers faced by women in the legal profession. <\/p>\n\n\n\n WLW France is in the process of finalizing the composition of its Executive Committee and will have its next event in fall at Sisley in Paris.<\/p>\n\n\n\n WLW is continuing to expand internationally with the creation of new chapters abroad in Ecuador, New York, Dubai, Uruguay, Switzerland, Luxembourg, and Mexico.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Aur\u00e9lie Arenales Huet<\/a><\/strong>, \u00a0President of WLW France & Partner at BFPL Avocats<\/strong>
Mounia Tbarka<\/strong>, Co-President of the Young Section of WLW France\u00a0& Associate at <\/span>BFPL Avocats<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
\n\n\n\nFrench Inauguration Event Highlights<\/strong><\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
WLW\u2019s Origins<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Spotlight on the French Team<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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WLW\u2019s Mission and Strategies<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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Future Events and International Expansion<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n