Kirsten Scheurer Branigan joined Elyse Holtzman on July 29 episode of The Lawyer’s Edge Podcast to discuss her journey from Big Law to founding KSBranigan Law, P.C., a woman-owned law firm (and proud National Association of Minority & Women Owned Law Firms member) that prioritizes empathy, respect, and inclusivity and seeks to retain women lawyers in the profession. The conversation included a focus on the critical progress that is still needed in the legal profession, including as to diversity, equity, and inclusion; the advancement and retention of women lawyers; and mental health challenges, as well as the important work being done in these areas by a number of organizations, including the New Jersey Lawyers Assistance Program.
They also discussed the exciting history of revitalizing the New Jersey Women Lawyers Association, which is about to celebrate the 20-year anniversary since its revitalization, and has grown to over 2,000 members. The NJWLA spotlights women leaders in the law at its annual WILL Gala, with over 700 attendees. Kirsten also shared information about the Gender Equity Women in Law Study through Rutgers Law School’s International Human Rights Clinic that she helped launched with Professor of Law, Penny M. Venetis.
Finally, they talked about how the legal profession needs to continue to be forward thinking and lean away from high billable hour requirements and into alternative fee arrangements, and embrace flexibility and generational differences, as well as the need to collectively make the legal field more inclusive and sustainable for everyone.
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The contents of this podcast are not intended to be legal advice.