As Women’s History Month draws to a close, it’s essential to reflect on the 2023 theme, “Telling Our Stories” and celebrate the incredible women who have broken barriers and made significant contributions to the legal industry. This blog post will highlight some trailblazing women in the legal profession and legal tech who have shaped the industry and paved the way for future generations of women leaders.
From pioneers like Judge Shira Scheindlin and Ruth Bader Ginsburg to trailblazers like Charlotte E. Ray, the first female attorney, and Sonia Sotomayor, these women have made indelible marks on the legal landscape. But as technology continues to reshape the industry, it’s crucial to recognize the women leading the charge in legal tech.
Joy Murao, founder and CEO of Practice Aligned Resources, has significantly impacted the eDiscovery field by providing innovative technology solutions and services to legal professionals. Kelly Twigger, the founder of ESI Attorneys and eDiscovery Assistant, is another leader pushing the boundaries of legal tech with her expertise in electronic discovery and educating legal professionals on important ediscovery issues in case law.
Candice Corby, CEO of Cobra Legal Solutions, has been instrumental in driving the company’s growth and expanding its global footprint. At the same time, Monica Enand, founder and CEO of Zapproved, has revolutionized the eDiscovery process with her cloud-based software solutions. Ariana Tadler, the founding partner of Tadler Law, has garnered recognition for her prowess in complex litigation and class actions, using cutting-edge technology to drive success.
Maura Grossman–a research professor and eDiscovery pioneer–has been a driving force in developing groundbreaking technologies and methodologies that have redefined the field. Meanwhile, Monica Bay–a journalist and lawyer–steadfastly advocated diversity and inclusion in the legal tech industry.
The co-founders of Women in eDiscovery, Lana (Schell) Pellegrino, Shawnna Hoffman, and Margaret Havinga, have played a critical role in building a global network of women professionals in legal technology, fostering mentorship, education, and networking opportunities.
This year’s Legalweek in New York saw a significant increase in female attendees, a testament to the growing presence of women in legal tech. As we celebrate these accomplishments, we must acknowledge the challenges women in the industry still face. Funding challenges, gender bias, balancing work and family demands, and limited representation at decision-making tables are just a few of the obstacles women in legal tech continue to encounter.
In conclusion, Women’s History Month serves as a reminder of the strength, determination, and resilience of the trailblazing women who have left their mark on the legal and legal tech industries. By celebrating their stories, we inspire the next generation of women leaders to break down barriers, challenge the status quo, and create a more inclusive and innovative future for the legal profession. Let’s continue to share these stories and support women in legal tech, not just during Women’s History Month but all year round.
