Leaning In as Lawyers

When Jara Jacobson ’22 attended a Women’s Leadership Network (WLN) event as a Brooklyn Law School 1L, she had no idea how much it would shape her career journey.

Jacobson became the first recipient, in 2021, of a scholarship established by the Brooklyn Law School Women’s Leadership Circle (WLC), the WLN’s advisory arm. The scholarship, which is also supported by other Law School community members, is awarded to students who best exemplify WLN’s mission: to develop and offer programs and opportunities that support and mentor women in law, facilitate networking, and promote career success.

“The Women’s Leadership Network scholarship ensured that I left law school with a manageable amount of debt, but the greatest value came from the connections I have with network members,” Jacobson said. “I am invited to every WLN event, welcomed with open arms by all members (especially the WLC), and provided with access to an invested and successful group of woman-identifying attorneys who are eager to guide me through my career.”

Jacobson is especially grateful to mentor, Katie Chastaine ’06, a former Winston & Strawn partner who provided “invaluable guidance” for the firm’s OCI (on-campus interviews). After joining Winston & Strawn as a summer associate, Jacobson is now a part of the firm’s general litigation group, focused on securities class action litigation defense and M&A litigation.

Such mentorship stories inspired Ashleigh Goit ’15, an associate legal counsel at DST Global and the Brooklyn Law School Alumni Association’s Rising Star for 2024, to join the WLC. Since graduation, networking with WLN and other alumni has helped Goit learn of job opportunities, and stay apprised of industry trends and changes. The WLC’s focus on future female lawyers especially resonated.

“I joined the WLC in 2021 because I am passionate about supporting and empowering women in their academic and professional journeys,” Goit said. “WLC provides a platform for networking, mentorship, and gaining valuable leadership skills, all of which are crucial for personal and professional growth. It’s an opportunity to work with like-minded alumni who are committed to helping women achieve their full potential.”

WLN scholarships help break down financial barriers “that might otherwise prevent talented and motivated students from pursuing higher education, including a law degree,” Goit said. “The scholarship also empowers students by acknowledging and rewarding their achievements and potential and connects students with professionals through mentorship opportunities, allowing for the exchange of experience and guidance, further enriching their educational journey and career prospects.”

She sees long-term impacts, too. “By investing in education, we contribute to a more diverse and inclusive leadership landscape in the future, promoting equity across the legal field,” Goit said.