Dechert’s Global Women’s Initiative (GWI) seeks to support women at the firm to succeed by fostering an environment that provides opportunities for development, advancement and leadership.
GWI sponsors inclusive formal and informal mentoring, development, internal and external networking, special interest events and leadership training.
Celebrating International Women’s Day
International Women's Day (IWD), celebrated on March 8th, is a global day recognizing the social, economic, cultural, and political achievements of women. To celebrate International Women’s Day 2024, the Global Women’s Initiative hosted an intimate fireside chat with retired Dechert partner Sheila Birnbaum. Sheila inspired the Dechert community with her journey from humble beginnings in the Bronx, NY, to becoming known as the “queen of toxic torts.” A trailblazer for women in the legal profession, Sheila is a former NYU Law professor and associate dean of the graduate division, and she was the first tenured woman professor of law at Fordham University Law School.
Community Support
Dechert provides pro bono legal services to women who cannot afford legal counsel. We represent women in domestic violence cases, assist them with petitions made under the Violence Against Women Act and, with partner organizations like The Advocates for Human Rights, work to improve domestic violence laws in countries around the world. We regularly staff clinics, including those organized by the New York City Family Court Legal Services Project, which counsel women on a range of family law, homelessness and human trafficking issues.
