ABA Commission on Women programs celebrate Women’s History Month

March 11, 2026

ABA Commission on Women programs celebrate Women's History Month

The American Bar Association Commission on Women in the Profession is providing programs and resources throughout Women's History Month to celebrate women's achievements and contributions to American history, society and the legal profession.

"Equality for, and equal treatment of, women and girls is woven throughout the ABA's goals, advocacy and activities," said ABA President Michelle A. Behnke. "The ABA has numerous policies and conducts many programs to support the professional advancement of women lawyers in all practice settings. While much progress has been made, there is still so much more to do. This Women's History month is a great opportunity to engage in the discussion about what real equality means. Equality for women does not diminish the rights of men."

"This year's Women's History Month programming is a testament to the Commission on Women in the Profession's commitment to progress, inclusion and the advancement of all women in the legal profession," added commission Chair Karol Corbin Walker.

On March 25, the commission will host "The Equal Rights Amendment: From Ratification to Realization" that will address the status of the ERA and efforts to realize federal and state constitution ERAs.

Hosted by moderator Jill Wine-Banks, author of "The Watergate Girl" and a television and radio commentator, the webinar features Ting Ting Cheng, director of the ERA Project at the NYU School of Law; Linda Coberly, co-chair of the litigation department with Winston & Strawn LLP; and Judge Delissa Ridgway, judge on the U.S. Court of International Trade. ABA President Michelle A. Behnke and Walker will deliver opening remarks.

The commission's Guided Conversations Project, supported by the "This Talk Isn't Cheap" report and toolkit, aims to illuminate the intersectional experiences of women of color and promote allyship in the legal profession. In honor of this vision and Women's History Month, the commission on March 10 hosted a panel of women who represent a diversity of identities and legal specialties.

Moderated by Aurora Austriaco, shareholder at Valentine Austriaco & Bueschel P.C., panelists Victoria Alvarez, partner with Troutman Pepper Locke LLP; Angelique David, executive managing director, chief operating officer and general counsel at Ziegler; and Gabrielle Kohlmeier, limited partner with venture capital firm How Women Invest, discussed race, gender and ethnicity in the legal profession.

In addition to those programs, the commission partnered with the ABA Center for Innovation to debut 21 Days of GenAI, Grit, and Growth Mindset to combat the gender gap that exists in technology. The challenge includes modules that explore how AI can contribute to work and leadership skills. 

As in the past, the commission will present its Margaret Brent Women Lawyers of Achievement Awards. Each year, the commission honors women lawyers who have achieved professional excellence and paved the way for other women in the legal profession.