A National Honor for Women in Law
The honor that should have existed all along.
An invitation-only national distinction recognizing the women whose integrity, leadership, and legal excellence have shaped the American legal profession.
The legal industry is not short on awards. It is short on credible, rigorously vetted, and genuinely prestigious recognition built specifically to honor the women who have shaped it.
For centuries, women fought not just for the right to practice law, but for the fundamental recognition of their equality under it. Today, women comprise more than 40% of all active U.S. attorneys — yet meaningful national recognition has not kept pace with their achievement.
Influential Women in Law™ was founded to close that gap decisively: a national, invitation-only society that recognizes women in law with the same rigor, integrity, and prestige that Lawyers of Distinction® has brought to legal recognition since its founding.
A Historic First
The Charter Honorees of 2027
Every distinguished honor has a beginning. After a deliberate review spanning a pool of more than 200,000 female attorneys nationwide, Influential Women in Law™ will shortly announce the Charter Honorees of the Inaugural 2027 Class — the founding cohort against which every future class will be measured.
To commemorate this historic inaugural class, Charter Honorees will be nationally recognized in a special feature published in The Wall Street Journal.
Recognition Built on Three Qualities
Integrity
An enduring reputation for honesty, professionalism, ethical leadership, and principled advocacy — inside and outside the courtroom.
Leadership
Demonstrated influence within one's firm, practice area, community, or the profession at large.
Legal Excellence
A distinguished body of work and professional achievement that stands among the best in the field.
A Profession Transformed Within Living Memory
3%
Share of American lawyers who were women, 1950–1970
41%
Share of all active U.S. lawyers who are women today
56.2%
Share of current law school students who are women
28%
Share of law firm partners who are women — the gap this honor exists to spotlight
Our Emblem
Our Symbol: The Lady of Justice
She is not a symbol of the legal profession as it has been. She is a symbol of the profession's highest aspiration — fairness, strength, clarity, and the enduring promise that justice prevails.
“Society as a whole benefits immeasurably from a climate in which all persons, regardless of race or gender, are free to earn respect on the basis of their individual merit.”
An Honor Earned. A Legacy Conferred.
Membership in Influential Women in Law™ is extended by invitation only, following a rigorous and deliberate vetting process.
The Journal
Latest News & Perspectives
October 9, 2026
Zena Ho joins Jones Day as a real estate finance partner in Los Angeles
Real estate finance lawyer Zena Ho joins Jones Day in Los Angeles, bringing experience in financing transactions, distressed loans and associate mentorship.
October 7, 2026
Hillary Holmes named Texas Influential Woman of the Year
Texas Lawyer recognizes Gibson Dunn partner Hillary Holmes, whose work spans capital markets, firm leadership and board preparation for women lawyers.
October 2, 2026
Laura Beth Nielsen begins historic tenure at the American Bar Foundation
Lawyer and sociologist Laura Beth Nielsen becomes the first woman to lead the American Bar Foundation in its 75-year history.
September 30, 2026
Renee Hatcher named to lead Chicago's Department of Law
Chicago selects clinical law professor and community-development advocate Renee Hatcher to serve as corporation counsel, subject to City Council approval.