Ms. JD envisions a world where every woman is afforded the opportunity to design and realize her legal career without limits.

Ms. JD is a nonprofit, nonpartisan organization dedicated to the success of aspiring and early career women lawyers. Ms. JD is governed by a volunteer Board of Directors comprised of law students and recent graduates and supported by a small team of staff members. Founded at Stanford Law School in 2006 by a group of female law students from Boalt Hall (UC Berkeley), Cornell, Georgetown, Harvard, NYU, Stanford, UCLA, UT Austin, the University of Chicago, the University of Michigan, the University of Virginia, and Yale, Ms. JD is a 501(c)(3) incorporated in California.

Serving as a unique nexus between the profession and the pipeline of diverse attorneys, Ms. JD provides a forum for development and networking among women lawyers and law students.

Ms. JD celebrates women’s achievements, addresses remaining challenges, and facilitates continued progress by bringing legal practitioners and law students together to share in an ongoing conversation about gender issues in law school and the profession. Obstacles to equal participation hinder not only women in the law but also their colleagues, clients, children, and communities. Ms. JD consequently strives to give voice to why it matters that women continue to overcome barriers to achieve gender parity in the profession. 

In doing so, Ms. JD spreads the word: women’s victories are everyone’s victories.


LEARN ABOUT OUR PROGRAMS

"I was unsure about attending the leadership initiative without knowing anyone there. I found a welcoming group, engaging speakers, and a lot to think about! It was surprisingly encouraging and fun. An investment of time in myself and my career."

-Kathrynn Johnston, Law Student, 2023 Leadership Academy Intensive Attendee

"[LaddHer Up] was everything and more. I just wrapped my first year working as an attorney and for me as a woman working in IP, I found this space empowering, the sessions informative, and I have what I need to have a successful career."

-Ashlee Sherman, Associate at Perkins Coie, 2023 LaddHer Up Attendee