Women’s Forum Hosts Client Networking Event in New York

Ropes & Gray’s Women’s Forum hosted a New York client event on May 29, a gathering of women senior leaders from across industries to network and discuss topics related to women in business. The event, which took place at The Fleur Room at the Moxy Hotel in New York City, featured American fashion designer and business personality Jenna Lyons as a special guest speaker. More than 90 women attended the event, representing the private equity, investment banking, consumer retail, technology, life sciences and health care industries, among others.    

Ropes & Gray chair-elect Julie Jones opened the evening by highlighting the critical role of the Women’s Forum in fulfilling the firm’s commitment to developing and advancing the careers of women lawyers. She noted the firm’s responsibility to “pay it forward” by providing support networks for talented and accomplished women in business. On January 1, 2020, Ms. Jones will become the first woman chair in the history of the firm.

Asset management counsel and Ropes & Gray Women’s Forum steering committee member Lindsey Goldstein then introduced Jane Goldstein, co-head of the firm’s mergers & acquisitions group and co-managing partner of the Boston office, who introduced Ms. Lyons. Lindsey Goldstein noted Jane Goldstein’s generous mentorship and interest in the career development of many women at the firm, including her own. She added, “Jane is an inspiration to so many women at the firm and beyond.”

Ms. Lyons fielded questions from Jane Goldstein and the audience on a variety of topics, including leadership, career advice and her forthcoming lifestyle TV project with Turner Entertainment. In addition to discussing her personal leadership style—in particular, how focusing on the core strengths of her team members is critical to success—she delivered a powerful message that authenticity is the key to living with confidence.

The evening concluded with brief remarks from Women’s Forum co-chairs Amanda Morrison and Lisa Bebchick.

Established in 1996, the Ropes & Gray Women’s Forum promotes professional growth among female lawyers. Speakers at Women’s Forum events are firm and industry leaders who address key topics such as networking, marketing, and career and business development opportunities.