Lead with Purpose.
Rise with Impact.
Advance your legal journey with this program that champions leadership, resilience, and real-world readiness.
Through hands-on learning, mentorship, and practical insights, the Leadership Academy prepares women in law to rise with clarity and conviction. During this 2-day leadership conference, law students from around the country hear from attorneys, thought leaders, and legal experts on developing the professional skills required to succeed in a career in law.
Our next Leadership Academy will take place in Spring 2026. To be the first to hear when applications open, join the waitlist below.
Sample Agenda.
See what students have learned at past Leadership Academies.
Friday
- Registration and Welcome
- Opening Keynote - Resilient Leadership: Thriving through Uncertainty with Courage and Purpose
- Interactive Workshop - The Power of Networking: Using Mentors, Sponsors, and Peers to Shape Your Career
- Expert Panel - Bold Moves: Negotiation & Risk-Taking for Career Advancement
- Welcome Reception + Evening Keynote - Lessons from the Bench: The Trailblazing Path of a District Court Judge
Saturday
- Interactive Workshop - Make Your Case: Building a Personal Brand that Works for You
- Headshots
- Interactive Workshop - Interview Crash Course
- Expert Panel - Nontraditional Paths to a Legal Career
- Interactive Workshop - Overcoming Imposter Syndrome
- Closing Reception + Presentation of Completion Certificates
Why Attend the Leadership Academy Intensive?
BUILD LEADERSHIP SKILLS.
- Legal leaders and industry experts share advice, experiences, and expertise.
- Interactive workshops develop practical skills that you can implement in law school and beyond.
FIND YOUR COMMUNITY.
- Connect with like-minded law students from around the country.
- Interact with successful attorneys, thought leaders, and professional development experts.
PREPARE FOR A LEGAL CAREER.
- Develop real-world skills for your first job, from combatting burnout to building a standout reputation.
- Learn things they don’t teach you in law school, like dealing with bias or navigating the career ladder as a woman.
“THE MS. JD LEADERSHIP ACADEMY INTENSIVE WAS AN INCREDIBLY EMPOWERING AND INSIGHTFUL EXPERIENCE. NOT ONLY IS THE GROUP SUPPORTIVE, BUT THE SENSE OF COMMUNITY IS OVERWHELMING AND SO UNIQUE. THROUGH THE INTENSIVE, I WAS ABLE TO LEARN MORE ABOUT MYSELF, MY VALUES AND HOW TO STAY TRUE TO MYSELF DESPITE THE HARDSHIPS THAT THIS PROFESSION WILL PRESENT WHILE MEETING OTHER SUPPORTIVE WOMEN TO HELP ALONG THE JOURNEY. THIS INTENSIVE IS SO UNIQUE, EMPOWERING, AND INFORMATIVE."
Frequently Asked Questions.
What is the Ms. JD Law Student Leadership Academy Intensive?
The Leadership Academy Intensive is a two-day in-person program with interactive sessions focused on building leadership skills, inspirational keynote speakers, and networking opportunities with other attendees.
When and where do Leadership Academies take place?
This program typically takes place twice a year, in the fall and the spring. In an effort to reach as many students as possible, we host this program at various law schools across the country. When future dates and locations are confirmed, they will be added to this website.
How much does it cost to attend?
There is a $75 tuition fee for accepted attendees, which includes all program materials and meals throughout the program. In addition, attendees will be responsible for their own travel and accommodation expenses. We strongly recommend you reach out to your law school for financial support for this program.
There is no cost to apply.
How do I apply to attend?
When applications open, fill out a brief application form sharing your academic and professional background and your interest in leadership development. To be first to hear when the Spring 2026 application opens, join our waitlist.
How are attendees selected?
Attendees are selected based on demonstrated commitment to leadership in your law school and community. Priority will be given to those who have attended a prior Ms. JD Leadership Academy, but that is not a requirement to apply.
When will I find out if I am accepted to attend the Ms. JD NWLSO Leadership Academy Intensive?
Accepted attendees will be notified at least one month in advance of the event.
I am a law school interested in hosting this program, a firm or organization interested in partnering, or a legal expert interested in speaking.
We are always looking for additional partners for our law student programming! To learn more about how you can get involved, reach out to Program Director Brianca Hurley at BHurley@ms-jd.org.
I have another question that wasn't answered here.
Reach out to Claire Thomas at programsassistant@ms-jd.org with any other questions.
Determined to Rise. Equipped to Lead.
Ms. JD is a national organization that helps women in law find community and opportunity at every stage in their career, from aspiring attorneys to seasoned professionals.
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