Ladder Down Program

Women are entering the practice of law in greater numbers than ever before, but are struggling to land positions as equity partners, shareholders, and top rainmakers at firms across the nation. The reason for the disparity is clear: women lawyers are not receiving effective training on how to build a book of business and how to become better leaders. In 2012, AADC Board Member Alison Christian and AADC Past-President Beth Fitch created a unique year-long program called “Ladder Down” to combat the startling statistics and change the course for women lawyers. The AADC supported “Ladder Down” and helped Alison and Beth launch this pilot program in Arizona in January 2013.  

The program is unique in both structure and content and runs year-long with monthly sessions dedicated to instruction in three key areas:  leadership, business development, and mentoring.  In addition to the monthly group meetings, the participants meet quarterly with small accountability groups to report on their progress and set new goals.  The inaugural 2013 class was comprised of 24 women from a variety of practice areas and law firms who committed to attend and actively participate in every session. Due to demand, the 2014 class expanded to 30 participants. The core sessions are taught by industry leaders Lynn Moran and Marianne Trost, with panel presentations by local attorneys, judges, and corporate clients. The feedback – both on a local and a national level – has been overwhelmingly positive.

In October 2013, the AADC was honored by DRI with the SLDO Diversity Award for its support of “Ladder Down.” This prestigious DRI award honors the state and local defense organization that displays a significant commitment to diversity and is a huge national recognition for the program. Thanks to support from local law firms and corporations, as well as the AADC and DRI, “Ladder Down” continues to thrive. The results of “Ladder Down” are astounding, and graduates from the program report across the board increases in client relationships, leadership positions, community involvement, and self-confidence. Alison and Beth are currently working with SLDOs across the country to launch additional “Ladder Down” programs, and will begin accepting applications for the 2015 “Ladder Down” class in November of this year. For more information about the program, please contact either Alison Christian or Beth Fitch. 

AADC received the 2013 SLDO Diversity Award for their Ladder Down Mentoring Program.