Highlights from the 11th World Women Lawyers’ Conference
Julie Book
Burges Salmon, Bristol/London
June saw the 11th World Women Lawyers’ Conference take place in Lisbon, Portugal. It brought together over 150 lawyers from across the globe, with a breadth of practice areas and sectors. We were treated to two days of lively discussions, engaging speakers and wonderful hospitality, organised by the host committee comprising several Portuguese law firms.
Caption: Attendees enjoying the 11th IBA World Women Lawyers’ Conference, Lisbon, 24 June 2026. Courtesy of Julie Book.
With the theme of ‘Inspiring the next generation’, key subjects discussed included:
- how general counsel and senior lawyers can use their positions to shape the next generation of legal leaders through sponsorship and succession planning;
- how artificial intelligence (AI) and emerging tech are redefining the nature of legal practice and how we work;
- what law firms can do to help address the mental health burdens, stigmas and barriers affecting women; and
- how to build and sustain a robust pipeline of female talent, including lessons learned from both successes and setbacks.
These discussions reminded us all how collective action can make a difference.
The keynote addresses from both Mafalda Rebordao (Global Digital and AI Transformation Lead for the United Nations and International Organisations, Microsoft, New York) and Rita Alarcao Judice (Minister of Justice, XXV Constitutional Government of Portugal) provided a lot of inspiration, and it was an honour for everyone attending to see Catherine Amirfar from Debevoise & Plimpton being presented with the International Bar Association (IBA) Outstanding International Women Lawyer Award.
What stood out to me during this conference was both the honesty from speakers, who openly shared both the successes and challenges they have faced, and the willingness of attendees to share their ideas and offer support to each other. While it may not always be easy, we all left feeling positive that by working together and sharing our thoughts, we can help to inspire the next generation of female lawyers.