Yes! FDCC Ladder Down is unique in structure and content has proven results with measurable success over the last 11 years. The year-long structure, accountability sessions, and individualized coaching set FDCC Ladder Down apart from other programs for women lawyers. Program participants report increased client relationships, greater community involvement, appointments to leadership roles, increased compensation, promotions to partner and shareholder within their firm, numerous speaking engagements and article publications, a feeling of empowerment over their careers, expansion of their referral network, better self-advocacy skills, and improved relationships with existing clients.
- Individual empowerment
- Women helping other women succeed
- Commitment to sustained change
- Paying it forward
- Promoting diversity
- Quality instruction
- Leadership Development (2 large group sessions)
- Business Development “Boot Camp” (4 large group sessions)
- Mentoring (1 large group session)
- Accountability (6 small group sessions)
- 4 panel sessions with local leaders (rainmakers, corporate counsel, judicial, and law firm leaders)
- Monthly large group interactive sessions (recommend no more than 24 in a class)
- Homework assignments
- Small group accountability sessions (no more than 6 per group)
- Practical opportunities to try out new skills
- Individual commitment to attend sessions in person
- Program Leadership: (a) minimum of three FDCC members who will serve as the program leaders in each city and (b) other individuals to assist with scheduling, fundraising, and marketing.
- Faculty: (a) experts in leadership training and business development coaching; (b) committed to the Ladder Down philosophy and process; (c) who have demonstrated results in their fields. Lynn Moran and Marianne Trost will serve as faculty whenever possible given their proven results working with every Ladder Down program to date.
- Participants: (a) no more than 24 participants per class; (b) must make a commitment to attend the sessions in person; (c) ability to timely complete assignments; and (d) come from a diverse range of experience levels and practice areas.
- Sponsors: corporate, law firm, and individual sponsors committed to diversity and advancement of women in the legal profession, with a minimum fundraising goal of $20,000 in each city.
The registration fee for the 2023 FDCC Ladder Down national program will be $1250. Registration for our 2023 nationwide program is now OPEN! The program brochure and application are available here: 2023LadderDown.pdf (thefederation.org) The deadline to apply is February 8, 2023.
In Arizona, the program may qualify for up to 15 hours of CLE. The State Bar of Arizona does not currently pre-approve CLE programs that are sponsored by organizations other than the State Bar and the decision of whether to approve this program is left to the discretion of the State Bar. The faculty and panel speakers provide written materials and an educational component geared toward improving the legal profession, in accordance with the CLE guidelines set forth by the State Bar of Arizona. For information on whether CLE credit is available in other cities, please confirm with the local FDCC leaders.
There are four levels of sponsorship available:
Diamond Sponsors ($3,000):
These sponsors are recognized on the Ladder Down website and in any written marketing materials relating to the program. Diamond Sponsors are guaranteed one participant of their choosing to the FDCC Ladder Down program. Diamond Sponsors may send two guests to the Graduation Reception. These sponsors are limited based on the class size so we encourage firms to reach out early and secure a spot!
Platinum Sponsors ($2,000):
These sponsors are recognized on the Ladder Down website and in any written marketing materials relating to the program. Platinum Sponsors may send two guests to the Graduation Reception.
Gold Sponsors ($1,000):
These sponsors are recognized on the Ladder Down website and in any written marketing materials relating to the program.
Silver Sponsors ($500):
These sponsors are recognized in any written marketing materials relating to the program.
Applications are now being accepted for the 2022 FDCC Ladder Down national program! The last day to apply is January 31, 2022. This program will be entirely virtual and will be open to participants from anywhere in the country! The brochure and application for the 2022 FDCC Ladder Down program can be found here: 2022LadderDown. For information about the individual program running in Cleveland, please contact Kelley Barnett at kelley.barnett@amtrustgroup.com
The first step in starting an FDCC Ladder Down program in another state involve preparing a “bid” to submit to Alison and Beth. This request should (1) identify at least 3 FDCC members who are committed to coordinating the program, advocating for its creation, and serving as its leaders; (2) identify a committee who will help with fundraising, facilitating the sessions, and marketing; (3) identify a minimum of 48 women to invite to the program; and (4) obtain financial commitments of at least $10,000. Alison and Beth will then follow-up with the FDCC leadership to determine the next Ladder Down launch!
No! The principles of Ladder Down benefit women in all practice areas, including government attorneys and in-house counsel. The program’s primary objective is to develop leadership skills and self-determination in order to help women lawyers advance in their careers. Every woman’s personal career goals will be different — whether it’s obtaining new clients in private practice, receiving a promotion to partner or supervisor, becoming a judge, or transitioning to in-house counsel. Ladder Down gives women lawyers the tools they need to have greater control over their career choices, and those skills are transferable across a wide range of practice areas.
No. Ladder Down is open to women for all stages of practice. We have had graduates with less than one year of experience, and others with over twenty. The skills taught in the Ladder Down sessions are valuable to women regardless of their experience and we do not restrict admission based upon years in practice.