By Diana Santos Johnson and Eleanor Panetti
For our first post of 2026, we asked our Committee members for input. Below are the questions we asked and the responses we received. Enjoy reading about what they learned in 2025, their goals for 2026 and why they joined the Women in the Profession Committee!
This month, we are excited to introduce two WIP members: Ashley Oldfield and Amy Schaefer!
What law school did you attend, and what was your graduation year?Wake Forest University School of Law, 2020.
If I don’t have a court appearance, I’m usually in my office doing research, writing briefs, or talking with clients.
Outside of work, I enjoy crocheting, baking, vegetable gardening, reading, and running.
By Joyce Glass
Hofstra Law, 1998.
A typical workday involves reading updates on case law or on pending companion animal cruelty cases. I will have calls scheduled for any cases I am advising on and take calls for any new cases being investigated and collaborate on needs for the victims (vet care, training, housing). Additionally, I will respond to emails for needs of the companion animals of domestic violence victims if placement is needed. I may also be preparing for an upcoming presentation with research, reviewing slides and practicing presenting. If I am working on legislation, I will review and revise the language as part of the drafting process.
By WIP members
As a reminder, as part of a blog series, we’ve invited members of the NCBA Women in the Profession (WIP) Committee to share their insights on common challenges faced by women in the legal profession. As you will see in their answers, each member brings a unique perspective and personal experience, resulting in varied responses to the same questions. This diversity of thought underscores that there is rarely a single “right” answer to any given situation. We hope these insights offer valuable perspectives for other female attorneys navigating similar dilemmas in the legal workplace.
It’s 2025. Are you feeling good? How is your self-esteem?
Self-esteem is your subjective sense of overall personal worth or value. According to Kendra Cherry, author of “What is Self Esteem?”, “Self-esteem impacts your decision-making process, relationships, emotional health, and overall well-being. It also influences motivation, as people with a healthy, positive view of themselves understand their potential and may feel inspired to take on new challenges.”
Niecy Nash and Sheryl Lee Ralph, two actresses who have worked in the entertainment industry for many years, recently gave us public examples of powerful self-esteem moments – gold star moments.
Niecy Nash’s acceptance speech for winning a TV Emmy for Outstanding Supporting Actress made the audience howl with laughter when she declared: “I’m a winner, baby. And do you know who I want to thank? I want to thank me. For believing in me and doing what they said I could not do. And I want to say in front of all you beautiful people, go on girl, with your bad self.”
By the WIP Committee
As a reminder, as part of a monthly blog series, we’ve invited members of the NCBA Women in the Profession (WIP) Committee to share their insights on common challenges faced by women in the legal profession. As you will see in their answers, each member brings a unique perspective and personal experience, resulting in varied responses to the same questions. This diversity of thought underscores that there is rarely a single “right” answer to any given situation. We hope these insights offer valuable perspectives for other female attorneys navigating similar dilemmas in the legal workplace.
Parenting is hard. I am the last parent to pick up my children from daycare.
Parenting as an attorney is hard. I miss my children’s activities to meet work obligations.
Parenting with a partner who travels for work is hard. I must scramble when school is out to make sure I have care so I can work.
And this is my life. Does this sound familiar to any of you? Even though I have an invaluable partner who shares most of the domestic responsibility (thank you, Fair Play!), it is hard for him to help when he is traveling for work. I have found it challenging, frustrating, and isolating to be a mom and an attorney. I wanted to share – and/or complain – about my personal experiences, hoping that others in a similar situation may find some solidarity. On a regular basis, I experience one or more of the following dilemmas.
By Nancy Mayer
North Carolina Central University School of Law, 2006.
I work out in the morning and after lunch, I meet with clients and draft documents for clients. These documents include wills, financial powers of attorney, health care powers of attorney including an advance directive, and medical justification for receiving benefits or accommodations. I also meet with clients to discuss end-of-life planning for themselves and others including Medicaid applications. I also spend considerable time in my role as Disaster Disability Integration for the North Carolina Region of the Red Cross.
Tulane Law School, 2003.
As a patent attorney, my typical workday likely differs from that of many other attorneys. A significant part of my day is spent reading about, analyzing, and writing about the technology involved in the patent matters I’m handling. I also spend considerable time consulting with clients, discussing their technology, strategizing how to protect their innovations, and finding ways to navigate around the innovations of others.
By Sophia Blair
Wake Forest University School of Law, 2018.
I love the challenge and daily variety of my work as a commercial litigator at Wyrick Robbins. Typically, I am researching, writing, advising clients, preparing for and attending hearings and depositions, consulting with my colleagues, and supervising and mentoring younger attorneys.
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