The 2026 Leadership Academy is open to GAWL members who graduated from law school in or before 2021 and is an intensive seminar that provides participants with the opportunity to develop valuable leadership skills and to become a more effective leader at work and in the community.  Through the Leadership Academy, participants will also have the opportunity to interact and develop new professional relationships with other key leaders within the Bar and the State, including judges, politicians and attorneys.  The Leadership Academy also enables participants to become more involved with GAWL, and to network and learn with other attorneys.  Each participant who successfully completes the Leadership Academy will receive CLE credit and will become a member of an active alumni association of past Leadership Academy graduates.    

DEADLINE TO APPLY August 1, 2026.

Apply here: 2026 GAWL Leadership Academy Application

THE LEADERSHIP ACADEMY IS BIENNIAL WITH APPLICATIONS REOPENING IN 2026.

EXPRESS YOUR INTEREST TODAY BY CONTACTING THE LEADERSHIP COMMITTEE AT LEADERSHIP@GAWL.ORG

This Intensive leadership training program teaches attorneys to develop meaningful and practical leadership skills for use in law practice, community, and life. Participants will hear from a number of high-profile women leaders in the Georgia legal community, including a panel discussion with a number of past GAWL presidents, and will engage in team-building, coaching, and mentoring exercises.

“Through GAWL’s Leadership Academy we will continue to foster an environment where women can grow and develop professionally and personally. We look forward to another year of successful, inspiring, motivating, and intellectually stimulating sessions!” 

~Michelle West, former GAWL Leadership Vice President.

The program consists of five main sessions throughout the year and several supplemental sessions, including three overnight sessions (may require in-state travel) and two one day sessions (in Atlanta). Past locations for Leadership Academy overnight sessions are The Ritz Carlton Lodge at Reynolds Plantation, Chateau Elan, and Brasstown Valley Resort and Spa in North Georgia.

The Leadership Academy is a biennial program open to all Georgia female attorneys who have been practicing for 5 years or more. You do not have to be a GAWL member to apply to the Leadership Academy, but you do have to be a GAWL member to attend.