“One day in second grade, I was so engrossed in a book that I forgot where I was until the teacher put her hand on my shoulder. Later she told the whole class: ‘Barbara was so interested in reading that she did not even hear the recess bell.’ It was the proudest moment of my life to that point… In a larger sense, however, that thrilling moment stayed with me. Reading has shaped my character, perhaps more than anything else.”
– Barbara Babcock, Fish Raincoats KF373.B23 A3 2016
A love of reading is often one of those early signs in young people that fosters continued education in life and a drive to know and learn more. Tomorrow July 19th as women in academia converge at the School of Law for a conference focused on leadership we in the library hope that some titles from our collection will not only support those attending the conference, but those who visit the library and are interested in the topics discussed over the next few days. Stop by the front of the library and check out items on display. A few choice blurbs from some of the books on display are listed below:
Stories from Trailblazing Women Lawyers, KF 299.W6 N65 2018
Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg had a definite philosophy of style: “I never succumbed to the fact that you had to dress like a man… As I became more professionally involved and reached a level where I became respected as a person, I always though it was important never to lose my femininity in order to be successful… I was proud of the fact that, as a woman, I was able to reach a certain level of achievement. On the bench I wore a scarf (often colorful) not a jabot.
Grit, The Secret to Advancement: Stories of Successful Women Lawyers, KF 299.W6 H64 2017
Although this book is broken down into sections intended for solo practitioners, law firm lawyers and government or non-profit lawyers, the nuggets of advice throughout can be carried over into higher education and any other career goal. The focus is on differentiating “grit” from achievement, dependability and other more common characteristics found in leaders. “Gritty individuals will set long term goals for themselves and will persistently pursue those goals, regardless of whether there is regular feedback and positive reinforcement.”
Legally Mom: Real Women’s Stories of Balancing Motherhood & Law Practice, KF 299.W6 B76 2012
Whether you are a practicing attorney, transitioning to legal education or anywhere in between and you find yourself a mother as well as a legal professional this book offers true gems of advice broken out into little boxes throughout each chapter highlighting other working-mom-lawyer takeaways from their own experiencing climbing their respective career ladders in heels. “Rona was unsure how much time she would be able to devote to her family as she entered legal academia… but her motivation at the time was to secure a position that was meaningful in which she could begin to build a career.”
Empowerment and Leadership: Tried and True Methods for Women Lawyers, KF299.W6 E57 2003
From the American Bar Association’s Commission on Women in the Profession comes this practical guide which outlines topics including culture, marketing, networking, and compensation. “Of critical importance in navigating through an organization to reach the top levels is having the right mentor. Women from almost every focus group noted that the one factor that was critical in helping them attain leadership roles was having a strong mentor to push and encourage them…you become stronger and more confident.”
Learning to Lead: What Really Works for Women in Law, KF299.W6 V56 2013
Also from the ABA’s Commission on Women in the Profession comes an easily digested read which attempts to not only illustrate what leadership is but relays through quotes and interviews summarized plans of action that you can incorporate into your own goal setting. In a segment on taking risks, a quote from Eleanor Roosevelt begins the sub-chapter: “You gain strength, courage and confidence by every experience in which you really stop to look fear in the face.” Followed by insights from Sheryl Sandberg, chief operating officer at Facebook and former Google employee on her real-life decision making when confronted with major employment changes: “Learning to face your fears is actually the best part of accepting opportunity… You’ll experience the lightness of being. If you’re offered a seat on a rocket ship, you don’t ask what seat. Get on the rocket ship… It’s the place where you develop. Resist the desire to head back to comfort and you’ll have expanded leadership capacity.”
#WLAConf18
A Library with a View @ Georgia Law 