DirectWomen is the only program specifically designed to identify, develop, and support a select group of accomplished women attorneys to provide qualified directors needed by the boards of U.S. companies, while promoting the independence and diversity required for good corporate governance.

DirectWomen accomplishes its mission by:

• Providing strategic career development and networking opportunities to women exiting the active practice of business law who wish to continue contributing to the corporate world;
• Reinforcing the merits of gender diversity in the minds of corporate directors, and enhancing their appreciation for the tremendous reservoir of seasoned talent that senior women business law practitioners represent;
• Facilitating access of executive search firms to well-qualified women attorney candidates for independent director positions;
• Recognizing and honoring women attorneys who serve on the boards of public companies, lead corporate America and epitomize the value of diversity in the boardroom with the Sandra Day O'Connor Board Excellence Award.

2009 DirectWomen Board Institute

The 2009 DirectWomen Board Institute will be held on October 29 - 30, at the Waldorf=Astoria in New York. Approximately 20 women attorneys are selected each year to attend the DirectWomen Board Institute. The Institute faculty will feature leading experts on corporate governance and experienced directors. The program will cover topics including the role and work of nominating and corporate governance committees, the evolving nature of shareholder relations, the strategic role of audit committees and the role of executive search firms in board searches. In addition, the Institute will afford participants the opportunity to network with DirectWomen alumnae and past honorees as well as top representatives of executive search firms.

The deadline for the 2009 DirectWomen Board Institute has passed. Please continue to check this website for information about the 2010 DirectWomen Board Institute.