“Courageous, amazing women who could change my thoughts from I CAN’T to I CAN. ” – Mercedes Meyer, Partner / Co-chair of IP Life Science, Drinker Biddle & Reath LLP
That sentence echoed the mood at ACI’s Women Leaders in Life Sciences Law conference held at Boston’s Omni Parker House from July 23rd-24th. With over 100 women in attendance taking in panels such as “Bossy is a Good Thing: Increasing the Prominence of Women in Leadership Positions and Empowering Women throughout the Life Sciences Legal Community” as well as working groups including, “I Wish Someone Had Told Me”: Advice from Life Sciences General Counsel on Embracing Influence and Power and Running a Successful Legal Department”, the event, part of ACI’s Women Leaders in Law Series, proved to only be a success, it provided a foundation for female empowerment, strength and inspiration.
“[These women] opened my eyes,” says Mercedes. “They shared their courage. Their words resonated at a deep level. Sometimes the glass ceiling is a barrier in our own mind created by our fears and bolstered by our detractors and social mores. We can break through the barrier by being surrounded by others who lift us up.”
Serving as an ice-breaker and introduction to the full program, the first panel of the day, “ Bridging the Confidence Gap to Achieve Success in the Life Sciences Legal World” began at 8:15am on Thursday and was followed by “Owning Your Passion and Collaborating with Colleagues to Drive Success.” Led by conference Co-Chairs Elona Kogan, Chief Legal Counsel & Vice President of Health Policy & Government Affairs, Avanir Pharmaceuticals, Gael Diane Tisack, Terumo Cardiovascular Group Vice President of Legal Affairs, Terumo Americas Vice President of Intellectual Property, Terumo Corporation & Lori G. Cohen, Shareholder and Chair, Pharmaceutical, Medical Device & Health Care Litigation Practice, Greenberg Traurig, LLP, “Bridging the Confidence Gap” was both informative and inspirational, with personal stories blended with professional advice and an overall message of female empowerment.
Sharing in laughter, stories and experiences, the energy in the air could be described as warm, friendly and uplifting. As a collective group, the panel all stood behind the idea that women, not just in life sciences law, but as a whole, shouldn’t be afraid to speak up, to ask for what they want, and to know their value. Check out some attendee testimonials below:
“Truly wonderful conference- I’ve learned so much and met so many wonderful people”
“Absolutely fantastic program- best networking opportunities out of all the conferences I attend”
“The chairs were absolutely great”
“Interesting to hear from government speakers”
“The substantive law panel was very informative”
“I really enjoyed hearing about how women are forming networks”
“Thank you to the COO and CEO keynote speakers… so inspiring”
“I enjoyed the facilitated discussion at lunch… it kept everyone involved”
“Very enjoyable opportunity to connect with colleagues of a similar background and to network”
“Worth the time and travel… the participants and wealth of knowledge was high value…
“All speakers were very good- some were above and beyond memorable”
“It’s helpful to hear from and speak to other women colleagues”
