In conversation with Leeanne Mancari

Enhancing the Skills of Women<br> Lawyers in Nepal

What inspired you during the project?

The Nepali women participating in our program inspired me most. They had to overcome significant hurdles to become lawyers and even to attend the program. In Nepal, women are often responsible for taking care of their families. We learned that to continue their legal education and work, these women had to have the support of their husbands and extended families. Often, women travel many miles for schooling or jobs. Sometimes, they do not even get paid for the work they do perform. To see these women show up every day, excited and ready to learn, knowing the hurdles they had to face just to attend our program, was extremely inspiring and made me proud to be a lawyer and, more importantly, to be a woman helping other women to succeed.

Additionally, during the trip I met many wonderful people in Nepal − lawyers and non-lawyers alike. The people of Nepal are extremely community-minded, placing the needs of the community ahead of their own individual needs. This attitude of graciousness permeates the country and inspired me greatly.

What was the most fulfilling aspect of the work?

The most fulfilling aspect of the work was giving the women additional confidence. The training boosted their skills in substantive areas of law as well as in soft lawyer skills, such as business development and marketing. The women contributed and spoke up during the program, strengthening their voices. The most rewarding feedback we received was that they felt more confident as women lawyers as a result of the program, and that was extremely fulfilling to me. Mission accomplished!

What one word describes your trip to Nepal?

Heartwarming.

About Leeanne Mancari

Leeanne is a lawyer in DLA Piper's Los Angeles office.

To see these women show up every day, excited and ready to learn, knowing the hurdles they had to face just to attend our program, was extremely inspiring and made me proud to be a lawyer and, more importantly, to be a woman helping other women to succeed.

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"To see these women show up every day, excited and ready to learn, knowing the hurdles they had to face just to attend our program, was extremely inspiring and made me proud to be a lawyer and, more importantly, to be a woman helping other women to succeed."