New Perimeter conducts fifth training for women lawyers in Nepal

New Perimeter, DLA Piper's nonprofit affiliate that provides long-term pro bono legal assistance in under-served regions around the world, conducted its fifth training for female lawyers in Nepal. New Perimeter once again partnered with Canadian NGO Women Lawyers Joining Hands (WLJH) and the Nepal Bar Association as a part of an initiative to provide mentorship and continuing legal education to female Nepali lawyers. The United Nations Development Programme provided technical and financial support for the project.

The training, held November 16-22, 2019, in Kathmandu, Nepal, was led by a team of DLA Piper lawyers from the US and Australia, Canadian lawyers volunteering with WLJH, and Nepali lawyers from the Nepal Bar Association, some of whom were participants in previous iterations of the training. The program included a course on legal ethics and professional responsibility, corporate and commercial law, and intellectual property for a group of 30 women lawyers who were new to the program. The training also included courses on negotiations, mediation, and arbitration and advocacy for 30 women who participated in the 2018 training. Both groups of women also participated in an interactive session focused on client interviewing and active listening.

"It was a privilege for us to have the opportunity to return to Nepal and work with a new group of motivated and energetic lawyers," said Lisa Dewey, director of New Perimeter. "We continue to be inspired by the attorneys' passion for their work, and we were proud to see firsthand the positive impact of this initiative, as we have remained in touch with previous trainees and continue to expand the curriculum to address the interests and professional development needs of the participants."

The training is part of a larger initiative developed by the Nepal Bar Association and WLJH to provide female lawyers in Nepal with mentorship and ongoing training to deepen their networks and skills, and provide opportunities for advancement, particularly in the corporate field, on the bench, and in other prominent roles.

"The training sessions have a significant impact on the careers of these women lawyers, who learn concrete, practical legal skills and gain valuable experience that will improve their interactions with clients," said Saroj K. Ghimire of the Nepal Bar Association. "The participants always walk away with increased confidence and meaningful connections with peers and mentors that will serve them well as they advance in the legal profession."

"Our continued partnership with DLA Piper and the Nepal Bar Association has allowed us to play a role in the professional development of dozens of talented Nepali lawyers and witness the growth in both their skillsets and their networks throughout these training sessions," said Anne Parker of Women Lawyers Joining Hands. "We look forward to continuing to work together to provide this impactful opportunity in the future."

In addition to Dewey, the DLA Piper team that conducted the trainings in Nepal included partners Ileana Blanco (Houston), Kristin Franceschi (Baltimore) and Andrew Valentine (Silicon Valley); senior consultant Elizabeth Johnstone (Sydney); and associates Susan Acquista (San Diego), Marina Ahmad (Los Angeles) and Natasha Kanerva (New York). Pro bono counsel Suzanna Brickman (Silicon Valley) managed the project.

About DLA Piper

DLA Piper is a global law firm with lawyers located in more than 40 countries throughout the Americas, Europe, the Middle East, Africa and Asia Pacific, positioning us to help clients with their legal needs around the world. In certain jurisdictions, this information may be considered attorney advertising.

About New Perimeter

New Perimeter is a nonprofit organization established by global law firm DLA Piper to provide pro bono legal assistance in under-served regions around the world to support access to justice, social and economic development and sound legal institutions. Founded in 2005 as a result of our firm’s commitment to support legal advancement worldwide, New Perimeter’s vision is to harness the skills and talents DLA Piper lawyers to further a more just world for all.

Contacts

Geneva Youel, Media Relations, DLA Piper, T. 213.330.7779