We emphasize our commitment to the women’s legal and business communities through a number of initiatives that promote the development of talented women. We especially value those programs that cultivate new and stronger relationships with our clients, colleagues, alumni and other professional women. These initiatives also allow us to enhance our professional development offerings, which bolster opportunities for our women lawyers.

• WISER (Women’s Initiative for Success, Excellence and Retention) is our associate-led women’s network that emphasizes mentorship, professional development, and awareness for lawyers across offices and practice groups. We offer this program in our US offices and in London; in Asia, WISER serves to connect our offices in the region with a platform that fosters an open exchange of ideas.
• All of our women employees in the Americas receive membership benefits for Ellevate, the global women’s network led by Wall Street veteran Sallie Krawcheck. Our relationship with Ellevate creates opportunities for employees to network with other women business leaders around the world, develop cross-industry networks, strengthen business relationships and build additional skill sets.
• WILEF (Women In Law Empowerment Forum) is a member-organization that is dedicated to advancing women in law firms and corporate legal departments.

Recognizing the need that low-income women and women-oriented organizations have for access to legal services, we offer pro bono services to groups whose mission is to defend women’s rights, across the globe. We also partner with service organizations that are focused on empowering women and girls in their communities.

Women Advancing Microfinance International — a global network of and for the advancement of individual women in the microfinance industry.

Urgent Action Fund for Women’s Human Rights —a global women’s fund that protects, strengthens and sustains women’s human rights.

Muslim Women’s Institute for Research and Development — a community service organization, committed to working for the needs of new immigrants.

Her Justice (formerly inMotion) — provides free legal help in family law, divorce and immigration to low-income women living in New York City.

Sanctuary for Families — is dedicated exclusively to serving domestic violence victims, sex trafficking victims, and their children.

MFY Legal Services — provides free legal assistance to New York City residents, prioritizing vulnerable and under-served populations and working to end the root causes of inequities.

Dress for Success — an international non-profit organization that promotes the economic independence of disadvantaged women.

Grace Institute — a non-profit organization that provides tuition-free career training and job placement services to economically disadvantaged women throughout New York City.

Girls on the Run (GOTR) — a local non-profit organization that organizes "running clubs" at public schools for girls ages 8-13 to encourage healthy living habits and positive self-esteem in young girls.

Girl Rising — a global campaign for girls’ education and empowerment with a groundbreaking documentary film at its center

Free to Run – founded by a Shearman alumna, their mission is to use running, physical fitness and outdoor adventure to empower and educate women and girls who have been affected by conflict

Refuge – UK charity supporting victims of domestic violence through a range of services, including refuges, independent advocacy, community outreach and culturally specific services

G.O.A.L.S – nonprofit providing low income women with culturally competent counseling services

Lower Eastside Girls Club – nonprofit in lower Manhattan dedicated to the advancement of girls, and the neighborhood at large