Professional Development Academy - Georgia Association of Black Women Attorneys

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Professional Development Academy

Launched in 2008 GABWA’s Professional Development Academy was founded with the vision and purpose to provide intense professional and personal development to GABWA members beginning their careers in the legal profession.

The Academy ultimately increases the level of professionalism among new lawyers and helps them start their careers at a professional advantage.

The academy is held twice per year, and each session consists of ten classes over a four-week period. The classes are taught by well-recognized leaders in the Atlanta community and cover topics such as Social Media Etiquette, Building Relationships, The Business of Practicing Law, and much more. PDA has won local, regional, and national acclaim, and the model is being replicated throughout Georgia and the nation. The Academy is open to student GABWA members in their third or fourth year (if applicable) of law school in Georgia; GABWA members who are law school graduates and are studying for the bar exam or waiting for bar exam results; and GABWA members who have been practicing law for less than four (4) years.

Since its inception, PDA has graduated more than 500 new lawyers. These graduates have gone on to lead local bar associations, become partners in large law firms, start their own successful law practices, and much more.

Here’s a quote from an alumna:

"The practice of law is about more than the quality of your work, it is also largely influenced by the quality of your community engagement and network.

My GABWA Professional Development Academy (“PDA”) experience, which would not have been possible without the leadership and foresight of PDA Founder Sam Woodhouse, pushed me to think more strategically and intentionally about my professional growth. After moving back home to Atlanta and transitioning to a new firm, PDA provided the tools and support to help me effectively re-engage with the legal community.

Through practical resources, thoughtful programming, and intimate interaction with notable members of the State Bar of Georgia, PDA taught me that it is important to strike a balance between developing meaningful relationships and managing a demanding caseload, both are vital to a successful legal career."

Alumna, Professional Development Academy, Class of Fall 2017

Jessica F. Nwokocha

Litigation Associate

Balch & Bingham LLP

New Member Signup

If you are interested in applying for the Academy, you must submit a complete application package via email to Mecca Anderson, PDA Dean, at gabwa.PDA@gmail.com by midnight on the application due date.

The application package must contain the following:

1. Your resumé.

2. A statement confirming you are current in your GABWA dues. GABWA membership/dues payment is mandatory for acceptance into the Academy.

3. Two letters of recommendation. One letter of recommendation must be from a current GABWA member.

Join or renew your membership at www.gabwa.org.

If you are unable to meet these requirements but are still interested in applying or have clarifying questions, please send an email to the Dean at gabwa.PDA@gmail.com.

Single paragraph answers to the following:

a. How would you describe yourself to a potential mentor?

b. How has your childhood and/or background prepared you (or not) for the legal profession?

c. What is one thing you’re afraid to admit about yourself that others have pointed
out to you?

d. What is a skill you wish to strengthen through guidance and support?

e. What is one impression people often get wrong about you?

f. Describe an adversary or adversarial situation that ended up being a great teacher.

g. Describe your involvement with GABWA.

Please save fill out the following application:

Follow the application instructions carefully. Because the Academy is increasingly competitive, failure to do so may be automatically disqualifying.

Your answers to the short essay questions should be thoughtful, candid and revealing.

PDA Application

The Professional Development Academy Frequently Asked Questions:

Q: If I have applied to PDA before and was not accepted, should I reapply?
A: Absolutely and we encourage you to apply again. PDA is a competitive program and we anticipate more qualified applicants than we can accept.

Q: How can I increase my chances of being accepted?
A: 1. You must meet all prerequisites. If you are unable to meet these requirements or have clarifying questions, please send an email to the Dean at gabwa.PDA@gmail.com.

Q: The dress code at my office is business casual. Do I have to dress in business attire?
A: Yes. The dress code is business attire for all Academy participants.

Q: How many CLE credits does PDA offer and how do I claim them?
A: The CLE credits offered by PDA varies from year to year, depending on the topics offered each session and approval by the State Bar of Georgia.

Typically, the CLE credits available range from 12-18 general credits, with 1 ethics credit included.

To claim your CLE credits, you must provide your name and State Bar number at each meeting during the Spring 2022 session. If you have not yet sat for the Georgia Bar Exam, you may provide your name and State Bar number at a later date. At this time, PDA only applies for CLE credits approved by the State Bar of Georgia.

At the end of the Spring 2022 session, your name and State Bar number will be submitted to the State Bar of Georgia for application of the approved CLE credits. You will then receive an invoice from the State Bar of Georgia for payment of the fees assessed for each CLE credit. Any questions regarding CLE applications may be directed to the Dean or PDA Board.

Q: Who should I ask to write my letters of recommendation?
A: Ideally, one letter should be from a current employer. If that is not applicable, then the letter should come from a prior employer, law school professor or someone who has observed you in a professional setting. One letter must come from a current GABWA member.

Suggestions for letter content include:
• A description of your personal and/or professional growth;
• A description of your personality and why you would benefit from - and be an asset to - the Academy;
• Identification of areas or opportunities for growth.

If you are unable to meet these requirements or have clarifying questions, please send an email to the Dean at gabwa.PDA@gmail.com.

Q: What are the requirements to graduate?
A: To participate in the graduation and to be recognized as an alumnus of the Academy, Participants:
• are allowed one excused absence. Specific instructions will be provided during Orientation;
• must dress in business professional attire; and
• must fully participate in the Academy.

Ultimately, graduation is at the discretion of the Dean in conjunction with the Professional Development Academy Board.

We look forward to receiving your application package. Should you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact us at gabwa.PDA@gmail.com

Please save fill out the following application:

Follow the application instructions carefully. Because the Academy is increasingly competitive, failure to do so may be automatically disqualifying.

Your answers to the short essay questions should be thoughtful, candid and revealing.

Begin and Submit PDA Application