The (un)conference challenges the traditional law conference format. It's an immersive, participant-driven experience at San Diego's Rancho Bernardo Inn for leaders in the legal profession seeking clarity, growth, and community as they navigate life professionally and personally.
Small group discussions and resort activities encourage participants to contribute, not just consume. We prioritize creating positive energy and space to recharge, (un)like those exhausting multi-day conferences. Join us to build deep, trusting connections within a community of professionals embracing opportunities for change.
Step away from daily demands and focus fully on your growth.
Destination
RECOMMENDED ARRIVAL AND DEPARTURE DATES
We recommended arriving
Tuesday, March 3. We intentionally create space for you to schedule client meetings (or personal excursions) on Tuesday and Wednesday morning to help you make the case for attending the (un)conference. The agenda begins at noon on Wednesday.
Programming ends
Friday, March 6, at 10:30 am, making it easy to depart that day. (Or stay through the weekend with our discounted room rate, and make a whole trip out of it!)
HOTEL
Click here to book your discounted room at the Rancho Bernardo Inn. Or, call 844-226-8262 and ask for the National Association of Women Lawyers (NAWL) group rate.
Depending on on availability, the hotel may be able to provide additional nights at the discounted rate. Email us if you're interested in adding more nights outside of the block to your existing reservation.
Please be aware of scammers claiming to offer a better rate at the conference property. Use our link only to book your room. Remember to never follow a link or answer any questions if you are contacted by anyone other than NAWL. Please report any scams to nawl@nawl.org.
TRAVEL
We're partnering with United to offer discounted rates for flights to the (un)conference. Additional information is provided in your registration confirmation email.
We recommend flying into the San Diego International Airport (SAN), about a 30-minute drive from the Rancho Bernardo Inn.
For flexibility and freedom to get around, renting a car is the best option. Ridesharing is also available.
Need help making the case to your employer?
Sponsors
Cabana - Womble
Walk - Delaware ADR
Sponsorship
Our sponsorship packages offer more than visibility. They give you the chance to build genuine connections with senior leaders and high-net-worth individuals in an environment that encourages conversation and trust.
Whether you’re representing a law firm, consumer brand, or another type of organization, sponsoring lets you form relationships that can open doors to lasting opportunities.
The (un)conference is ideal for:
- Legal leaders with at least a decade of experience, eager to collaborate with other change-makers in similar roles and learn from their experiences.
- Innovators wanting to explore new strengths and share strategies to empower transformative change within themselves and their organizations.
- Seasoned attorneys ready to amplify their leadership capabilities and leverage their influence to challenge and rewrite the (un)written rules of the legal profession.
Wednesday
March 4
12:00 pm - 1:30 pm PT
Opening Lunch: First Course, Fresh Perspectives + Welcome Mainstage
A Revolution of Belonging
In a field often marked by long hours, pressure, and competition, how can we reimagine the legal profession so that everyone feels seen, supported, and connected?
Radha Agrawal — author of the bestselling book Belong and founder and community architect of Daybreaker, a global movement of more than 800,000 members in 34 cities around the world — opens the (un)conference with an energizing invitation: to lead a revolution of belonging.
For over a decade, Radha and her team have built communities rooted in wellness, camaraderie, and a touch of mischief — proving that joy and human connection can transform culture anywhere, from dance floors to boardrooms. In this keynote, she’ll share insights and stories about how belonging can help us reshape the way we gather, collaborate, and lead.
Expect an uplifting blend of storytelling, movement, and practical inspiration to help you design environments where belonging — and everyone within them — can truly thrive.
Wednesday
March 4
1:30 pm - 2:00 pm PT
Break
Taking advantage of the beautiful setting, we'll enjoy facilitated activities outdoors.
Wednesday
March 4
2:15 pm - 3:45 pm PT
Small Group Discussions
We'll break into more intimate groups to discuss topics related to the (un)written rules of the legal profession. But rather than being talked at, you will be an integral part of the conversation, with facilitators rather than "speakers" to help guide the discussion.
Personalize your experience by choosing the track that most resonates for you. Look for these icons to identify the sessions in each track:
Wellness
Professional
Visibility
Navigating the C-Suite
Power in Community: Building Your Circle of Trust at the Top
Facilitator:
Building Your Professional Presence with Purpose
Facilitators:
Creating Longevity: Mapping the Seasons of Your Legal Practice
Facilitator:
Wednesday
March 4
5:00 pm - 6:00 pm PT
Starlight Social
What's the best part of being in San Diego in March? Warm weather and beautiful sunsets, of course! Leave your winter wear in your suitcase and join us on the terrace for cocktails.
Wednesday
March 4
6:00 pm - 8:00 pm PT
Alfresco Exchange
We'll keep the warm-weather vibes going with dinner under cafe lights.
Thursday
March 5
8:00 am - 9:00 am PT
Morning Flow Breakfast
Rise and shine! The day begins with yoga for movement and a healthy, delicious breakfast in the sunshine.
Thursday
March 5
9:30 am - 11:00 am PT
Small Group Discussions
Similar in format to Wednesday's Small Group Discussions, you'll choose from the following topics:
A Stroke of Insight: Don’t Let Work Take Over Wellness
Niki had a stroke before she was 40 years old because she did not prioritize herself and her wellness over work. She ignored signs and thought she could do it “all.” Jillian will discuss this challenging time with Niki so we can all learn how to avoid ending up in the same position and instead, learn to say no and prioritize ourselves and our wellness. Niki’s amazing perspective and Jillian’s own transformation through Niki’s experience (Niki is Jillian’s YOLO coach), will provide by humor and perspective to the challenge working women face every day.
Facilitators:
Vice President and General Counsel, Global Investigations, Antitrust, & Anticorruption, Honeywell
The Mirror and the Ladder: Reflecting on Your Journey, Elevating Others
Facilitator:
Serving on Corporate Boards: Dispelling Myths and Demystifying the Process
You've spent years mastering your practice. Now it's time to translate that expertise into boardroom influence. This session tackles the real barriers women face in accessing board opportunities—and the proven strategies to overcome them. Learn how to reframe your legal experience as essential board value, navigate the networks that matter, and position yourself as the obvious choice. Leave with connections, confidence, and a concrete action plan.
Facilitators:
Legal Director, Commercial & Emerging Risks, Uber
Thursday
March 5
11:00 am - 11:30 am PT
Break
Grab a healthy snack before moving on to your next small group discussion.
Thursday
March 5
11:30 am - 1:00 pm PT
Small Group Discussions
Once again, we'll break into more intimate groups discussing those (un)written rules and how they impact us as leaders and the next generation of legal professionals.
Normalizing the Perimenopause Conversation
Facilitator:
Former Attorney & Author, Millennial Menopause: Preparing for Perimenopause, Menopause, and Life's Next Period
Pivot: Identity and Impact Beyond the Top Legal Seat
Facilitators:
The Unwritten Playbook: Navigating Power, Politics, and Perception
Facilitators:
Executive Vice President, Chief Legal Officer, and Chief Compliance Officer,
S&B USA
Partner, Chair, Global Intellectual Property Practice, and Head, IP Litigation Group,
Dechert LLP
Thursday
March 5
1:00 pm - 2:00 pm PT
Lunch Without an Agenda
While we're bringing the group together for lunch, this an an intentionally unstructured break in the day. We have boxed lunches and plenty of seating, but we encourage you to grab your lunch, find folks you're interested in continuing to chat with, and find a beautiful outdoor space on the property to enjoy.
Thursday
March 5
2:00 pm - 4:00 pm PT
Choose Your Own Adventure
For some organic, fun networking opportunities, choose from these resort activities led by members of the Host Committee:
Trail Talk: Guided Afternoon Walk
Join a small group for a refreshing hike (or walk) on a local trail that combines fresh air, movement, and relaxed conversation – perfect for building connections in a casual setting.
Shared Stillness: Sound Bath
Embark on a journey of serenity and renewal with 75 minutes of calming breathwork and sound bathing. This experience is expertly curated to resonate with your unique energy. Immerse yourself in the soothing tones and vibrations, allowing tension to dissolve and a profound sense of balance to take root.
Cabana Conversations: Poolside Cabanas
Join us poolside (or in the hot tub) for plenty of sunshine, bubbly, and healthy snacks.
Cooking Up Connections: Guacamole Competition
Participate in a “San Diego-style” culinary challenge where teams create their winning versions of salsa and guacamole. This high-energy activity will test your skills using "Minute to Win It" games to earn ingredients. Teams present their winning creations to the judge.
Thursday
March 5
4:00 pm PT - Varied End Times
Explore
What's the point of traveling to San Diego if we don't give you time to enjoy it? We've highlighted nearby must-see spots for you to explore on your own or in small groups. More details will be available in the (un)conference app, available to participants about two weeks before the event.
Thursday
March 5
7:00 - 9:00 pm PT
SoCal Supper Club
This will be an unforgettable evening under the San Diego sky, where the stars above set the perfect backdrop for a stunning outdoor dinner. Savor exquisite flavors and enjoy lively conversation.
Friday
March 6
8:00 am - 9:00 am PT
Closing Breakfast: Farewell for Now
This will be our final gathering as a full group as we enjoy the morning fresh air over an outdoor breakfast.
Friday
March 6
9:00 am - 10:30 am PT
Secrets to Success
A dynamic, highly interactive experience designed to spark conversation and collaboration. In this session, Debbie Epstein Henry draws on insights from nearly 100 interviews with thought leaders, TED speakers, and bestselling authors over the past 25 years—sharing short video clips and key takeaways to set the stage.
But the real power comes from you and your peers. Through guided discussions, role-playing exercises, and small-group conversations, we’ll explore topics like relationships, communication, perfectionism, and happiness. You’ll actively engage, exchange ideas, and learn from each other’s perspectives—walking away from the (un)conference not just inspired, but equipped with practical strategies and actionable steps to tackle challenges and grow as a learner and leader.
The (un)conference is open to registered attendees only.
More (un)expected Elements
Attire
Going from terrace yoga, to small-group discussions, to hikes will be much easier in casual or athleisure attire. We encourage you to wear whatever makes you feel comfortable and allows you to move freely.
Treat Yourself! Stay Through the Weekend
(And even bring the fam if you want!) We encourage you to use our discounted room rate to extend your stay over the weekend. Also, we've intentionally kept Wednesday morning and Friday afternoon free for you to spend time with family, friends, or clients.
Registration
Space is limited to ensure an intimate experience. Secure your spot early!
The registration fee is $2,500 which includes:
- Meals from lunch on Wednesday to breakfast on Friday.
- Facilitated round-table workshops and learning materials.
- Group resort activities on- and off-campus.
Need help making the case to your employer?
Host Committee
The Host Committee is made up of an incredible group of members who curate and coordinate the (un)conference, from the networking activities to programming and facilitators.
Stephanie Riley
Of Counsel,
Womble Bond Dickinson (US) LLP
Co-Chair
Renada Williams
SVP, General Counsel and Human Resources,
Kenneth Cole Productions
Co-Chair
Jennifer Arnold
Jennifer Arnold Law P.C.
Alexandra Atencio
Hanson Bridgett LLP
Bernadette Catalana
Thompson, Coe, Cousins & Irons, LLP
Heidi Friedman
Thompson Hine LLP
Lisa Hamasaki
Ogletree Deakins
LaKisha Kinsey-Sallis
Fisher & Phillips LLP
Heather Olson
Olson Law LLC
Lisa Only
Salmon, Ricchezza, Singer & Turchi LLP
Carrie Richey
Womble Bond Dickinson (US) LLP
Joelle Schulze
Prospect Point Recruiting, LLC
Heather Stenmark
Markel
Sheea Sybblis
Boehringer Ingelheim
Rachel Ullrich
FordHarrison LLP
Mona Zeiberg
Morgan, Lewis & Bockius LLP
Frequently Asked Questions
