Sponsoring Women: What Men Need to Know

Ida O. Abbott, Esq., 2014.

Ida Abbott, a popular speaker at NALP conferences, tackles the tough issues of why sponsoring women for leadership matters and how it differs from mentorship — and she directs her message specifically to male law firm leaders, although many PD professionals will also want to read this book. Abbott first addresses what sponsorship is and why it is essential for the advancement of women within law firms, while also addressing the reasons men may not pick women as protégés. She then explains how men can successfully sponsor women for leadership, including specifics on how to provide feedback, respect schedules, and more — while also addressing potential concerns.