WWCDA has four standing umbrella committees that lead and facilitate the events, initiatives, and other activities of the WWCDA: The Executive Committee, Administrative Committees, Program & Initiatives Committees, and Young Professionals Committees. See the Programs & Initiatives Committees descriptions here:
Diversity Committee
The Diversity Committee is responsible for leading and supporting WWCDA’s efforts to promote Inclusion, Diversity, Equity and Access (IDEA). WWCDA is committed to IDEA: as an organization, we are outraged by the racism and other discrimination and intolerances that are prevalent in the U.S. and beyond. As defense lawyers and other professionals, we stand for fairness, equality, civility, and compassion for all people. WWCDA recognizes that, as an organization and as individuals, we have much work to do to help right the wrongs. WWCDA has asked our community, supporters, and other friends to boldly take a stand, and to take action by, among other things, learning more about the issues, working to correct injustices, defending those who are wronged, and leading inclusively.
The WWCDA Diversity Committee is comprised of women from various WWCDA chapters throughout the world. The Committee has two teams: The External-Facing Team, which focuses on activities and initiatives seeking justice in the U.S. and around the globe; and the Internal-Facing Team, which focuses on promoting and supporting diversity within the WWCDA and the legal profession.
Monitor/Receiver Initiative Committee
The Monitor/Receiver Initiative Committee endeavors to increase the number of women being considered for and obtaining engagements as monitors and receivers. WWCDA members are qualified for these roles and indeed many have previously served as monitors or receivers, or have acted in supporting roles to monitors or receivers (such as counsel, investigators or accountants). The Committee helps identify and provide the names of WWCDA members for monitor and receiver opportunities at various government agencies. StoneTurn provides administrative support to this subcommittee.
Rankings & Endorsements Committee
The goal of this subcommittee is to increase the number of and ranking levels for women in rankings publications (e.g., Who’s Who, Chambers, etc.). With help from information received from chapter members, the subcommittee serves as a resource to publishers during the research process and provides recommendations in an effort to improve diversity in their published rankings.
Small Firm Initiative Committee
Founded in 2020, the Small Firm Initiative (SFI) caters to the distinct needs of the small firm professional and promotes the unique value that small firm practice models bring to the white collar legal industry. Over 300 WWCDA members work in firms with fewer than 16 lawyers or other professionals. SFI sponsors regular events, including guest speakers, focused discussion forums and networking opportunities for our members, as well as the broader WWCDA member network. SFI has undertaken initiatives to increase business referrals for SFI and all WWCDA members.
Social Media Committee
The Social Media Committee (“SMS”) administers WWCDA’s Social Media Plan and Policy and WWCDA’s Plan for Generating Content. WWCDA uses four social media platforms — LinkedIn, Twitter, Facebook and YouTube — to showcase WWCDA events, initiatives, and other activities and to raise the profiles of WWCDA, the chapters, and members. Another goal of SMS is to leverage online social networks to promote the Association's brand and provide a platform for member engagement. SMS works with the Chapter Social Media Coordinators, WWCDA representatives, and chapter members to develop content. SMS facilitates the placement of postings on the various platforms with administrative support from FTI Consulting.
Thought Leadership Committee
This subcommittee develops thought leadership pieces, such as a WWCDA survey, the results of which may be used to develop substantive content such as, CLE programs, articles, editorials, white papers, etc. to help raise the profile of the WWCDA, chapters, and members. BRG provides administrative support to this subcommittee.
Additional committee descriptions coming soon.