The Women in Law Conference | Vienna | September 11-13, 2025
Women in Law
Conference 2025

Vienna, Austria | international experts | September 11 - 13, 2025

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Justitia Awards Gala 2025
3 days of networking
3 in-depth panel discussions
A Global Vision for Equality
Redefining Justice
Justice for all
Legal Activism

Women in Migration

The Women in Law Initiative

The Women in Law Initiative connects female* legal professionals (and their male* allies) from all around the globe, organizes international conferences, and presents the annual Justitia Awards.

Topics 2025

Three Conference Tracks 

  1. Women in Migration
    Law and Enforcement: Global Challenges, Local Solutions
  2. Legal Activism
    Leveraging Strategic Litigation and Arbitration for a Just Future
  3. Justice for All
    Breaking (Bad) Barriers to Legal Access

From theory to practice in each track 

  • Introductory lecture (keynote) and panel input by experts  
  • Interactive learning & best practice workshop

NOW AVAILABLE – DISCOUNTED AIR FARES with our partner the Lufthansa Group airlines. You can choose from an extensive network of around 310 destinations worldwide, as well as additional destinations on Air Canada and United Airlines North Atlantic routes. Discounted rates are valid up to one week before and one week after the event. Book your flight to Vienna HERE.

Why join?

International speakers & panelists

3 in-depth panel discussions

3 days of networking

Delve into the most pressing topics for women* in the legal professions today. Join three tracks, and share your thoughts, experiences, and knowledge with women* and male* allies from around the globe.

Join Now
86Days
23Hours
5Mins
55Secs
We are delighted to invite you to this inspiring and empowering event, the Women in Law Conference 2025, where legal professionals from around the world will come together to connect, exchange ideas and celebrate excellence in the legal field.
President Women in Law Initiative

Alix Frank-Thomasser

President | The Women in Law Initiative
Rechtsanwalt Franz Heidinger Wien

Franz J. Heidinger

Secretary General | Justitia Awards

Program

September 11-13, 2025 (CEST)
Day 1
Sep 11, 2025
Day 2
Sep 12, 2025
Day 3
Sep 13, 2025

Check-In

Check-in will take place from 2:00 PM to 3:00 PM, including welcome coffee and cake. This is a great opportunity to meet fellow participants, network, and prepare for an engaging day ahead. We look forward to welcoming you at the Juridicum Vienna, Schottenbastei 7-9, 1010 Vienna, Entrance: Hessgasse

Welcome to Women in Law 2025

We’re starting off The Women in Law Conference 2025 with a warm welcome to all attendees. All Sessions take place at the Faculty of Law Vienna, Schottenbastei 7-9, 1010 Vienna,  [open map]
Ghada Waly
Director-General Ghada Waly
Rechtsanwalt Franz Heidinger Wien
Franz J. Heidinger
President Women in Law Initiative
Alix Frank-Thomasser

Women in Migration – Law and Enforcement: Global Challenges, Local Solutions

TRACK 1: This panel will gather leading experts to explore the multifaceted challenges faced by women in migration, particularly through the lens of law and enforcement. With a focus on women’s rights, we will address critical issues such as gender-based violence, labor exploitation, access to healthcare, and the impact of migration policies on women’s safety and well-being. The discussion will highlight how these challenges differ across regions and examine effective global and local solutions aimed at safeguarding migrant women’s rights. Join us for an insightful dialogue on enhancing legal protections and creating inclusive migration policies that prioritize the needs of women. Moderated by: Dr. Koko Warner, Director at IOM – UN Migration
Gary McIndoe speaker at Women in Law Conference
Gary McIndoe
Dorota Beange speaker at Women in Law Conference
Dorota Beange
Ulrike Butschek, speaker at Women in Law conference 2025
Ulrike Butschek
Marie Segrave University of Melbourne Migration
Marie Segrave
Dr. Koko Warner, Director at IOM - UN Migration at Women in Law Conference Vienna
Koko Warner
Namira Negm Speaker Women in Law conference 2025
Namira Negm
Wisla-Plonka speaker at Women in Law Conference 2025
Joanna Wisła-Płonka

Interactive Q&A Session Track 1

Interactive Q&A Session to TRACK 1: Women in Migration – Law and Enforcement: Global Challenges, Local Solutions
Dr. Koko Warner, Director at IOM - UN Migration at Women in Law Conference Vienna
Koko Warner

General Information Session

The Wrap up and General Information Session will provide key details about the daily schedule, logistical updates, and other important information.
tba

Get-Together at Viennese Heuriger

The Women in Law Initiative invites all attendees to a traditional Viennese Heuriger (wine-tavern) at “10er Marie Heuriger“, Ottakringerstrasse 222-224, 1160 Vienna. Tram 44: Johannes Krawarik Gasse or via Subway U3: Ottakring

Check-In with Breakfast

Check-in with breakfast from 8:30 AM to 9:15 AM. This is a great opportunity to meet fellow participants, network, and prepare for an engaging day ahead. We look forward to welcoming you at the Juridicum Vienna, Schottenbastei 7-9, 1010 Vienna, Entrance: Hessgasse

Welcome & General Information Session

The General Information Session will provide key details about the daily schedule, logistical updates, and other important information.
Rechtsanwalt Franz Heidinger Wien
Franz J. Heidinger
President Women in Law Initiative
Alix Frank-Thomasser

Conference Keynote

Join us for the keynote presentation. We will announce all keynote speakers here in due course.
tba

Legal Activism: Leveraging Strategic Litigation and Arbitration for a Just Future

TRACK 2: Join international legal experts for a dynamic discussion on the evolving role of strategic litigation and arbitration in resolving complex disputes across borders. This panel will explore the latest trends, challenges, and opportunities in both fields, examining how legal strategies are shaping industries, human rights cases, and international relations. This panel will highlight how strategic litigation presents unique opportunities for women in the legal sector, empowering them to challenge injustices and advance gender equality. Whether through arbitration in global business conflicts or litigation to drive social change, our speakers will shed light on the impact and potential of these powerful legal tools in today’s interconnected world. Moderated by: Dr. J. Jarpa Dawuni
Alexander Wilfinger
Alexander Wilfinger
Linda Chanow
Linda Chanow
Fremuth-Wolf Women in Law Conference
Alice Fremuth-Wolf
Speaker Women in Law Conference 2025
Romana Wochner
J. Jarpa Dawuni WIL2025
J. Jarpa Dawuni
Women in Law Pakistan
Nida Usman Chaudhary
Dr. Guerrero Women in Law Conference
Marion Guerrero

Interactive Q&A Session Track 2

Interactive Q&A Session to TRACK 2: Legal Activism
J. Jarpa Dawuni WIL2025
J. Jarpa Dawuni

Networking Lunch Break

Sportlight: Meet the leaders of our mentoring programme
WIL MENTORING PROGRAM
Lauren Kohn
MENTORING WOMEN IN LAW
Aida von Schulman

Justice for All: Breaking (Bad) Barriers to Legal Access

TRACK 3: This panel will explore the critical need for legal advice, with a focus on supporting women and other marginalized groups. The discussion will address key topics such as pro bono legal services, legal aid and third-party financing of litigation as well as alternative dispute resolution mechanisms, contingency fee arrangements, class actions and AI solutions. Our panel of experts will shed light on how these services can empower individuals in vulnerable situations and the ways in which systemic barriers to justice can be overcome. The panel will also explore whether state or private entities are better suited to handle litigation funding and process financing taking into account quota litis implications (contingency fee arrangements) and pro bono litigation. Join us for a deep dive into creating fair and inclusive access to legal support for all. Moderated by Tatiana Veress
Ayse Yazir WIL2025
Ayse Yazir
Paul Yates Speaker at Women in Law Wien
Paul Yates
Tamara Walsh
Tamara Walsh
Women in Law Conference Vienna 2025
Fiorentina Azizi-Hacker
Sandra S. Yamate
Sandra S. Yamate
Dr. Sally Penni
Dr. Sally Penni
Moderator Women in Law Conference
Tatiana Veress

Interactive Q&A Session Track 3

Interactive Q&A Session to Track 3: Justice for All
Moderator Women in Law Conference
Tatiana Veress

Conclusion | Wrap up & Farewell

This session marks the conclusion of our conference and afterwards we look forward to welcoming all attendees to the Justitia Awards Gala 2025. Check-in at 7:00 PM, with the gala commencing at 7:30 PM
Rechtsanwalt Franz Heidinger Wien
Franz J. Heidinger
President Women in Law Initiative
Alix Frank-Thomasser
3:45 pm -7:00 pm

Time to Unwind for all attendees of the Justitia Awards Gala 2025

Justitia Awards Gala 2025

We are delighted to welcome you to the Justitia Awards Gala 2025. Please arrive early to allow sufficient time for check-in and seating (7:00 PM – 7:30 PM). Formal attire is requested. Location: University of Vienna, Großer Festsaal, Universitätsring 1, 1010 Vienna

Women in Law Initiative Breakfast

We welcome you at our office at Alix Frank Rechtsanwälte GmbH, Schottengasse 10, 1010 Vienna
Rechtsanwalt Franz Heidinger Wien
Franz J. Heidinger
President Women in Law Initiative
Alix Frank-Thomasser

Social Program

Option 1: Tour of the Mozart House, Vienna Option 2: Walk through the vineyards and Lunch at a wine tavern

Speakers

Meet the internationally renowned speakers, panelists, and workshop facilitators of The Women in Law Conference 2025. ~updated continually~
MENTORING WOMEN IN LAW

Aida von Schulman

MENTORING PROGRAMME
Alexander Wilfinger

Alexander Wilfinger

Track II - Legal Activism
Fremuth-Wolf Women in Law Conference

Alice Fremuth-Wolf

Track II - Legal Activism
Ayse Yazir WIL2025

Ayse Yazir

Track III - Justice for All
Dorota Beange speaker at Women in Law Conference

Dorota Beange

Track I - Women in Migration
Dr. Sally Penni

Dr. Sally Penni

Track III - Justice for All
Women in Law Conference Vienna 2025

Fiorentina Azizi-Hacker

Track III - Justice for All
Gary McIndoe speaker at Women in Law Conference

Gary McIndoe

Track I - Women in Migration
J. Jarpa Dawuni WIL2025

J. Jarpa Dawuni

Moderator Track II - Legal Activism
Wisla-Plonka speaker at Women in Law Conference 2025

Joanna Wisła-Płonka

Track I - Women in Migration
Dr. Koko Warner, Director at IOM - UN Migration at Women in Law Conference Vienna

Koko Warner

Moderator Track 1: Women in Migration
WIL MENTORING PROGRAM

Lauren Kohn

MENTORING PROGRAMME
Linda Chanow

Linda Chanow

Track II - Legal Activism
Marie Segrave University of Melbourne Migration

Marie Segrave

Track I - Women in Migration
Dr. Guerrero Women in Law Conference

Marion Guerrero

Track II - Legal Activism
Namira Negm Speaker Women in Law conference 2025

Namira Negm

Track I - Women in Migration
Women in Law Pakistan

Nida Usman Chaudhary

Track II - Legal Activism
Paul Yates Speaker at Women in Law Wien

Paul Yates

Track III - Justice for All
Speaker Women in Law Conference 2025

Romana Wochner

Track II - Legal Activism
Sandra S. Yamate

Sandra S. Yamate

Track III - Justice for All
Tamara Walsh

Tamara Walsh

Track III - Justice for All
Moderator Women in Law Conference

Tatiana Veress

Moderator Track III - Justice for All
Ulrike Butschek, speaker at Women in Law conference 2025

Ulrike Butschek

Track I - Women in Migration
Get your conference ticket now. Enter your discount code in the coupon code field at check out.
Regular Ticket
400.00 EUR

full access

networking sessions

Justitia Award Ceremony

Reception at Viennese Heuriger

join 3 tracks

 

regular attendance

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Legal Expert in Training
200.00 EUR

full access

networking sessions

Justitia Award Ceremony

Reception at Viennese Heuriger

join 3 tracks

 

associates, etc under the age of 35

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Student
55.00 EUR

full access

networking sessions

Justitia Award Ceremony

Reception at Viennese Heuriger

join 3 tracks

 

students under the age of 27

Book Now

Academic Advisory Board

The Academic Advisory Board is charged with upholding the academic quality of The Women in Law Conference and setting its agenda.

Birgit Forgó-Feldner

Professor | University of Vienna, School of Law

Birgit Spießhofer

Europe Chief Sustainability & Governance Counsel | Dentons Europe LLP

Christian Berger

Economic Policy Advisor | Vienna Chamber of Labor; Lecturer at several universities

Christiane Wendehorst

University of Vienna, Department of Civil Law; President | European Law Institute (ELI)

Ilse Reiter-Zatloukal

Head | Department for Legal and Constitutional History of the Law Faculty at the University of Vienna

Laura Carlson

Professor in private law at the Department of Law | Stockholm University

Lizzette Robleto de Howarth

Leader, Lawyer, Academic and Advocate | Senior Lecturer at The University of Law

Maeve O’Rourke

Director of postgraduate Human Rights Law Clinic | ICHR

Margaret Thornton

Emerita Professor | ANU College of Law; Barrister of the Supreme Court of NSW & the High Court of Australia

Marie-Therese Claes

Professor Gender and Diversity at WU Vienna

Satang Nabaneh

Director of Programs & Research Professor of Law | University of Dayton

Stefan Perner

Head | Institute for Civil and Civil Procedure Law | Vienna University of Economics and Business

Verica Trstenjak

former Advocate General | ECJ; Member of the Executive Board | EU Agency of Fundamental Rights

Justitia Awards 2024

Justitia Awards 2023

Conference Venue

Faculty of Law Vienna
Schottenbastei 10-16, 1010 Vienna, Austria
+43 1 523 27 27 info@womeninlaw.info

Motel One Wien-Staatsoper

Elisabethstraße 5, 1010 Wien | +43 1 5850505 | wien-staatsoper@motel-one.com
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Hotel Josefhof am Rathaus

Josefsgasse 4-8, 1080 Vienna | +43 1 404 19 | reservierung@josefhof.at | mention conference room allocation
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EXCLUSIVE AND DISCOUNTED AIR FARES

We are pleased to offer exclusive travel discounts with our partner, the Lufthansa Group airlines. The global route network of Austrian Airlines, Lufthansa, SWISS, Brussels Airlines and Eurowings offers optimal connections and combinations, so you can take advantage of fast and direct flights to the event. You can choose from an extensive network of around 310 destinations worldwide, as well as additional destinations on Air Canada and United Airlines North Atlantic routes. Discounted rates are valid up to one week before and one week after the event.

Get your discount on airline fares here: https://www.lufthansa.com/event/women-in-law-conference-2025 

Together with the Lufthansa Group airlines, we look forward to welcoming you at the Women in Law Conference 2025 in Vienna.

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Cooperation Partners

  • Meeting Destination Vienna