Program 2026
International speakers & panelists | 4 in-depth panel discussions | 3 days of networking | Preliminary programDay 1
Sep 10, 2026
12:00 pm - 1:00 pm
Faculty of Law, Juridicum, Rooftop, Schottenbastei 10-16, 1010 Wien
Check-In & Welcome
Check-in will take place from 12:00 PM to 1:00 PM, including welcome coffee and cake. This is a great opportunity to meet fellow participants, network, and prepare for an engaging day ahead. Please note, that the detailed program will follow soon.
1:00 pm–2:00 pm
Faculty of Law, Juridicum, Rooftop, Schottenbastei 10-16, 1010 Vienna
Welcome to Women in Law 2026 – Official Opening
We’re starting off The Women in Law Conference 2026 with a warm welcome to all attendees. All Sessions take place at the Juridicum, Rooftop, Schottenbastei 10-16, 1010 Vienna
Franz J. Heidinger
Alix Frank-Thomasser
Facing the Backlash: Defending Women´s Rights in a Time of Setback
TRACK 1: Focus on the global overview of current developments, including the DEI backlash in the United States and its global implications. Discussion on maintaining progress achieved over the past decades, the rise of right-wing movements, and the political landscape in Europe and beyond. Moderated by: TBA
tba
3:30 pm-4:00 pm
Faculty of Law, Juridicum, Rooftop, Schottenbastei 10-16, 1010 Vienna
Male Allies in Action: From Awareness to Engagement
TRACK 2: Discussion of declining male ally engagement, especially among younger generations and within universities. Planned exploration of best practices, including insights from Africa and Australia. Topics such as toxic masculinity and generational shifts will be addressed. A year-round campaign on male allyship is planned. Moderated by: TBA
tba
5:30 pm – 6:00 pm
Faculty of Law, Juridicum, Rooftop, Schottenbastei 10-16, 1010 Vienna
General Information Session
The Wrap up and General Information Session will provide key details about the daily schedule, logistical updates, and other important information.
7:00 pm
Heuriger | Viennese Wine Tavern "10er Marie"
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
Day 2
Sep 11, 2026
8:30 am - 9:00 am
Faculty of Law, Juridicum, Rooftop, Schottenbastei 10-16, 1010 Vienna
Check-In & Morning Coffee
Check-in & Morning Coffee from 8:30 AM to 9:00 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 Faculty of Law, Juridicum, Rooftop, Schottenbastei 10-16, 1010 Vienna
9:00 am – 9:30 am
Faculty of Law, Juridicum, Rooftop, Schottenbastei 10-16, 1010 Vienna
Welcome & General Information Session
The General Information Session will provide key details about the daily schedule, logistical updates, and other important information.
Franz J. Heidinger
Alix Frank-Thomasser
AI and the Future of Work: Gender Equality in the Age of Automation
TRACK 3: Examination of AI-driven changes in the workplace, legal implications, and the ways automated systems reinforce gender bias. Focus on regulatory frameworks and the increasing scale of the challenge. Moderated by: TBA
tba
12:00 pm-1:00 pm
Faculty of Law, Juridicum, Rooftop, Schottenbastei 10-16, 1010 Vienna
Roadmap to Equality and Women´s Rights in Practice
TRACK 4: A hands-on track addressing strategic litigation, tools available to practitioners across courts (European courts, human rights courts, U.S. context, etc.), and mechanisms to empower the next generation of human rights defenders. Aim: bridge the gap between legal norms and practical outcomes. Moderated by: TBA
tba
2:45 pm-3:15 pm
Faculty of Law, Juridicum, Rooftop, Schottenbastei 10-16, 1010 Vienna
3:15 pm-4:00 pm
Faculty of Law, Juridicum, Rooftop, Schottenbastei 10-16, 1010 Vienna
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 2026.
Franz J. Heidinger
Alix Frank-Thomasser
7:00 pm - 10:00 pm
TBA
Justitia Awards Gala 2026
We are delighted to welcome you to the Justitia Awards Gala 2026. Please arrive early to allow sufficient time for check-in and seating (7:00 PM – 7:30 PM). Formal attire is requested. Location: TBA
Day 3
Sep 12, 2026
10:30 am – 1:00 pm
TBA
Social Saturday
Breakfast at Alix Frank Rechtsanwälte followed by a walk through the vineyards. Lunch at a wine tavern