Lisa Spencer, President at Henson Efron, knows women make fantastic leaders. They lead with emotional intelligence, impacting the skills they draw upon to move forward. Spencer forged her career, making it less about breaking the glass ceiling and more about honing legal and leadership skills. “A woman’s path to leadership is not necessarily rooted in the same traditions that have worked for men,” she says. “What is true for all paths, however, is having a great mentor who helps you recognize opportunities and supports your growth.”

In 2022, the American Bar Association reported that approximately 55% of law school students are women. But only 12% are managing partners, 28% are governance committee members, and 27% are practice group leaders (according to the National Association of Women Lawyers). Spencer offers this encouragement to women aspiring to leadership, “Be open to constructive critique and always seek ways to improve.” For Spencer, this meant focusing on relationship building, taking on speaking engagements to overcome a fear of speaking, attending seminars on women in leadership, and developing a solid legal practice to shape her confidence.

Spencer’s path was non-traditional. Her 23-year career at Henson Efron began when she was a new mother fresh out of law school. She’s created a life that includes family, a successful legal practice, and leadership. The most influential encouragement she received came from mentors within her firm and one important female mentor from a competing law firm. What she learned from her mentors is woven into what she shares with women today. She recalls the spirited work ethic passed to her in three words: be a tiger. “Those words inspired me to show up, do more,” Spencer says. “What I want for the women I work with is to have unstoppable confidence, balanced with emotional intelligence and skill