When co-founders Hawo Mohamed and Kashish Sajid, both juniors in the College of Arts & Sciences, first came up with the idea of a club called Women Pursuing Law it was just a running joke between them. But they soon realized it was an idea that filled a need at Marquette University.
“Our initial goal was to create a space where women could network, explore opportunities and gain guidance in understanding the path to law school while connecting with others who share similar experiences,” Mohamed said.
The club, officially launched May 12, is meant to be a forum for members to ask about the next step in their law career, with questions regarding the LSAT, letters of recommendation, how to apply to certain schools and more.
Although Marquette already has other law clubs and organizations, Mohamed said Women Pursuing Law aims to help students who want to explore what law school could look like.
“I’m hoping this club will provide better insight to the law school practice and allow the women who join to pursue their dreams,” Mohamed said.
Mohamed and Jenan Halawa, a junior in the College of Arts & Sciences and WPL public relations officer, hope to collaborate with other campus clubs like Women in Business, Minorities in Tech and the Criminology and Law Society.
The club is intent on creating a community of likeminded people in a male-dominated industry. The American Bar Association found that in 2024 41% of lawyers were women.
Mohamed recalled the late Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg’s quote, “Women belong in all places where decisions are being made.”
“As a student just beginning this journey, that reminder is powerful,” Mohamed said. “It shows why creating spaces of mentorship, representation and support is essential to help women not only enter law, but thrive in it.”
Women Pursuing Law will hold meetings throughout the year along with hosting panels featuring female voices in law as well as retreats and field trips to law schools in Milwaukee, Madison and Chicago.
Halawa said it’s not always easy to feel confident in a room, but by gaining skills through Women Pursing Law, members can feel empowered to act as leaders and have a presence in the rooms they enter.
Despite all being students in the College of Arts & Sciences, the current members’ varied majors — as well as their differing experiences — lay a foundation to welcome and support a diverse group of students, Halawa said.
“We wanted to establish an environment where women can see representation and hear from people like themselves,” Mohamed said.
The details regarding Women Pursuing Law meetings have yet to be decided. Information will be posted on their Instagram account, @wpl.
This story was written by Mina Marsolek-Bonnet. She can be reached at [email protected].
