Women's Legal Forum

Leadership, 2025-26

Executive Board

  • Co-President: Ana Obergfell
  • Co-President (President Emerita): Amanda Garcia
  • Director of Alumni Relations: Caroline Mahoney
  • Director of Events: Erin McKibbin
  • Director of Service: Isabella Kwasnik
  • Director of Membership and Marketing: Teresa Mainzer
  • Director of Intersectionality and Finance: Chloe Ryan
  • Affinity Leadership Council Liaison: Lily Nguyen

Faculty-Staff Advisor

Seven diverse women in business attire smile in front of the University of Notre Dame's stone gothic arches. They wear dark blazers and bright blouses. (WLF 2025-26)

The Notre Dame Women’s Legal Forum exists to increase awareness and understanding of legal issues affecting women and of issues affecting women lawyers. Our mission is to foster growth through educational events, service opportunities, and the promotion of meaningful discussion within the law school community.

Our Annual Events

Golf Lessons at Blackthorn Golf Club

The Women’s Legal Forum annually hosts golf lessons at Blackthorn Golf Club. We split into two groups, taking turns doing driving and chipping drills. Afterwards, we have lunch at Blackthorn’s outdoor pavilion. This is a wonderful opportunity to connect with fellow women from our law school while enjoying a fun afternoon of golf.

Service Event and Donation Drive for St. Margaret’s House

The Women’s Legal Forum also contributes annually to St. Margaret’s House – a day center that welcomes women and children who live in economic poverty. St. Margaret’s House provides women and children with meals, addresses immediate needs, and offers assistance through various programs. The Women’s Legal Forum purchases up to $500 worth of goods to donate. This includes toiletries, clothing, and household items. Additionally, the Women’s Legal Forum participates in a day of service at St. Margaret’s House. We prepare and serve meals, help with household chores, and organize items (toiletries, feminine products, diapers etc.) for distribution.

Women’s Empowerment Stipend

The Women's Empowerment Stipend allows a select number of members to receive funding for their summer employment. Each recipient is someone who (1) pursues unpaid/public interest work over the summer, and (2) has been dedicated to advancing our mission of empowering, educating, and supporting women at NDLS and beyond. These stipends are funded through Notre Dame Law Father Mike Show, a variety show we hosted with the law school’s Student Bar Association and faculty. In recent years, some of our members who were awarded stipends:

  • Advocated for those with disabilities through work at Access Living in Chicago
  • Worked to provide access to legal resources to non-profits working on human rights issues throughout the globe while interning at PILnet in New York City
  • Helped survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault through work at the Legal Aid and Defender's Association of Detroit
  • Prepared for grand jury presentments in the Homicide Bureau of the Erie County District Attorney's Office

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