Our Interview With Jennifer L. Sylvia, Esq., President Of The Rhode Island Women’s Bar Association

Jennifer L. Sylvia, Esq. is the President of Rhode Island Women’s Bar Association.

What barriers do you believe still exist for women in law, and how can the next  generation of female attorneys work to overcome them? 

While women have made historic strides—now comprising the majority of law school classes and  entering the profession in record numbers—structural and cultural barriers persist. The primary  challenge has shifted from simply “getting a seat at the table” to gaining equitable access to equity  partnership, lead litigation roles, and top-tier firm leadership. 

In civil litigation, for instance, we still see a disparity in who gets tapped to lead high-stakes trials  or manage key client relationships. Additionally, the “invisible labor” of practice—such as internal  mentoring, diversity initiatives, and administrative committee work—often falls disproportionately  on women without always translating to business origination or traditional partnership metrics. 

In order to overcome these challenges, the next generation of female attorneys should continue to  push and not just adapt to existing firm cultures but help to reshape them. Champion transparency  in compensation, origination credit and promotion paths.  

Second, you should embrace and establish more robust, lateral networks. Mentorship is  wonderful, but sponsorship is what opens doors. Seek out champions – both men and women – who will actively advocate for your advancement behind closed doors.  

Third, creating systematic support for true structural change. By participating in legislative  advocacy and bar leadership, you can help push for policies that support workplace equity, parental  leave, and flexible practice models that benefit everyone.  

My charge for the next generation is simple: do not shrink to fit into rooms that were not built  with you in mind. Step into those spaces, bring your unique perspective, and build a bigger table. 

Which recent Rhode Island Women’s Bar Association initiative are you most proud of  and why? 

I am immensely proud of the launch and sustained impact of our Legislation & Policy Committee, which I had the privilege of founding and continuing to co-chair. 

Historically, women’s bar associations have excelled at networking, professional development, and  community building. However, we recognized a critical need for our organization to have a  structured, proactive voice in the legislative arena and advocacy. The Legislation & Policy  Committee was created to bridge that gap, allowing the RIWBA to actively review, track, and  advocate for legislation that directly impacts women in the legal profession, as well as women and  families across Rhode Island. 

It elevated the RIWBA from a professional network to a powerful advocacy engine. We are no  longer passive observers of the law; we are active participants in its formulation. This systemic advocacy pairs beautifully with our ongoing historical documentation DEI efforts, such as the  “Rhode Island Women Lawyers Past, Present, & Future” series we publish in the Rhode Island  Bar Journal. By documenting the trailblazers who came before us, we draw inspiration to fight for  the legislative reforms of today. Also, it provides our members with concrete opportunities to  engage in testimony and coalition-building, sharpening their advocacy skills outside the courtroom. 

Seeing our members stand before legislative committees, testifying on matters of fundamental  fairness and equity, represents the very best of what the RIWBA can accomplish. 

From your perspective, which qualities or skills set apart women lawyers, and how can  pre-law and law students begin cultivating those now? 

Women lawyers consistently bring a powerful combination of holistic problem-solving, high  emotional intelligence, and resilient adaptability to the practice of law. 

In my civil litigation practice, I handle everything from intense employment discrimination  disputes to complex real estate and corporate transactions. Success in these areas rarely comes  from mere aggression; it comes from the ability to listen actively, read between the lines, and  understand the human element behind the legal dispute. Women lawyers excel at balancing  rigorous advocacy with the empathy required to guide clients through some of the most stressful  moments of their personal and professional lives. 

Students can cultivate these skills by not limiting their legal education to textbooks. Participate in  clinical programs, pro bono initiatives, and judicial externships and clerkships. These experiences  force you to develop active listening and client management skills. Also, join trial teams, appellate  clinics, or other legal programs. These arenas teach you to think on your feet, handle high-pressure  environments, and adapt your arguments to diverse audiences. Lastly, leadership is not about  command and control; it is about collaboration. Whether in student government, a local bar  committee, or a community nonprofit, practice building consensus and leading with empathy. 

What’s the best law school-related advice you ever received and why? 

The best advice I received was not forgetting the human element to the law. Behind every file,  every brief, and every docket number is a real human being whose life is going through some  sort of turmoil. In the intense, high-pressure environment of law school, it is incredibly easy to get swept up in the abstract. You spend years dissecting appellate opinions, memorizing cold  legal doctrines, and treating cases like intellectual puzzles to be solved. But if you only view the  law through clinical, academic lens, you miss its true purpose. The law is not a theoretical exercise; it is a deeply human instrument.  

I saw this principal action early in the legal education assisting with the school’s pro bono  collaborative. I met and assisted women escaping domestic abuse just looking for hope of a  better life. I was constantly reminded that the rules we study on paper have immediate, real world consequences for individuals, families, and communities.  

Today, in my civil litigation practice, this advice remains my main guide. Whether I am  navigating a sensitive employment discrimination dispute, resolving a corporate impasse, or  handling a complex real estate transaction, I know that my clients are often facing incredibly  stressful chapters of their lives. They do not just need a technical expert; they need a counselor  who listens with empathy and advocates with understanding. 

Remembering the human element also changes how you treat opposing counsel, court staff, and  colleagues. Especially in a tight-knit legal community like Rhode Island, maintaining mutual  respect and recognizing the humanity in your adversaries is what allows you to advocate  zealously without losing your integrity.  

My charge to law students and young lowers is to master the black letter law and the rules of civil  procedure – but never let your education desensitize you. The most exceptional advocates are  not just those with the sharpest minds, but those who keep their hearts connected to the people  they serve.

We're proud to feature insights from leaders like Jennifer L. Sylvia, Esq. to help inspire future lawyers on their journey to law school.