Our Interview With Kareemah Lewis, President, Georgia Association of Women Lawyers and Senior Associate Counsel for the Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority

Juris Education interviewed Kareemah Lewis, President, Georgia Association of Women Lawyers and Senior Associate Counsel for the Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority, for an exclusive look at what sets the Trial Advocacy Program apart. Our experts bring these expert perspectives into our law school admissions consulting to help every applicant craft a standout, competitive application.

GAWL has a long history of supporting women in the legal profession. What lessons from that history can aspiring law students take with them as they begin their journey?

GAWL’s story began in 1928, when a small group of pioneering women lawyers, including Hilda G. McLean, Minnie Hale Daniel, and Bessie Kempton, came together to form the Georgia Association of Women Lawyers at a time when women were barely welcomed in courtrooms, let alone the legal profession. Their courage and vision created a legacy that continues to shape Georgia's legal community nearly a century later. The lesson for aspiring law students is that leadership often starts with simply refusing to accept the status quo. These founders didn’t wait for permission to participate, they built their own table and invited others to join. From their example, we learn that progress in law requires both excellence and advocacy. As you begin your legal journey, remember that your voice matters, your perspective adds value, and your presence itself is part of a larger legacy of women who have worked, and continue to work, to make this profession more inclusive, equitable, and just.

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

Although we’ve made significant strides, barriers like pay inequity, limited access to leadership roles, and implicit bias still persist. Many women also face challenges balancing professional expectations with personal responsibilities. The next generation can confront these barriers by continuing to advocate for transparency, demanding equity in compensation and promotion, and supporting one another, not just in words but in action. Building networks, mentoring other women, and being unapologetic about your value are all part of dismantling these systemic challenges.

How has GAWL fostered mentorship, and what advice would you give young women seeking mentors during law school and early in their careers?

Mentorship is at the heart of GAWL’s mission. Through programs like Mentoring Mondays and our local chapter connections, GAWL has created spaces where women lawyers can share experiences, guidance, and encouragement. My advice to young women seeking mentors is to approach mentorship as a relationship, not a transaction. Be open, proactive, and intentional about what you hope to learn. Seek mentors who challenge you to grow and model the kind of lawyer, and leader, you aspire to become. And remember, mentorship is mutual, even as a student or young lawyer, you have perspectives and energy that can inspire your mentor too.

From your perspective, what qualities or skills set apart women lawyers who thrive in competitive environments, and how can pre-law students begin developing them?

Women who thrive in competitive environments tend to have three things in common: resilience, authenticity, and strategic confidence. They know who they are, they understand their strengths, and they don’t shy away from opportunities to lead. Pre-law students can begin developing these qualities by embracing challenges that stretch them, seeking feedback early and often, and staying grounded in their purpose. Confidence grows through preparation and persistence, and the sooner you begin advocating for yourself, the stronger that muscle becomes.

For more information on Georgia Association of Women Lawyers, visit: https://www.gawl.org/.

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