Shared purpose.
Remarkable women.

Meet the people behind our community, bringing experience, connection and a shared commitment to the advancement of women in law.

The founder

It starts with
a connection.

Meet Laura

A California-qualified attorney, Laura has worked across the Middle East since 2008. Her passion for connecting and empowering women is at the heart of the community she brings together.

Experience. Perspective. Purpose.

Our advisory board

A shared commitment to mentorship, meaningful connections and opportunities for women in the legal profession.

Francesca Gori

Regional Legal Lead — Asia Pacific, Middle East & Africa, Accenture

Rima Hadid

General Counsel · Governance Advocate · International Legal Consultant

Helen Barrett

Partner, CBD Corporate Services · GCC Legal Expert

Tamam Barhoush

Assistant General Counsel · Legal & Government Affairs, Microsoft Middle East

Barbara Koenen-Geerdink

Professional Services Marketing · Entrepreneur · Author

Carolina Gerding

Partner, KLME Law · Technology & Telecommunications · CEDR Accredited Mediator

Clotilde Iaia-Polak

Partner, YungoLaw · UK Solicitor · Italian Avvocato

Courtney Sader

General Counsel, Raytheon — Middle East

Kellie Blyth

Data and Technology Partner, Addleshaw Goddard

Stefka Bratoevska

English-qualified Solicitor · CEDR-accredited Mediator

Read Stefka’s biography

Stefka Bratoevska is a senior English-qualified solicitor with over 16 years of international legal experience, including more than a decade in the Middle East.

Having started her career at Allen & Overy in London, Stefka has held senior legal roles at leading international financial institutions, including J.P. Morgan, Standard Chartered, Credit Suisse and UBS. Her experience spans complex cross-border transactions, financial services regulation, corporate governance and strategic legal advisory across the Middle East and internationally.

Stefka is also a CEDR-accredited mediator and is actively involved in professional and community initiatives supporting leadership, mentorship and the development of the legal profession.

As a member of the Women in Law Advisory Board, she is committed to supporting the advancement of women in the legal profession and fostering meaningful opportunities for the next generation of legal leaders.

Meaningful connections.
A stronger community.

Explore membership

The Founder

Laura is a natural connector, driven by a passion for empowering others. A California-qualified attorney, she has been working in the Middle East since 2008, with experience in Jordan, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and now the UAE. Wherever Laura goes, she builds her own “village,” connecting people and women to help them realize their full potential for a happier and more meaningful life.

Advisory Board

Our network is guided by nine wonderful and remarkable women who bring their expertise and passion to every aspect of our mission. These advisors are leaders in their fields, dedicated to supporting and empowering women in law. Their diverse experiences and insights help shape our initiatives, ensuring we create a truly inclusive and collaborative environment. Together, they inspire and drive change, making our network a beacon of support and growth for all members.

Shared purpose.
Remarkable women.

It starts with
a connection.