Ladder Down
Ladder Down Nomination
MAMAs is proud to co-sponsor a partially remote, partially in-person Ladder Down program, a year-long business development and leadership training program for select participants. Accepted participants commit to a one-year program in which they will discover their strengths, hone their self-advancement skills, and make important career connections through large and small group sessions and panel presentations led by a combination of experienced coaches/faculty, attorneys, and judges in the Seattle community. The program is open to women from all practice areas and experience levels, including in-house lawyers, government lawyers, and lawyers in private practice.
Applications are due November 14th. The program begins in January each year and runs for 12 months. Tuition for the program is $1,750. Partial scholarships may be available to MAMAs members based on need and availability. Program participants can expect to receive 19 CLE credits.
Applications are available here: Download Application
Submit applications to ladderdown@mamaseattle.org
Interested in sponsoring? Contact ladderdown@mamaseattle.org
What is Ladder Down?
Business Development Boot Camp: Four large-group sections (via Zoom) and several small group sessions guided by Marianne Trost (thewomenlawyerscoach.com) address developing and sustaining client relationships, increasing visibility, and improving self-advocacy in ways that are specifically geared for women lawyers. The program will also address developing business remotely.
Leadership Training: In two large group settings and one small group setting (via Zoom), experienced business consultant Lynn Moran (azc3.com) works with to increase self-awareness, improve communication skills, and understand conflict resolution styles.
Mentors, Champions, and Role Models: The program focuses on identifying mentors and champions and the importance of “paying it forward.” These sessions feature interactive panel discussions with local judges, law firm leaders, women rainmakers, and in-house counsel, many of whom are past Ladder Down class members who have successfully implemented techniques, strategies, and networking taught in the Ladder Down program. These presentations will be in person.
Small Group Sessions: Small group sessions (via Zoom) supporting each monthly session are led by Marianne Trost and Lynn Moran. In these sessions, class members establish and track individual goals, design implementation strategies, discuss challenges and successes, and check in for accountability. Small group sessions encourage members to provide each other with support, suggestions, and accountability and build relationships.
The Ladder Down program schedule is listed below, and the application link is above. We welcome all MAMAs members to apply for an exciting year of making connections while enhancing your business development and leadership skills!
Questions? E-mail ladderdown@mamaseattle.org.
Ladder Down – 2025 Program Schedule
Friday, January 10: 4:30 pm-6 pm
Welcome Reception
Saturday, January 11: 8:45 am-11:15 am
First Large Group Session with Lynn
Saturday, February 1: 8:45 am-11:15 am
Second Large Group Session with Lynn
March 2025
Panel Presentation: Women Firm Leaders
Saturday, March 1: timeslots TBD
First Small Group Session with Lynn
Saturday, March 29: timeslots TBD
Second Small Group Session with Lynn
Saturday, April 26: 8:45 am-11:15 am
Large Group Session with Marianne:
Business and Career Development Part 1
Saturday, May 17: timeslots TBD
(between 8am and 12pm)
Small Group Session with Marianne Part 1
May 2025
Panel Presentation: Ladder Down Alum Rainmakers
Saturday, June 7: 8:45 am-11:15 am
Large Group Session with Marianne:
Business and Career Development Part 2
June 2025
Panel Presentation: Wisdom from the Bench
Saturday, August 16: timeslots TBD
(between 8am-12pm)
Small Group Session with Marianne Part 2
Saturday, September 6: 8:45 am – 11:15 am
Large Group Session with Marianne:
Business and Career Development Part 3
Saturday, September 27: timeslots TBD
(between 8am-12pm)
Small Group Session with Marianne Part 3
Saturday, October 11: 8:45 am-11:15 am
Large Group Session with Marianne:
Business and Career Development Part 4
October TBD
Panel Presentation: Corporate Counsel Decision Makers
Saturday, October 25: timeslots TBD
(between 8am and 12pm)
Small Group Session with Marianne Part 4
November 2025
Graduation Ceremony
Ladder Down Nomination
Do you know someone who might benefit from the LadderDown Program? Complete the below nomination form to add them to our candidate pool and we will reach out to them about the program. Thank you for helping us identify additional candidates!