Today we’d like to introduce you to Lauren Wood.
Hi Lauren, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
I’m a trial lawyer and have been handling only plaintiff’s side personal injury and wrongful death matters for the duration of my career. I have attended close to a hundred legal conferences during my time as a lawyer. Back in 2021 I noticed something was missing in the legal conference space–a space just for women. While many of the conferences hosted in our industry are wonderful, many of them also do not provide a safe space for women, and I wanted to create a space for women in the legal industry. So I started the Women in Trial Travel Summit (WITTS), which is a conference held in Punta de Mita, Mexico each year, offering continuing legal education and networking opportunities for women lawyers. This event offers a safe, supportive space for women, where we can learn from one another, lift each other up and connect on a deeper level.
Now in my fourth year of hosting WITTS, the conference has grown and I am proud to say that we will be hosting our fourth annual WITTS conference in Mexico again in April of 2025. In addition to the main conference, I also host small group trips for women lawyers and women in the legal industry. These specially curated trips offer CLEs for women lawyers and sponsorship opportunities for vendors in the legal space. Since 2022 we’ve traveled to Italy, Curacao, Bali, Peru, Hong Kong, Grand Cayman, Greece and Morocco, and have trips to St. Maarten, Anguilla, St. Barths, Spain and Japan slated for 2025.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Of course it hasn’t been smooth. Like any business, we’ve gone through some growing pains along the way. Tackling the growth of WITTS has been the most difficult transition for me–particularly since I have a full time law practice that I also run. While I try my best to continually delegate and give tasks to my staff and other independent contractors, I find that each and every time I try to step away from WITTS, things don’t go as smoothly as I would like. So finding that balance of delegating tasks (to free up my own time) and remaining involved is and will likely continue to be a struggle in the future.
As you know, we’re big fans of Women in Trial Travel Summit. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about the brand?
The Women in Trial Travel Summit (WITTS) is a unique conference blending professional legal education with luxury travel experiences. Hosted by Lauren Wood, trial attorney with L WOOD LAW and founder of Travel is the Cure LLC, WITTS focuses on creating a vibrant community of women trial lawyers while offering CLE-accredited educational sessions. Held annually, the event combines professional development with cultural immersion and relaxation opportunities.
What sets WITTS apart from other legal conferences is its emphasis on supporting women, while combining career advancement with time for leisure. Morning sessions include CLE classes with accomplished speakers, while afternoons are left open for optional excursions, relaxation, or networking. Attendees can participate in curated events, such as cocktail receptions, beachside dinners with live music, and farewell brunches, fostering both personal and professional connections. The event also provides opportunities for vendors and sponsors to engage with a focused audience.
WITTS is particularly appealing for its intimate and dynamic approach, making it ideal for women seeking a supportive network of peers while rejuvenating in beautiful surroundings. Guests can extend their stays and enjoy the destination with family or friends, making it a well-rounded experience that merges professional growth with personal fulfillment.
How can people work with you, collaborate with you or support you?
Female attorneys can attend the main conference, held in April in Punta de Mita, Mexico each year, or join a small group trip to one of our many international destinations across the globe. Individuals and companies in the legal space can sponsor and attend these events.
Pricing:
- Conference Attendee Ticket for WITTS Punta Mita – $695
- Sponsorships ranging from $2,000 – $25,000
- Small group trips ranging from $4,400 – $6,750
Contact Info:
- Website: www.womenintrialtravelsummit.com
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/womenintrialtravelsummit.com
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/womenintrial
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/women-in-trial-travel-summit/
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/womenintrial
Image Credits
The last three images should be credited to Julie Gossett of JHQ.
