A Professional Network Built by Women Attorneys, for Women Attorneys, Launches in Hampton Roads

NORFOLK, Va. (March 3, 2026) – CounselHer Circle, a new professional network for women attorneys in Hampton Roads, officially launched this month. Founded by Cooper Hurley Injury Lawyers Bailey Gifford, Esq. and Cara Purvis, Esq., this new organization is designed to foster professional development, meaningful connections and referral-driven collaboration among women practicing law.

“As women attorneys, we understand both the opportunities and the unique challenges that come with practicing law in a traditionally male-dominated profession. CounselHer Circle was created to give women attorneys in Hampton Roads a space to connect authentically, share referrals intentionally, and build one another up,” said Bailey Gifford, Senior Associate Attorney.

The inaugural event, held on February 19 at the Town Point Club in downtown Norfolk, brought together 40 women attorneys from across the region. The group represented a vibrant mix of practice areas, ages, and career stages, proving that this network fills a vital gap in the local legal community. Attendees were encouraged to network and make new connections through a guided introductory activity, sharing their “highs and lows” of the week to spark authentic professional bonds.

The feedback from our first gathering confirmed that this space for intentional professional connection was exactly what our community needed. Hampton Roads women attorneys can look forward to purposefully curated events throughout the year designed to strengthen local relationships across all practice areas. The next CounselHer Circle event will be announced soon!