Event information
The Legal 500, in collaboration with Poul Schmith, is pleased to host the Women in Law Forum Denmark 2025 in Copenhagen on January 30.
Join us for an insightful afternoon as we explore the evolving landscape of gender diversity within the legal and corporate sectors. This event will bring together distinguished voices to address critical questions about advancing female representation, bridging generational divides, and fostering allyship in the workplace.
From practical strategies for closing the gender gap to navigating the challenges faced by emerging female professionals, this forum is designed to empower attendees with the insights and tools needed to champion inclusivity within their organizations. Attendees will benefit from a series of discussions and panels that not only address the importance of equality but also challenge organisations to commit to meaningful, actionable change.
Engage in networking, gain new perspectives, and take part in shaping the future of law, where inclusion is not only an ambition but an integral part of progress.
Agenda
1.00pm – 1.30pm Arrival and Registration
1.30pm – 1.40pm Welcome address and opening remarks
- Jens Bødtcher-Hansen, managing partner, Poul Schmith
1.40pm – 2.10pm Why and how do you address the gender gap in a big Danish law firm?
This talk will delve into the importance of tackling gender balance within large law firms and explore why it is a vital component in building successful, progressive organisations. By examining practical strategies for closing the gender gap, this discussion will highlight how a more inclusive approach can enhance collaboration, spur innovation, and attract top talent. Attendees will gain insights into how fostering gender equity goes beyond policy, contributing to a dynamic workplace culture that supports growth and resilience across all levels of the firm. This conversation promises fresh perspectives on aligning professional development with organisational values.
- Cathrine Wollenberg Zittan, equity partner, Poul Schmith
2.10pm – 2.20pm Short break
2.20pm – 3.20pm Expert Talk: Generational Shifts: Engaging female Gen Z and what you can do to be an active ally
This session will dive into the emerging influence of Generation Z women in the legal profession, discussing their values, expectations, and unique approach to work. With a focus on the global legal landscape and Nordic countries in particular, the conversation will highlight how Gen Z’s perspective on flexibility, diversity, and purpose-driven work is reshaping law firms and legal departments. We will explore how this generation’s work ethics differ from previous ones and how their involvement can drive positive change within the legal workplace.
- Poornima Luthra, founder TalentED, author and leading academic CBS
3.20pm – 3.50pm Networking break
3.50pm – 4.50pm Do we really want equality – and are we ready to make a change?
The final panel will dive into the broader issue of equality itself, questioning whether organizations are truly ready to make the changes necessary for gender equality. This discussion will bring together leaders who advocate for gender equity, inviting them to share personal and professional perspectives on the obstacles to achieving real change. They will address the readiness and commitment of organisations to embrace equality fully and discuss what actionable steps can make this goal a reality.
- Moderator: Jane Mylenberg, founder and CEO, Mylenberg Consulting
- Michael Hansen, CEO, Hempel
- Carina Vang Kristoffersen, equity partner, Poul Schmith
- Torbjørn Sindballe, director for nordic leadership development, Deloitte
- Rasmus Thingholm, chairman, Djøf Advokat
- Kristine Aachmann Bethe, VP corporate secretariat, global legal & patents, Novo Nordisk
4.50pm – 5.00pm Closing remarks
5.00pm – 6.00pm Networking drinks and canapés
Speakers
Jens Bødtcher-Hansen, managing partner, Poul Schmith
Jens Bødtcher-Hansen is managing partner at Poul Schmith. Jens Bødtcher-Hansen is in charge of the day-to-day operations. He previously headed the Contracts and Procurement Law group at Poul Schmith for many years. He advises on various forms of cooperation in the public sector and the interaction with private sector operators, including public-private partnerships, joint ventures and innovation partnerships. Jens joined Poul Schmith in 2008 from a position as commercial law director in the Ministry of Economic and Business Affairs.
Cathrine Wollenberg Zittan, equity partner, Poul Schmith
Cathrine Wollenberg Zittan is partner at Poul Schmith. She specializes in insolvency and administers a large number of bankruptcy estates, including bankruptcy estates in the financial sector. She also conducts litigation on business-related issues before the Danish district courts and the High Court, including on avoidance and management liability. Cathrine became partner in 2018. Cathrine is ranked as next generation partner in Legal 500.
Poornima Luthra, founder TalentED, author and leading academic CBS
Dr. Poornima Luthra (she/her) is Associate professor at the Copenhagen Business School and a recognized author, keynote speaker, business consultant, and leading practitioner-academic in the field of talent management and Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI). Poornima is the author of Leading Through Bias (2023), The Art of Active Allyship (2022), and Diversifying Diversity (2021) and is a contributor to Harvard Business Review. She provides effective DEI thought-leadership from a global perspective, workshops, and consultancy services for organisations who are determined to nurture inclusive and equitable workplaces for their diverse talent. She has been ranked as one of the world’s 30 up-and-coming management thinkers by Thinkers50 and has worked with global companies like Lego, Deloitte, Carlsberg, L’Oreal and Doctors without Borders (MSF) amongst many others.
Michael Hansen, CEO, Hempel
Michael Hansen is Group President & Chief Executive Officer of Hempel, a role he has held since October 2022. Michael joined Hempel in May 2017 as Group Executive Vice President & Chief Commercial Officer, before becoming Executive Vice President of Energy & Infrastructure. He previously worked for 19 years at Maersk, one of the world’s largest shipping companies, where he most recently held the position of Vice President & Global Head of Sales at Maersk Line.
Carina Vang Kristoffersen, equity partner, Poul Schmith
Carina Vang Kristoffersen is partner at Poul Schmith. She has extensive experience in all aspects of national and cross-boarder M&A deals and investments including in relation to deal structuring, due diligence, drafting and negotiation of transactional documentation. She began her career at Kromann Reumert before moving to the life science industry as Corporate Counsel at Novo Nordisk. She later returned to Kromann Reumert and was seconded to New York based Jenner & Block LLP for two years. She moved to Poul Schmith in 2017 and became partner in 2022. Carina is ranked as next generation partner in Legal 500.
Torbjørn Sindballe, director for nordic leadership development, Deloitte
Torbjørn Sindballe is Director of Leadership Development in Deloitte Nordics and have worked extensively with the DE&I agenda as a leader and advisor across different organizational settings and cultures. For a number of years he has served as the Talent Leader in Deloitte’s Audit & Assurance practice helping transform the talent brand, performance management processes, salary and partner models to fit the needs of a more digital, balanced and inclusive business in addition to several targeted DE&I initiatives. In later years Torbjørn has worked with executive transitions, top team development and board advisory focusing on decision dynamics, diversity and leadership effectiveness in highly complex, fast paced environments.
Rasmus Thingholm, chairman, Djøf Advokat
Rasmus Thingholm is an accomplished legal professional and the current Legal Counsel at NCC Property Development. With expertise that spans complex commercial real estate projects and sustainability, Rasmus contributes significantly to the advancement of ESG standards in his role as a project member of The Real Estate Reporting Framework, an open-source ESG reporting tool for the real estate sector. Additionally, Rasmus serves as Vice Chair of Djøf and Chair of Djøf Advokat, where he champions initiatives to strengthen professional standards and support career growth for legal practitioners. His work reflects a commitment to responsible development and leadership within Denmark’s legal and property sectors.
Kristine Aachmann Bethe, VP corporate secretariat, global legal & patents, Novo Nordisk
Kristine Aachmann Bethe is Vice President in Novo Nordisk heading up the Corporate Secretariat in the Global Legal function at the company’s headquarters in Copenhagen. Kristine began her career as an attorney at Gorrissen Federspiel before moving to the life science industry, first as an Attorney at Lundbeck and since 2011 at Novo Nordisk in different Legal and Compliance leadership roles. From 2021 to 2022, Kristine worked at A.P. Moeller Maersk as head of the Global Compliance Programme, but returned to Novo Nordisk end 2022 to take on her current role with responsibility for the Board of Directors, corporate governance and stock exchange regulation. Kristine is member of the Board of the Danish Corporate Counsel Association (Danske Virksomhedsjurister).
Moderator: Jane Mylenberg, founder and CEO, Mylenberg Consulting
Jane Mylenberg is a skilled moderator and debate facilitator, celebrated for her ability to navigate complex discussions with precision and insight. As the founder of Mylenberg Consulting, she works closely with leaders and organizations to enhance strategic communication and amplify their public messaging. Jane brings a particular focus to the Diversity & Inclusion agenda, advocating for inclusive leadership and equal opportunities in the workplace. With extensive experience in moderating panels on pivotal topics, Jane is dedicated to fostering impactful dialogues that inspire change and growth.
