Who We Are

Sisters in Law was inspired by co-founder Joan Parsons Ziady’s vision to create a supportive community for women lawyers, drawn from her experiences over 30 years of practicing law while raising four children.

Joining her is her sister-in-law, co-founder, Gail Miniutti Parsons, a nationally recognized leadership expert and keynote speaker who understands both professional and family demands as a mother of three.

Been There, Felt That

Joan’s Perspective

For years, I balanced practicing law as a senior partner at a national firm while raising four kids. The constant pressure to perform at the highest level professionally, while being present for my family, was overwhelming at times.

While I had mentors who guided me in my legal work, I often felt isolated when it came to connecting with other women who truly understood the challenges I faced. There was no peer network to share experiences, gain perspective, and stay grounded.

So I created it.

I left my legal practice to build the community I wish I had: a place where women in law can connect, learn, and thrive together.

And I knew exactly who to ask to build it with me—my sister-in-law, Gail.

Built on Sisterhood

Gail has been a constant source of support throughout my career—coaching me, offering perspective, and reminding me that I wasn’t alone. She has a rare talent for helping shift the patterns that hold women lawyers back, from imposter syndrome and perfectionism to the inner critic that undermines our confidence. With Gail’s leadership development expertise and my experience navigating the realities of being a woman lawyer, together we’re offering what I always felt was missing in my practice: real connection and support.

If you’ve ever wished for a community of women in law who truly ‘get it’, you’re in the right place.

Meet the Team

Coaching. Connection. Real Support for Women in Law.


  • Founder, Coach, and Former Law Firm Partner

    Joan is an accomplished attorney and the founder of Winslow Workplace Advisors, where she advises law firms and companies on developing and retaining top talent through practical, people-centered strategies.

    As a long-standing equity partner at a national firm, Joan developed deep insight into what it takes to thrive in high-pressure environments. She understands firsthand the challenges women lawyers face as they navigate business development, leadership, and life outside the office.

    After decades of practice, Joan launched Winslow Workplace Advisors to focus on helping others succeed. Today, she brings that same strategic perspective to her coaching work with women lawyers, supporting them in growing their careers with clarity, confidence, and connection.

    Joan has served as president and board member of CREW Boston (Commercial Real Estate Women), New England’s leading organization for women in commercial real estate. She’s a frequent panelist and speaker, with appearances on industry podcasts including The Joyful Practice for Women Lawyers with Paula Price.

    Her recognitions include Top Women in Law by Massachusetts Lawyers Weekly, the Women of FIRE award from Banker & Tradesman, and the CREW Boston Leadership Award for her work advancing women in the Boston real estate community.

    Joan holds a J.D. from Boston College Law School and graduated summa cum laude from Tufts University. She is certified in Adult Mental Health First Aid by the National Council for Mental Wellbeing.

    She lives in the Boston area with her husband and their Australian Shepherd, and is the proud mother of four grown children.


  • Founder, Leadership Coach, and Keynote Speaker

    Gail is a nationally recognized leadership coach, keynote speaker, and founder of LifeCycle Focus. With over two decades of experience, she helps professionals—especially women in law—build the clarity, resilience, and leadership presence needed to thrive in demanding careers.

    Gail brings a practical, grounded approach to her coaching and workshops, combining research-backed tools with deep empathy and humor. She has worked with attorneys across Am Law 100 firms, as well as professionals at top organizations including PepsiCo, Deloitte, Marriott, John Hancock, Harvard University, Blue Cross Blue Shield, and Raymond James.

    Whether she’s coaching one-on-one or leading a room, Gail creates space for honest reflection and real growth. Her work helps women lawyers lead with confidence, navigate complexity, and stay connected to what matters most, at work and at home.

    Gail holds a degree in Psychology from the University of Rhode Island and a Master’s degree from Wheelock College.

    She has led thousands of programs across industries, always with the goal of turning insight into action.

    Gail resides in the Boston area with her baseball-loving family - her husband, three sons, and their dog, Fenway.

  • Joan’s session on making the most of our firm’s mentoring program was incredibly helpful, especially because she’s been in my shoes. It can feel intimidating to approach a partner, and I was often nervous about asking too many questions. Joan offered practical, concrete strategies—like setting up regular brief check-ins — that took some of the pressure off and gave me the confidence to engage more effectively with my mentor.

    - Associate, Boston Law Firm

  • Gail has been an excellent partner to me, Director of HR, in providing our firm’s staff with down-to-earth, practical training that they can apply to their day-to-day lives immediately. Gail has a very natural and relatable presentation style. We received positive reviews after her session with us. Our staff wants more and so we are looking forward to our continued partnership with Gail.

    - Director of HR, AmLaw 100 Law Firm