Maya Markovich on International Women’s Day, Leadership, Resilience and the Power of Mentorship

By: Lauren Nick

With a background in organizational psychology and behavioral economics, Maya Markovich, vice president of the AAA-ICDR Institute™, has built a career at the intersection of law, technology and change management. From leading innovation at Nextlaw Labs to founding the Justice Technology Association, her work has consistently centered on leveraging technology to bridge the access to justice gap. In her role at the AAA-ICDR Institute, she brings together her diverse experiences to elevate thought leadership and promote greater inclusivity in alternative dispute resolution. As the legal industry continues to evolve, her insights highlight the importance of embracing challenges, fostering mentorship and advocating for gender equity — critical themes as we reflect on this year’s International Women’s Day and the path toward a more inclusive future.

Tell me more about your background and how you rose into leadership positions throughout your career. What made you want to go into law?

My academic background is in organizational psychology and behavioral economics. I was particularly interested in learning how groups influence each other, make decisions and approach change. This initially led me to a career in change management consulting within the tech sector, where I helped organizations drive transformation by fostering engagement and developing “muscle memory” for new approaches. 

I then decided I wanted a stronger platform to drive meaningful change in the world and pursued a career in law. After practicing for a while and seeing how tech would inevitably transform the profession, I jumped over to the provider side and worked as a product manager in various legal tech companies. Then, just as Nextlaw Labs – the first tech-focused innovation catalyst founded by a law firm – was launching, I joined at the ground level. We were at the forefront of industry transformation, pioneering the first venture fund focused exclusively on legal tech. 

Building on this momentum, I founded the Justice Technology Association to support startup founders building tech to bridge the access to justice gap. Now, at the AAA®, I have the opportunity to bring all these threads of my experience together in a unique and powerful way that truly drives positive change at scale.

This year’s International Women’s Day theme is about creating a more equal future. In your experience as a leader in the legal field, what’s the most important lesson you’ve learned that could help other women achieve their full potential? How might this lesson help shape a more equal future in our industry?

Failure is not a setback – it’s an essential part of the journey to success and impact. It should be welcomed as an opportunity to learn, adapt and refine your approach. Navigating failures can be challenging, which is why it’s important for leaders to create spaces where failure is not just accepted but celebrated as a stepping stone to growth. 

This mindset is particularly important for women in the legal profession. Too often, systemic barriers and preconceived notions can discourage us from taking risks or pursuing unconventional paths. By normalizing failure as a catalyst for innovation and progress, we empower women to break through these limitations, challenge outdated norms and redefine leadership in the industry.  

Creating a more equal future means advocating for change and reshaping the way we think about success. When we encourage resilience, curiosity and bold thinking, we open doors for more diverse voices, perspectives and leadership, ultimately driving meaningful progress and lasting gender equality in the legal field. 

What key experiences, people or lessons have been most influential in your career development and led you to where you are today? What role do mentors play in helping women reach leadership positions? How can young lawyers or law students find positive mentors?

At my core, I’m a social scientist, and one of my earliest and most significant influences was psychologist Dr. Philip Zimbardo – my professor, mentor and graduate advisor. His work on social influence, persuasion, organizational dynamics, change resistance, and how these factors play out in human interaction is fascinating. He taught me how to recognize human patterns and drivers, challenge not only my assumptions but also the broader context of any situation, and always proactively question the status quo. That mindset remains one of the most powerful lessons a mentor can provide. 

Throughout my career, I’ve been so fortunate to engage with many early-career legal professionals – whether after speaking engagements, at law schools or through social media – who seek advice and mentorship. Their ambition and curiosity are always inspiring, and I genuinely enjoy learning about what drives them. My advice to young lawyers and law students is to immerse themselves in the topics that excite them most and seek out women leading those conversations. Don’t hesitate to ask specific, thoughtful questions – mentorship often begins with a single meaningful interaction. 

What advice would you give new arbitrators, young lawyers or law students aspiring to leadership roles?

Embrace every opportunity that comes your way, even if you don’t feel completely ready. Stepping into new challenges fosters professional growth, builds resilience and strengthens emotional intelligence. The more you push yourself outside your comfort zone, the more confident and capable you become – and you may even find the process exhilarating. 

You recently joined the AAA-ICDR Institute. How do you foresee your position creating pathways for women in alternative dispute resolution (ADR)? 

As the thought leadership arm of the AAA, the newly established Institute has a unique opportunity to amplify diverse voices in ADR. ADR is a powerful way to increase access to justice. At the AAA-ICDR Institute, we hope to highlight and support the contributions of women who are making a meaningful impact in this space, ensuring that their perspectives and achievements receive the recognition they deserve.

In your opinion, what are some specific actions legal organizations can take to close the gender gap in leadership? What are some of the biggest challenges women face in achieving leadership positions?

Legal organizations committed to closing the gender gap in leadership must prioritize flexibility and recognize the full scope of contributions women make – both seen and unseen. Women tend to juggle a lot in their lives, and creating an environment that values and rewards diverse forms of leadership is important. Additionally, to truly foster lasting change, women must have a seat at the table when organizational culture is discussed and key decisions are made.

How can men be effective allies in promoting gender equality in ADR?

Men can actively advocate for gender equity by mentoring and sponsoring women, amplifying their voices in meetings, and vocally challenging biases when they see them. They should step back if invited to speak on a predominantly male panel or agenda, inform the organizers that gender diversity is crucial to event credibility and recommend specific women to participate in their place. They should also push for inclusive policies and equitable access to leadership opportunities. Ensuring diverse perspectives are available at all levels of the company is key to creating a culture where all employees and their contributions are valued. 
How can International Women’s Day be used to further the conversation about women in leadership in the legal field and beyond?

International Women’s Day is an opportunity to highlight women’s achievements, address ongoing challenges and advocate for structural changes that promote gender equity. Legal organizations can use this platform to foster discussions on actionable steps specific to their organizations. 

What is the most important message you want to share with young, new or aspiring law students or arbitrators on this International Women’s Day?

Listen to yourself. Identify what inspires you and consider how your skills can impact that space. Lawyers excel at critical thinking, communication, problem-solving, providing guidance and persevering in the face of ambiguity or setback. Pay attention to what excites you most, lean into those strengths and use them to navigate your options. Pursue a path that is not only professionally fulfilling but also personally rewarding.