Nory Dianne R. Miano is originally from the Philippines and became a U.S. permanent resident in 2017. She is a licensed lawyer both in the Philippines and the U.S.Nory earned her J.D. from the Ateneo de Manila University in the Philippines. Prior to commencing her Master of Laws in Georgetown, she practiced for seven years in the Tax Advisory Group of an accounting firm in her home country, Reyes Tacandong & Co. (RSM Philippines).

In 2019, Nory decided to pursue her Master of Laws at Georgetown University where she recently graduated with a Tax LL.M. degree and a Certificate in International Taxation. Yes, it was a pandemic commencement at Nationals Park!

Nory also had experience working at the General Legal Division, Office of Legal Affairs of the United Nations Headquarters in New York. In January 2021, she joined the World Bank Group’s International Finance Corporation as a Tax Consultant. Nory notes that “for the past two years, almost everything has been virtual. For me, that means a hybrid LL.M., remote UN work, and World Bank work from home. It is a very different world.”

Nory is a member of the Integrated Bar of the Philippines; International Law Committee, New York City Bar Association; Tax Section, American Bar Association; American Society of International Law; Member, Alabama State Bar; and Philippine-American Chamber of Commerce of Metro Washington, DC.

When did you join the WBA?
March 2021

Why did you join the Women’s Bar Association?
My primary reason for joining the Women’s Bar Association is for networking and career opportunities. I first heard about the WBA through my university’s weekly newsletter, and one event that really captured my interest was the WBA Speed Networking – Getting to Know You event in October 2020. I met a lot of empowered women there who are experts in their fields. I distinctly remember one of the mentors there was a judge who handles tax cases, and she advised me to join bar associations to meet other lawyers in the same field. I followed her advice and joined the WBA.

What benefits do you get from being a part of the WBA and why do you think others should join?
I am a strong advocate for women – strong, independent, intelligent and empowered women. When I was in law school, I was the LL.M. Delegate to the Women’s Legal Alliance. Joining the WBA not only allowed me to participate in career talks and networking events, but also just enjoy a space where I meet very empowered women who give me so much inspiration. Not only am I a foreign lawyer, who recently graduated from my LL.M. and who just got admitted to the U.S. Bar, but I also belong to a minority group where we more often than not feel underrepresented. I also hadn’t met many women lawyers practicing tax law, specifically, in the DC area before the WBA. WBA leads me to people in my field who can guide and help me when needed.

What words of advice do you have for women new to the profession?
Make your own path. You set your goal, follow your timeline, create your dream, and get there at your own pace. Don’t let anyone dictate you how or when you have to accomplish things – they are not you. It is true that you can only control so much of your career, but then you are the one in charge. Each one of us is different. What works for one might not work for you. You know what’s best for you. Don’t be scared to do it or maybe try something new. Just be confident and believe in yourself. Don’t let anyone ruin you or distract you. At the end of the day, you are you and you are more than enough, and you can continue to be better.