Women in (and out of) Law

Monday 3 June 2019

Recently my colleague Anushka Nicholas and I had the pleasure of attending the Women in Law Summit in London where the presentations, workshops, and seminars in which we participated were inspiring, encouraging, and uplifting.

From panel discussions led by women at the top of their field, to talks delivered by aspiring young professionals, there was something in which any woman working in law could immerse herself and indulge in the privilege of being ‘in this together’.

We find ourselves in a changing and challenging legal world, which no doubt rings true across many professions. Happy and fulfilling careers are no longer judged by accolades and success for its own sake. Indeed, amongst the millennial generation especially, greater emphasis is placed on:

1. A healthy work life balance, which allows and empowers the employee to pursue his or her interests outside the office
2. Opportunities to experience and progress different professional commitments, be that by stepping up to the next promotion or moving sideways into another career choice altogether
3. The ability to work flexibly, whether that be in terms of location or hours spent in the office

It just so happens that me and my colleague are both working mothers and striving to achieve these goals whilst trying to remain sane in the office and at home. We currently both face very different challenges.

Anushka is a mother to twelve‐year‐old twin girls, dealing with the raw emotions of high school and the onset of teenage years. I am about to return to work after maternity leave following the birth of my second child, and spend most of my non-working hours responding to the physical demands of two small people.

But, as with any other parent, we share in common that we want to give our all to both our families and our careers.

The Women in Law Summit encouraged me that this can be achieved. Whilst it might take a change in mindset for both employers and employees, ultimately, by affirming life choices and working together, both parties can achieve and deliver the very best outcomes for both business and home life.

Of course, not everybody has children. But this really shouldn’t matter. Whatever the employee’s interests and commitments outside of the office, greater things can be achieved if there is understanding and flexibility by both parties, including an openness to changing long-established working patterns.

My conclusion as I left the Summit? I am privileged to live and work in today’s society and to have the support of my employer and wider contacts as I pursue life as a ‘Mother in Law’.