Women in law panel - advice and information from criminal lawyers and women who work in law ! PDF

Preview

Summary

These are notes from a women in law panel. Made up of 3 lawyers including one criminal lawyer. it's advice and notes on their experiences as women in the law sector...

Description

Women in law panel Working in male dominant industry 

Government is extremely supportive of women



Women outnumbers males in law of government



When having kids – workplaces try to be family friendly but it’s extremely difficult



Women who have kids tends to start their own practices as it’s a lot more flexible for mothers



A lot of firms wanted female associates as they found they were more diligent, hardworking, and empathetic



Felt expectation that she needed to prove herself and go a step beyond to show she has the legal education



Inappropriate workplace interactions during networking – feels pressured to accept touches to ‘make work easier’



Over time as confidence grew practicing law it got easier

What sacrifices did you make balance personal vs professional life? 

Time on your own – as a parent in this profession



You lose a lot of time and sleep, it takes a lot of energy and a busy role



Sometimes lawyers reach a burnout



Self-care sacrifices

Challenges or barriers 

Some areas have the boys club o Women not included or dismissed

o Prevents you from networking o As more women come into law the industry is a lot more supportive 

Some women feel they can’t perform well and they’re really held back as they have kids



Positive – Binnie networked and had connections before working thus when she started she was fortunate enough to have a start to a good reputation



Tip – don’t be shy and be open and upfront about what you want – shows initiative, what you’re expectations are and in the industry you will somewhat be a lot more respected



A lot of males look down upon and have trouble accepting women who work at the same level as it’s not normal for them to see that – a lot of men have wives at home who are stay at home mums which is a job but they aren’t used to seeing women working at the same level as them



Mansplained – especially in criminal law (it’s the most dominated)



Underestimated (PROVE THEM WRONG) you get paid to argue for your client not with ‘men’ on the opposing side



Embrace your feminine qualities – be bold and be the change you want to see

Advice for upcoming female lawyers 

If you fail exams or not get high distinctions – it’s okay



You can’t teach people soft skills, coming up as a female lawyer in criminal law your skills and being empathetic matter a lot more than passing your exams o Law can be taught but soft skills and empathy can’t



Never be afraid to reach out – have a mentor (Kristal Naividi)



When you first go into practice don’t feel pressure if you don’t know the answer – not all lawyers do o You’re not expected to know everything even in front of clients



Attend networking events! networking is so important, finding mentors are important



Some lawyers don’t even remember law school – you learn from practice not all the questions you answer in exams



If you love and you’re passionate about what you do it will be a lot easier than if you don’t



Being passionate about your job is key to having a sense of balance in your job and to your success



You don’t need to be ‘perfect’ but ensure you’re confident in yourself and what you can bring to the table, use your feminine mannerisms to your advantage. In criminal law being empathetic and having those softer qualities can bring you more advantages then just having legal knowledge o Legal knowledge isn’t the same without people skills!



Remind yourself that you can do it, sometimes it’s just in your mind



Finding people in the same career make the best support network



Criminal law dealing with client – it’s not my job to judge, I don’t get paid to judge I get paid to advocate for people who don’t have many opportunities to do better



Criminal law how it clashes with ethics and morals – it opens your eyes, you’re not there to judge you don’t get paid for that. You get paid to advocate for people, it opens your mind to view issues in different ways. Clients can be trustworthy, clients will come and go, stick to your gut but remember but always have your boundaries

Finding a mentor 

Keep an eye out for people around you that you can learn from or look up to as a role model



Sometimes mentors aren’t formal, it could be someone you can just go to and ask for advice



Women mentor program – the law society...