Events

Inaugural Networking In Northern Ireland

Legal Women in Northern Ireland: Career Stories & Networking 7th June

Legal Women welcomed panel members and attendees to its first networking event in Northern Ireland. The successful evening provided an opportunity for women in law to share career stories, network and empower one another.

In recent years, Northern Ireland has witnessed a remarkable transformation in the legal profession, with an increasing number of women rising to prominent positions and making significant contributions to the field. To celebrate and empower female lawyers in Northern Ireland, Legal Women hosted their inaugural networking event at the Law Society Northern Ireland in the centre of Belfast. The sold-out event, sponsored by Caldwell & Robinson and Donaghey & Chance, provided a platform for panel members in the legal profession to share their career stories and welcomed guests to discuss their own experiences in law.

To kick off the event, attendees heard data gathered through surveys carried out by the Law Society of Northern Ireland. Nuala McMahon, Senior Policy Officer at the Law Society of Northern Ireland, shared statistics showing that the solicitor profession in Northern Ireland is relativity well balanced in terms of gender, with the split currently 52% to 48% in favour of women. However, findings of the survey revealed several concerns around gender disparity, such as lack of maternity and returning to work support, lack of flexible working and other support for those with caring responsibilities, preferential treatment of male counterparts, and the under representation of females in senior positions within private practice.

Furthermore, the survey found evidence of mid-career migration of females from private practice into other areas of legal employment or females leaving the legal sector entirely. Reasons cited included lack of flexibility and support from employers as well as too much emphasis being placed on employees who work the longest hours or sacrifice the most, which in turn leads to the need for a better work/life balance.

This information was echoed to a certain degree by other panel members. Jade O’Kane, Associate at Caldwell & Robinson stated that when she started her career, an acquaintance had said ‘he would steer towards employing a male because he just couldn’t afford investment in a woman for her to go off on maternity leave’, however Jade’s own experience has been very different, thanks to her supportive firm which allows her to feel valued and recognises when personal and work life may need to be balanced.

Julie Huddleston, Partner at Tughans, recalled that she also raised concerns when being offered partnership, which she initially turned down, as she was apprehensive taking on such a role when she had plans to start a family. Fortunately for Julie, her firm encouraged her to take the position with the intention of supporting her needs when she did decide to have children.

Emma McCloskey, Associate at Mills Selig, revealed that as someone who works in Corporate law, there can be times when she walks into a room or joins a Teams meeting and is the only female in the meeting. However, on a positive note, Emma shared that in her firm she is ‘surrounded by females with children, who are empowered to keep doing what they are doing, which shows that women can be encouraged to continue in law even when they have caring responsibilities.’ Her hope is that law becomes more of a safe space for women who want to have a family.

After hearing from panel members, attendees were encouraged to ask questions and talk about their own experiences.

Throughout the discussion, the significance of networking, mentoring and collaboration emerged as common themes. Attendees recognised that networking provides invaluable opportunities for growth and support whilst fostering an environment for professional development.

Building Connections: it was agreed that events such as this enable women in law to expand their professional circles, connect with peers and forge meaningful connections, all of which are integral to success.

Mentoring and Support: attendees starting out in their career highlighted how networking events serve as a catalyst for mentoring relationships, as experienced legal professionals can provide guidance and offer support to those embarking on their legal careers, whilst also fostering a culture of support and collaboration.

Empowerment and Inspiration: it was also noted that hearing from panel members who have overcome barriers to succeed in their career, empowers aspiring legal professionals who attend networking events. Being able to celebrate accomplishments and showcase capabilities provides a source of inspiration and motivation, nurturing an environment of gender equality and inclusivity within the legal community.

The first Legal Women networking event celebrating females in law in Northern Ireland was a resounding success. It highlighted the achievements of legal women, illustrating the transformative power of perseverance, dedication, and networking. By amplifying their voices and experiences through further networking events, we hope to inspire future generations and continue to build a more diverse, inclusive, and vibrant legal profession in Northern Ireland.

Empowerment and Inspiration: it was also noted that hearing from panel members who have overcome barriers to succeed in their career, empowers aspiring legal professionals who attend networking events. Being able to celebrate accomplishments and showcase capabilities provides a source of inspiration and motivation, nurturing an environment of gender equality and inclusivity within the legal community.

The first Legal Women networking event celebrating females in law in Northern Ireland was a resounding success. It highlighted the achievements of legal women, illustrating the transformative power of perseverance, dedication, and networking. By amplifying their voices and experiences through further networking events, we hope to inspire future generations and continue to build a more diverse, inclusive, and vibrant legal profession in Northern Ireland.

Contact: Tamara Duncan

Trainee Solicitor TLT NI LLP www.tlt.com

LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/tamaraduncan