Our First Anniversary

Introduction

Our First Anniversary

NOVEMBER 2021

Iwas delighted to mark the first anniversary of this magazine with an event hosted by The Law Society of Scotland. Originally, it was planned as in-person event, but Covid restrictions required we swap to an online meeting. Ken Dalling, President of TLS Scotland and subscriber to the magazine, gave an introduction stressing that women not progressing in the profession is a matter for everyone to get involved. Men and women must resolve this. I also put the business case for resolving barriers to progression, as the profession in Scotland, as in much of the UK, has a majority of women, it’s clear that to ensure consistent staffing, women’s skills must be retained within businesses.

The evening’s discussion was on hybrid working and we welcomed Harriet Minter, journalist and author of Working from Home, Lyndsey Cartwright, partner at Morton Fraser and Lynsey Walker, partner at Addleshaw Goddard.

One of Harriet’s top tips on making sure that you are noticed, even if working from home, is to ensure you network internally. When you’re in work, ensure you take the opportunity to talk to other members of staff so people know who you are; for example, you might arrange for a speaker and invite different departments, circulate information or simply make sure you acknowledge people as you walk around the building. Another tip, is assisting your manager in knowing what you are doing by sending regular emails with updates which also acts as a record for yourself in readiness for any performance review; it’s so easy to overlook a great achievement that took place earlier in the year.

Lynsey Walker and Lyndsey Cartwright explained how flexible and agile working had developed in their firms.

Both are clear about their boundaries and clear about the reasons why they may not be available at certain times. They don’t disguise days off or the need to collect children with other reasons. ‘Don’t feel guilty’ was a clear message, after all you are taking a smaller profit share to reflect less work. Both the partners are flexible so if there’s an urgent matter, they can juggle their time off but equally they make sure it is taken, otherwise it is the age-old problem of being paid less because you are so grateful for the flexibility, but you are still working full-time hours. We will continue the discussion in future editions and online blogs.

This Legal Women issue features climate change law and I’m sure no-one has missed the coverage of the COP26 in Glasgow. We hear from some of the negotiators and advocates working on these issues.

As always equal pay and the gender pay gap generate debate and I’m delighted to feature comments from Dana Denis-Smith and Anna Meller and Emma McIlveen.

We continue to review our magazine format and intend to feature more of the excellent blogs we receive in future editions. If you have any suggestions, we would be delighted to hear from you info@LegalWomen.org.uk ■

Coral Hill

Coral Hill

Founder & Editor

LW magazine is for everyone qualified as lawyers, solicitors, barristers, advocates, judges, legal executives and those working as paralegals, legal secretaries, advisers or recruiters, the list is endless. We welcome the many male champions as readers and contributors.

Our mission is to:

■ Provide clear information on gender parity

■ Inspire practical initiatives to create real change

■ Promote innovation in leadership and practice