EVENTS
International Women’s Day 2021 – An Evening with Lesley Wan T
he Equality, Diversity & Inclusion committee of WHLS combined forces with the University of Law alumni group and featured city lawyer, Lesley Wan to celebrate IWD on 8th March. It was the most insightful way to commemorate this year’s International Women’s Day. Lesley Wan embodies the modern-day trail blazer female lawyer, owing to her relatability. She grew up in New Zealand, the child of recently emigrated parents. (Lesley did not speak English until she went to school); worked hard studying and helping their parents in their business. She knew no lawyers at all nor had much experience of what the law involved as a career. Lesley is proof that determination is key to achieving long lasting success. Particularly where the notion of nepotism appears to deter those who do not have connections to help them “get through the door”. In an era where gender inequality is still rife, Lesley gives all of us consolation that all hope is not lost and that the tide is clearly turning. The many glass ceilings she has shattered thus far, continue to pave the way for many more women as they foray into the seemingly unconquerable legal field. Many dejected, aspiring female lawyers and even those already in the profession looking to reach higher heights, will benefit from the pearls of wisdom that Lesley Wan effortlessly espouses. What is also refreshing is that Lesley is willing to share the “tricks of the trade” that help one to stand out in such a competitive arena. Some key “tricks” or tips she references are: ■ Being Proactive, ■ Demonstrating what you can bring to the table, ■ Creating opportunities for yourself and ■ The importance of building connections with your peer group. There is no doubt that Lesley walks the talk. Her diverse accomplishments speak for themselves. Listening to her through the evening, one cannot help but be in awe of what she has been able to accomplish in her career thus far. From her start in New Zealand, where she practised as both a Barrister and Solicitor at Russell McVeagh. Subsequently, moving to London where she worked as a Solicitor at Norton Rose Fulbright. Progressing to Senior Solicitor roles at Allen & Overy, Bayerische Landesbank in Real Estate and LDC. Lesley would go on to serve as Corporate Counsel for 11 years at Lloyds Banking Group.
Her contributions to society span across the various generations. For instance, through her charity, Through the Looking Glass (www.lookingglassuk.com). Lesley created a handbook to set out some of the interesting roles available in the City. This included guidelines for students to have a basic understanding of what roles exist. These roles were replicated on the website and organised for students to visit corporations which featured these roles. Something, Lesley would have loved to have had available when she was their age. Of significance, is the premise on which the charity was founded. Lesley wanted to effect real change by focusing on young people from socially and economically deprived areas of London. “I wanted to open up our fantastic City to the incredible untapped talent of young people who couldn’t see a future for themselves from their council estate.” For the senior women leaders, Lesley created the Eagle Club, https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/eagle-club-eventshowcases-female-leaders-passion-mcgregor to help build a strong and supportive female network. “We want to provide a platform for female leaders to build authentic relationships and friendships with other senior women at the executive level. This is with a view to creating a support network where we can freely call on each other for help”. Lesley shows no signs of stopping anytime soon. Her long-term plans are “to continue to help as many people as she can, to realise their potential” and “to expand the Eagle Club to become a substantial network globally”. As the evening concluded, I left with a renewed sense of enthusiasm and determination, to chase my dreams and expand my vision, beyond my wildest dreams. With the hope that in the near future, I will stand on the shoulders of women like Lesley Wan who have gone before me and dared to explore the unchartered territories of the legal field on the premise of achieving their goals, whilst giving back and pouring into the next generation of women. ■
Charity Mafuba Member of WHLS
At present Lesley serves as General Counsel, Whistleblowing Officer and Chief Conflicts of Interest Officer and Company Secretariat for FBN Bank (UK) Limited. In addition, she has previously served on the Advisory Boards for the Legal press, including The Lawyer, Legal Week and WIPL. Lesley is a NED for Headlong Theatre and London Business School Out In Business. CENTRAL LONDON LAWYER | 13
