Interconnected Us’ Post

This week has been filled with in-person and online meetings with my excellent clients.. one in particular has stood out for me this week as I was able to make a small difference within the firm from an external standpoint! ⬇️ During our chat in the meeting room, we spoke about the upcoming International Women's Day and all the events going on in the legal field to honour that this month. We discussed how far women in law have come and what can be done in the modern age to ensure equal opportunity and treatment for women in firms. This is when I mentioned the Women in Law Pledge by The Law Society 🙌 It's surprising how many businesses haven't heard of this pledge, which was launched in partnership with the Bar Council of England and Wales and Chartered Institute of Legal Executives (CILEx) in June 2019, created to bring gender equality to the forefront of the conversation 👏 It is a voluntary pledge and by signing up to the pledge, firms and Chambers are committing to setting high level targets to make a difference for gender equality either within the organisation, or as an advocate, and champion, for change 🌟 I received an email following the client meeting to advise that the Women in Law Pledge had been raised internally for discussion! This is where it starts. All it takes is someone to be made aware of the pledge to open up the discussion of signing up to it ✨ You can find out more about the pledge by clicking on the link below 💙 #womeninlaw #ladiesoflaw #internationalwomensday

🌟 Shining a Spotlight on Women in Law as International Women’s Day approaches 🌟 While the legal profession has made strides towards gender equality, there's still a long road ahead, especially when it comes to women reaching senior leadership positions. Did you know that since 2011, the number of female solicitors in Australia has been steadily increasing, and as of 2018, women actually comprise more than half of all solicitors? 📈 Despite this progress, the reality is that women are still significantly under-represented in senior leadership roles within the legal industry. Statistics reveal… Only 27% of females reach the special counsel level. So, what happens to the rest? Why do we see this drop-off as women progress in their legal careers? 🤔 This issue goes beyond just numbers; it's about addressing systemic barriers and biases that hinder women's advancement in the legal profession. As we celebrate the achievements of women in law, let's also commit to fostering environments where talent and potential are recognised and rewarded regardless of gender. Together, we can break down barriers and pave the way for a future where women in law thrive at every level of leadership. #WomenInLaw #GenderEquality #LegalLeadership #DiversityandInclusion

1. Please follow our new A Mindful Lawyer Linkedin page to stay up to date with upcoming events and initiatives. 2. Please see the details below of the AML special International Women's Day event on 7 March 2024 with Catherine Addy KC Nikki Edwards and Phoebe W. and Alison Newcomb. All chaired by the excellent Matthew Purcell #legalnetworking #legalnetwork #aml #iwd2024 #inspireinclusion #networkingwithadifference

🌟 Today, on March 10th, we celebrate the International Day of Women Judges! 🌟 It's a day to honor the remarkable contributions of women judges worldwide and to advocate for gender equality within our judicial systems. Representation matters, and it's crucial for ensuring fairness, accountability, and legitimacy within our courts. Despite strides in women's participation in public life, there's still significant underrepresentation within the judiciary. That's why initiatives like this are so important. By breaking barriers and entering spaces historically closed to them, women judges enhance the credibility of our legal systems. The presence of women judges brings diverse perspectives and experiences, strengthening our judicial systems and promoting effective, victim-centered responses to crime. They inspire the next generation of legal professionals and contribute to greater accountability, combating corruption. Today's campaign, "Women in Justice, Women for Justice," highlights the importance of promoting the full participation of women in the judiciary. Let's raise awareness about the progress made and the challenges ahead. Together, we can ensure justice is served fairly and equally for all. Remember, true gender equality in our judicial systems requires the active participation of women alongside men at all decision-making levels. Let's continue supporting and empowering women in the pursuit of justice! 💪👩⚖️ #InternationalDayofWomenJudges #GenderEquality #WomenInJustice #WomenForJustice #Empowerment #LegalProfession #Equality #JusticeForAll

Did you know history was made in 2023 when female associates across the US outnumbered their male counterparts, representing 50.3% in law firms?    Here in Canada, the Supreme Court saw its first female-majority bench in its 148 years. Progress? 💯    Yet, the journey towards equality continues. The recent Toronto Star article highlights some of the persistent challenges and discrimination faced by women in the legal profession every day. It is a compelling read (link in the comments).    How do we champion change? How do we #InspireInclusion in our field?    At Crossroads Law:    ✅ We champion flexible work and mentorship.  ✅ We support organizations advancing gender equality.  ✅ We treat everyone as individuals, ensuring they feel valued, respected, and supported.    Let’s keep pushing for change. Happy International Women's Day! #InternationalWomensDay #GenderEquality #DiversityinLaw #FamilyLaw 

Silvia Doria (Partner, De Berti Jacchia Franchini Forlani): "Women lawyers are today present in every field of the law, although in some cases still in a weak way. Laws have certainly accelerated our entry to tables that would have been further away and difficult to be reached. Now we have to better exploit our precious soft skills, in particular our strong emotional intelligence, in order to continue on the path of gender equality that will be probably achieved only when management roles in companies and institutions are more covered by women. I believe that female solidarity is, in fact, a very important driver for increasing leadership positions in law firms, but not only. So, I especially say to young female lawyers: continue to be remarkable and network!" -- This March we celebrate the International Women's Month, recognizing and honoring women from all over the world who are breaking barriers at their industries and empowering by their example. Throughout the whole month Leaders League will put light into various women’s, who shared their wisdom, and whose work is shaping their industries and inspiring change. #internationalwomensmonth #internationalwomensday #empoweringwomen #womeninbusiness #womenatwork #genderequality

The IBA's Strategy for empowering Young Female Lawyers - To increase the proportion of young female attorneys who rise to senior leadership positions in the legal industry, the International Bar Association (IBA) unveiled a 10-step strategy. IBA President, Almudena Arpón de Mendívil Aldama, launched the "Ten Directives to Break the Glass Ceiling" initiative during a special International Women's Day gathering that included over 80 female legal professionals from 30 different countries. Aldama stated “Together, we should accelerate change, convincing others, males and females, to join us in that direction. We must recall that lawyers have a special responsibility in this field given that gender equality is a matter of law.”  The ‘Ten Directives’ include growing professional relationships, maintaining a healthy work-life balance and mentoring. The plan also pushes for an emphasis on skill-building and knowledge expansion. Source: https://lnkd.in/ekS-VR3C #diversity #ABTL #uklawyers #lawstudents #aspiringlawyers

I am proud to have founded a firm that is changing the way that law is practiced by focusing on inclusion and diverse perspectives. This International Women's Day we are reaffirming our commitment to being an equitable, respectful and supportive law firm. Since founding Crossroads Law in 2017 we have offered flexible work arrangements to support the individual needs and challenges of our staff and lawyers, of which 70% are women. Law firms struggling to retain talent should keep this in mind: we have grown from 4 lawyers to 20 (just hired another one) in under 7 years. EDI does not hinder growth, it supports it. #equityinaction #internationalwomensday #lawfirm

"Women belong in all places where decisions are being made." - Ruth Bader Ginsburg I wholeheartedly believe in the power and potential of women in law. Gender equality is not just a goal but a fundamental principle that drives innovation, diversity, and success within the legal industry. I love to hear the remarkable achievements of women who have broken barriers and made significant contributions to the field of law. Their dedication, expertise, and resilience continue to inspire and pave the way for future generations. By championing women in law, we are fostering a legal profession that is not only equitable but also enriched by diverse perspectives and experiences. #legalrecruitment #womeninlaw #empowerment

Happy International Women's Day! Today, we celebrate the remarkable achievements of women in juvenile justice, with a special nod to trailblazer Tamar Birckhead. As a legal scholar, professor, and passionate advocate, Tamar has dedicated her career to youth justice reform, focusing on issues like racial disparities and the rights of children in the legal system. International Women's Day is more than a celebration; it's a call to action. Tamar's work exemplifies the dedication needed to drive meaningful change. While we applaud the strides made in gender equality, the journey is ongoing. Let's leverage this day to reevaluate and strengthen our commitment to a fair and equitable system. Drawing inspiration from leaders like Tamar Birckhead, let's propel forward with passion and commitment. Change is not just possible; it's inevitable when we stand united for justice. Here's to progress, empowerment, and the indomitable spirit of women making waves in juvenile justice!   #IWD2023 #WomenInJustice #EmpowerEquality #ChangeMakers