International Women’s Day has taken place annually for well over a century and this year the central theme is ‘Choose to Challenge’.

Tughans is marking the occasion by inviting our female lawyers to share their thoughts and experience to celebrate women in law. Our contributors represent women at all stages of their legal career, from Trainee to Partner.

The first contribution is from Kate Loughran. Kate is a second year trainee solicitor.

 

Championing female mentorship and leadership

Female leadership is integral to the empowerment and progression of gender diversity in legal workspaces. This framework enables females in the profession to champion their career progression, business development and mental wellbeing. A recognition of conscious and unconscious gender biases allows professional environments to work through the problem rather than pitching a one size fits all solution.

Tughans maintains an incredibly valuable coaching and mentoring practice with the junior members of staff. Personally, I have benefited from having the support and guidance from females in a more senior position which has really helped me to focus on what goals and ambitions I have and how to take steps to achieve them. The firm has strong female role models at senior levels that are accessible and approachable, and this undoubtedly has a huge impact on a junior like me seeking to learn the ways of the business.

The most important lesson I have learned so far is to maintain my own personal style and sense of authenticity in my career development rather than seeking to emulate others. Female mentorship and leadership is about encouraging, inspiring and supporting others. There is no right way to pursue a career in law and at some stage we all make mistakes – having a strong female mentor to support and help develop my own authentic approach to my career has been extremely valuable in my experience.

Kate Loughran, Trainee Solicitor

 

Read Pt 2 from NQ, Orla Drayne

Read Pt 3 from Associate Solicitor, Lydia Heffron

Read Pt4 from Associate Director, Ellen Forester

 

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