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 and to celebrate women in law. Our contributors represent women at all stages of their legal career, from Trainee to Partner.

Part 3  is from Lydia Heffron. Lydia is an Associate Solicitor and a member of the Dispute Resolution Team

 

The importance of female progression 

My desire to pursue law began at school when leading figures in various business areas were invited to discuss their professions. A female partner from a local law firm discussed her career as a Solicitor. I recall how seeing a woman who was passionate about her job and who had excelled in an historically male dominated profession was an incentive for me to pursue this path.

As a law student I gained work experience in law firms in London and Northern Ireland. What struck me was the importance placed on female progression in these firms and the opportunities offered to women to enhance their careers. My ambition was therefore to pursue law in a firm which embraces women in the workplace and where it is encouraged for women to become leaders in their respective areas of law. This was one of the main reasons as to why I chose to apply to Tughans upon qualification.

In my team alone, there are 9 female solicitors ranging from Associate Solicitor to Partner level. These women all juggle work with family responsibilities. Particularly during the Covid-19 pandemic, it has been inspiring to witness how my female colleagues who have experienced a range of unprecedented personal challenges continue to lead and work consistently to a high level.

There are still challenges to achieving true equality in the legal profession, however, it is very pleasing that things are moving in the right direction.

Lydia Heffron, Associate Solicitor, Dispute Resolution Team

 

Read Pt 1 from trainee solicitor, Kate Loughran.

Read Pt 2 from NQ, Orla Drayne

Read Pt4 from Associate Director, Ellen Forester

 

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