As we honour Women’s Month, we celebrate the extraordinary women lawyers who defy the status quo and redefine what it means to lead in the legal profession. You are not just a lawyer; you are a trailblazer, a leader, and a beacon of strength for future generations. You face challenges that few dare to acknowledge—the relentless pressure to prove yourself, the fine line between being assertive and being labelled, and the silent but heavy weight of expectations. These are not just struggles; they are battles that shape your resilience and sharpen your resolve.
You are more than the sum of your victories; you are a force transforming the very fabric of law. Your journey is not merely about breaking barriers; it is about forging a new path with an unyielding commitment and a perspective that only a woman can bring. Despite the odds, you rise—unapologetic and unrelenting—reshaping the legal landscape with quiet strength and profound impact. You are not just part of the profession; you are redefining it, inspiring those who will follow in your footsteps and ensuring that the future of law is as powerful as the women who lead it.
Redefining Success in the Legal Profession
The legal profession has long been synonymous with a rigid pursuit of perfection. However, women in law are challenging this outdated notion, embracing imperfection as a facet of both professional and personal growth. You are redefining what it means to be successful in a field that has traditionally valued flawlessness over authenticity.
Women lawyers today wear multiple hats: they are practitioners, innovators, thought leaders, and influencers. You are leading by example, showing that it’s not just about achieving the highest billable hours or winning every case, but also about making meaningful contributions and pursuing a fulfilling career. What sets women lawyers apart is your unique ability to bring empathy, resilience, and innovative thinking to the legal profession. These qualities have helped you make significant strides despite historical and ongoing challenges. By leveraging your diverse strengths, you have not only achieved professional success but have also been instrumental in transforming the legal landscape.
We are a multi-volume set
“Though fairy tales end after ten pages, our lives do not. We are multi-volume sets. In our lives, even though one episode amounts to a crash and burn, there is always another episode awaiting us and then another. There are always more opportunities to get it right, to fashion our lives in the ways we deserve to have them. Don’t waste your time hating a failure. Failure is a greater teacher than success.” — Clarissa Pinkola Estés, Women Who Run With the Wolves
As you transition through the different stages of life, your legal practice may see you taking on roles such as advisor, financial planner, coach, mediator, strategist, and HR manager. At home, you might be balancing roles as a spouse, parent, chef, personal shopper, teacher, and friend. In whatever capacity you find yourself, being a lawyer in the traditional sense is just one facet of your multi-dimensional life.
Each phase brings distinct challenges and rewards, moulding you into a resilient and versatile individual. By embracing these varied roles, you create a rich tapestry of experiences that enhance both your personal and professional journey. Your path isn’t about striving for perfection in every role but about discovering balance, joy, and growth amidst it all. It’s a powerful testament to your strength and adaptability.
However, you should be cautious in your pursuit to fulfil all these roles to not compromise your well-being or sense of self. It is so easy to get caught up in everyone’s expectations of you including your own, which can be your harshest critic. Remember, your career and personal life doesn’t need to follow a linear path defined by traditional expectations. You are free to dictate your own path. You are indeed a multi-volume set.
The Perfection Trap
The desire to be perfect in every aspect of life is a common struggle. From excelling in your career to maintaining a flawless household, you may feel pressured to meet unattainable standards. This constant striving for perfection can lead to stress, burnout, and a sense of inadequacy. As Sheryl Sandberg, COO of Facebook, aptly said, “Trying to do it all and expecting that it all can be done exactly right is a recipe for disappointment. Perfection is the enemy” (Sandberg, 2013).
It’s time to recognise that it’s okay not to be perfect.
The reality however remains that in legal practice, managing and maintaining a balance between your professional duties and personal obligations is an immense challenge. The demands of the legal profession are relentless and often overwhelming. It’s not just difficult; it’s profoundly exhausting, and at times, it can seem almost impossible to juggle the myriad responsibilities.
But remember, you are not alone in this journey. More than ever before, women in the legal profession are coming together to support and uplift each other. Whether it’s through coaching, mentorship, training, networking, or simply sharing experiences, there is a growing community of women lawyers who understand the unique challenges you face and are committed to providing the support you need. This solidarity is a powerful force, helping to ease the burdens that can feel so heavy when carried alone.
Together, we are stronger, and together, we can find the balance that allows you to thrive.
The Essence of Wild Women
In her influential book Women Who Run With the Wolves, Clarissa Pinkola Estés explores the wild woman archetype—a symbol of the instinctual, untamed essence within every woman. This wild woman embodies creativity, strength, and an innate wisdom that transcends societal expectations and the relentless pursuit of perfection. Embracing this inner wildness allows you to break free from the limiting idea that you must conform to an external standard or be everything to everyone.
As Estés writes, “The wild nature carries the medicine for all things. It carries stories and dreams and words and songs and signs and symbols. It is both vehicle and destination” (Estés, 1992).
By embracing who you truly are and recognising your inherent capabilities, you let go of the need to fit into predefined moulds or chase unattainable ideals. Every rule, every expectation, was once just an idea—crafted by someone else’s perspective. This doesn’t make it the only way or even the right way for you. By releasing the notion of perfection, you tap into the essence of what it means to be a woman. You begin to live authentically, guided by your own instincts, strengths, and wisdom. In doing so, you reclaim your power and allow yourself to flourish in a way that is uniquely yours, creating a life that is not only balanced and fulfilling but also true to your wild, vibrant self.
Self-care Tips for Women in Law
In the fast paced high-stakes world of legal practice, mental health and well-being are often overlooked. However, your health is paramount. Embracing self-care is not a luxury but a necessity. Here are some tips to help you maintain balance:
- Prioritise Self-Care: Schedule regular breaks during your workday. Whether it’s a short walk, meditation, or simply stepping away from your desk, brief respites can recharge your mental batteries.
- Seek Support: Don’t hesitate to reach out for support when you need it. Professional therapy, mentorship, or even candid conversations with colleagues can help alleviate stress.
- Set Boundaries: Establish clear boundaries between work and personal life. This might mean turning off email notifications after certain hours or designating days free from work-related tasks.
- Practise Mindfulness: Engage in mindfulness practices like yoga or meditation. These activities can help centre your thoughts and reduce anxiety.
- Stay Active: Regular physical activity is beneficial for your mental health. Whether it’s a vigorous workout or a light stroll, exercise can improve your mood and overall well-being.
- Nurture Relationships: Make time for family and friends. Social connections are crucial to maintaining a healthy mental state.
- Recognise Achievements: Take time to celebrate your successes, no matter how small. Reflecting on your achievements can boost your morale and motivation.
Navigating Your Many Roles:
As a woman lawyer, you often wear multiple hats, both in your professional life and at home. Navigating these roles requires intentional strategies to prevent burnout and maintain balance:
- Delegate and Outsource: It’s okay to ask for help. Delegating tasks at work and home can significantly reduce your burden. Whether it’s hiring a cleaning service, using a meal delivery service, or delegating legal research to a junior associate, outsourcing can free up valuable time and energy for the things that matter most.
- Automate Tasks: Embrace technology to automate repetitive tasks. Legal practice management software can handle administrative tasks, scheduling tools can manage your calendar, and automated billing can free up your time, allowing you to focus on higher-priority tasks. Consider leveraging tools like Auxcon billing administration software that was specifically designed for advocates, and allows you to manage your billing effortlessly, on-the-go. By automating this crucial aspect of your practice, you can achieve peace of mind and maintain better control over your finances and cash flow.
- Set Realistic Goals: Set achievable goals and break larger tasks into smaller, manageable steps. Celebrate small victories along the way. This approach can prevent feelings of being overwhelmed and help maintain motivation.
- Embrace Imperfection: Accept that mistakes and imperfections are part of life. They offer opportunities for growth and learning. As Oprah Winfrey wisely said, “You are not your mistakes; they are what you did, not who you are” (Winfrey, 2014).
Letting Go of Guilt
To thrive, you must let go of guilt—whether it’s towards your work or your personal life when you can’t be both at the same time. It’s crucial to be fully present in each moment and give your all to whatever you are doing. When you are at work, focus on your professional responsibilities without the weight of personal obligations. Similarly, when you are with your family, immerse yourself in those moments without the distraction of work-related concerns. By being present and intentional, you can find a healthier balance and more profound satisfaction in all areas of your life.
Conclusion
As we honour your achievements this Women’s Month, let’s also recognise the importance of embracing imperfection. Striving for excellence doesn’t mean striving for perfection.
Remember, it’s okay to let go of the pursuit of perfection and instead focus on what truly matters. “You don’t have to be perfect to be amazing” (Anonymous, n.d.).
Celebrate your journey, your achievements, and most importantly, celebrate yourself.
You are not just managing; you are thriving in one of the most challenging fields. Your strength, resilience, and brilliance are truly inspirational. Embrace your inner wild woman and let her guide you to a more authentic and fulfilling life. Happy Women’s Month!
For more resources and support, visit the Professional Mind Resilience Institute (PMRI) at www.pmri.com or contact us at info@pmri.com.
References
- Estés, C. P. (1992). Women Who Run With the Wolves: Myths and Stories of the Wild Woman Archetype. New York: Ballantine Books.
- Sandberg, S. (2013). Lean In: Women, Work, and the Will to Lead. New York: Knopf.
- Winfrey, O. (2014). What I Know For Sure. New York: Flatiron Books.
- Lombardi, V. (n.d.). “Perfection is not attainable, but if we chase perfection, we can catch excellence.”
- Ginsburg, R. B. (n.d.). “You are not just a lawyer, but a trailblazer, a leader, and a beacon of hope for future generations.”
- Barra, M. (n.d.). “Don’t be afraid to delegate. Your team is there to support you, and they can often surprise you with their capabilities.”
- Anonymous. (n.d.). “You don’t have to be perfect to be amazing.”
- MacKinnon, C. (2007). Are Women Human?. Cambridge: Harvard University Press.
- Escobar-Lemmon, M. C., Hoekstra, V. J., Kang, A. J., & Kittilson, M. C. (2014). Breaking the Judicial Glass Ceiling: The Appointment of Women to High Courts Worldwide. Journal of Politics, 76(3), 791-803.
- American Bar Association. (n.d.). Women in the Legal Profession. Americanbar.com. Retrieved from www.americanbar.org
- Sen, A. (1995). Gender Inequality & Theories of Justice. In M. Nussbaum and J. Glover (Eds.), Women, Culture, and Development: A Study of Human Capabilities (pp. 259-273). Oxford: Clarendon Press.
- Stark, B. (2004). Women, Globalization, & Law. Pace International Law Review, 16(1), 1-28.
