What is your advice to young women lawyers?
At the recent Madrid event to celebrate the InspiraLAw Top 50 Women List – which recognised women serving as inspiration to the younger generation of female lawyers – some of the attendees were asked what would be their advice to women beginning a career in the legal profession
Raquel Flórez, partner, Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer
“Be true to yourself, we may think there is a specific way to get into leadership roles, or get what you want in your life, but the truth is every person has to find their own way. Of course, you have to learn, you have to listen, you have to do things in specific ways but, at the same time, it is important to be true to yourself and do things the way you like.”
Mónica Martín de Vidales, partner, Garrigues
“It’s important to say they can do it. Many times in my experience, women suffer for a period of time, more or less when they are between 32 and 35; it’s normally related to marriage and children. Don´t forget you can do it. All of us are here to help you and it’s a period of time that if you get through it, you will win, absolutely.”
Ana López, partner, Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer
“There is a period when it is very difficult [for women], but it’s not impossible. We, as women, tend to be very hard on ourselves. Don´t be too perfectionist, it’s something we do a lot and it’s not good for us. Just forget it, flow, work hard and you will get through it.”
Pilar Menor, Spain managing partner, DLA Piper
“I would recommend they take control of their career. Be conscious of what you want to achieve, be brave and to go for it. With effort everything may be achieved.”
Almudena de Medina Lacalle, senior associate, Uría Menéndez (New York)
“Work hard, take every opportunity you may have. If you can to go to other offices or other countries take these opportunities because they will help you in your career.”
Teresa Paz-Ares, partner, Uría Menéndez
“Ask. Raise your hands, and ask for things. Don’t wait for someone to come to you, you have to take a step forward. If you have doubts, never abandon it, wait until the next day and you’ll be able to do it.”
Anna Viladás Jené, partner, Roca Junyent
“Be true. I would tell all women you have to be yourself. Don’t try to be anyone else. That’s the best advice I could give.”
Monica Weimann, London resident partner, Gómez-Acebo & Pombo
“Have your goals very clear if at all possible. Work out what you prefer, whether that be in-house or going into a law firm. Maybe try both if possible. Seek an individual in the organisation, a man or a woman, that is supportive and really believes in the role of women in the profession.”
Ana Montero, general counsel, Japan Tobacco International
“Planning your career could be a starting point, planning where you want to be. Also, mentoring – find a mentor that can guide you in the right direction. And have clear goals for your professional development.”
Clara Cerdán, general counsel and secretary of the board, Grupo Ferroglobe
“Be inspired – this means you are motivated and it means you are a good professional and you are passionate and you use all your experience and your skills to develop yourself and your job.”
InspiraLAw is an initiative created by Iberian Lawyer that aims to inspire the next generation of women lawyers in Spain and Portugal
