Goodman Ray are proud to support the #EmbraceEquity campaign this International Women’s Day. To celebrate we spoke with Trudi Featherstone, Partner, and Jennifer Crossthwaite, Solicitor, who gave their views surrounding what it is like to be a woman in law and opened up about their personal experiences.
Trudi Featherstone
Why do you think it is important to celebrate International Women’s Day?
Gender equality is a basic human right. It is important for everyone of each gender to celebrate International Women’s Day on 8th March. It marks a call for action to address gender inequality and demonstrates support for those who are seeking change and gender parity. It is an opportunity to mark the achievements of women and to celebrate women everywhere.
What is your proudest achievement?
There are two – my family and my work. I’m incredibly proud of Goodman Ray and the important work undertaken by each and every solicitor at Goodman Ray in Family Law. We really do make a difference to people’s lives and provide help and change at a very difficult time in their lives.
Which women inspire you the most?
I meet women everyday who inspire me. For me an inspirational woman is someone who shows consistency, resilience, gratitude, forgiveness, tenacity, and the skill to handle situations with a quiet confidence.
What is the most important message you want to send out to young women thinking about going into law?
Believe in yourself and be true to yourself. Remain authentic. Don’t let work take over your life and ensure you maintain a work-life balance. Always have compassion.
Have you faced any barriers in your career due to being a woman? If so, how did you overcome them?
I chose to join a practice set up by a strong and inspirational woman, Peggy Ray. There have always been women at partner level at Goodman Ray and this has reduced many barriers that women in other law firms may face. There is a nurturing culture and an emphasis to ensure everyone achieves the right work-life balance.
Jennifer Crossthwaite
Why do you think it is important to celebrate International Women’s Day?
I think it is valuable to highlight the importance of achieving gender equality and parity in all aspects of life. Much progress has been made but there is still more that can be done, especially in the workplace. It is important to remember that we should not only celebrate women on this one day, but I feel having the day serves as a reminder that this is an ongoing issue which needs to continue to be revisited and worked on.
What is your proudest achievement?
I would say qualifying as a full Samaritans volunteer. Being able to offer my free time and skills to those who need a listening ear, and doing something for others which is not focussed on personal gain, is very rewarding. It can be difficult fitting it in weekly around my work commitments and social life, but I feel proud of putting in the work that was needed to get to this position, to hopefully help some people in need.
What is the most important message you want to send out to young women thinking about going into law?
Do it! The industry has made such huge changes in recent years and women are becoming the forefront of real changes to the law. There is so much more support these days for young women in law and I would recommend it as a career for those considering.
Have you faced any barriers in your career due to being a woman? If so, how did you overcome them?
I have on occasion. For example, on cases I have come against some opposition from professionals and clients alike who can doubt your ability as a young professional woman. This can be disheartening but I have learned to have confidence in my ability and strive even harder to prove them wrong. It can take time to master this confidence (it did for me) but I found appearing confident and having faith in your ability soon showed others that you knew what you were talking about!
Author /Interviewer
Marie Campbell
Trainee Solicitor
