Page 15 - April2019_BarJournal

WOMEN IN LAW

of personal repercussion. Senior practitioners we leave no energy for self-care. Women, of a few in a room. Let’s also counter tokenism
can guide you through office politics, help and especially working mothers, know by helping each other rise. When you’ve achieved
you obtain choice work assignments, and how hard it is to manage being pulled in success — however you’ve defined it — use your
nominate you for promotion. When they multiple directions by contrasting priorities. influence to ensure that other women of color
also hold key client relationships, a mentor To succeed, you must find a balance. As are also able to enter the room. Sponsor younger
can teach you how to develop business and you invest in your career, reserve enough to attorneys, meet with them, offer them advice and
manage client relations, and position you tend to the rest of your self — your physical, opportunities. Be a mentor. Help build a critical
to inherit origination credit. Horizontal, or emotional, and mental health. mass of women attorneys of color however you
peer mentoring, is equally important. Your Because of the diversity disconnect, women and can. Don’t allow the door to close behind you.
peers, whether from college, law school or attorneys of color are often the only one or one Let’s rise — together.
work, will travel their own paths. You can be a
cheerleader, referral source, or sounding board
for them. They will happily return the favor.
• Be Visible in Your Organization and a
Leader in Your Community
It can be difficult to establish the types of
relationships that contribute to your success
if you never come out of your office. All jokes
aside about the zany creations featured at the
office potluck, you should make the effort to
attend both official office gatherings and the last
minute happy hours. There you can showcase
your more casual personality, challenge the
unconscious preconceptions your colleagues
may have about women and minorities, and
identify potential mentors. It is also important
to find an activity that is close to your heart,
whether it is a bar association, inn of court,
or a 501(c)(3). Become involved. Take on
leadership roles. Seize every opportunity to
speak and establish a reputation for knowing
how to manage a team and get things done.
There are several local leadership development
programs, some for women and others for
lawyers, that can help you build your network
and leadership skills.
• Be Brave Enough to Make Strategic Moves
You may come to realize that the success
you seek requires you to change jobs,
develop skills within a new practice area,
or otherwise abandon your comfort zone.
It’s time for a change when you feel stagnant,
skipped over, or consistently frustrated in your
goals. A job change will create disruption for
your current employer. Leave as graciously We are proud of the firm’s women
as possible: follow the ethical guidance on attorneys for inspiring collaboration,
client communications and file transfers, growth and success within our local
give sufficient notice, and draft exit memos and legal communities.
to showcase your professionalism. Leave porterwright.com
with your brand unsullied. Then, move
with purpose.
• Invest in Yourself
Striving to overcome the challenges on
your path to success will exact a cost. We
can fall into the trap of expending so much
energy being everything to everybody that
April 2019 Cleveland Metropolitan Bar Journal | 15