Empowered Women Empower Women

Here at mlplaw, we are a community of strong, talented women who uplift and support each other every step of the way. We go through the challenges together, celebrate each other’s successes, sharing our wisdoms over a much-needed coffee break, and create an environment where we feel valued, inspired, and empowered.

With International Women’s Day around the corner, we take a moment to reflect on the moments that have shaped us and the women who continue to inspire us.

Below, our colleagues share their thoughts in response to two questions:

✨ Can you share a workplace moment that made you feel valued, inspired, or empowered?
✨ Who is a woman that inspires you, and why?

 

Here’s to strong women. May we know them. May we be them. May we raise them.

 

Jane about a woman who inspired her:

“Mary Wollstonecraft. She was an influential philosopher, writer, and one of the earliest advocates for women’s rights. Her most famous work, A Vindication of the Rights of Woman (1792), is considered one of the founding texts of feminist philosophy. In it, she argued that women are not naturally inferior to men but that they are only seen as such due to lack of education and opportunities.

What makes Mary Wollstonecraft particularly inspiring is her courage to speak out in a time when the idea of women’s equality was revolutionary. Her ideas laid the foundation for future feminist movements, challenging societal norms and calling for gender equality long before it became a widely accepted cause.”

 

 Alissa about a valuable workplace moment:

“I feel valued every time I have the opportunity to grow and progress, especially when others recognise my work ethic. It’s rewarding to know that my hard work is seen and appreciated. I also feel empowered when I can voice my opinions and contribute to important business decisions.”

 

 Amy about a valuable workplace moment:

“A time that I have felt valued by the firm was in the Junior and Aspiring Lawyers Forum. This platform made me feel seen and I really appreciated the prompt action taken from the Forum, demonstrating that this wasn’t just a conversation but an opportunity to have my voice heard.”

 

Anna about a valuable workplace moment:

“The career progression I’ve achieved at MLP whilst being a mum and working flexible hours makes me feel valued and inspired.”

 

Ava about a woman who inspires:

“Amal Clooney inspires me with her unwavering commitment to human rights and international law. As an accomplished lawyer and fellow Middle Easterner, she uses her expertise to advocate for justice, and I admire her commitment to making a global impact—something I aspire to do in my own legal career.”

 

Victoria about a valuable workplace moment:

“I suppose my most recent experience of feeling valued was when MLP recognised my hard work and dedication to the team by promoting me to Senior Conveyancing Executive. Their confidence in me helps to boost my own confidence and empowers me to push forward in my career / journey here.”

 

Sasha about a woman who inspires:

“Georgia Dawson. (First ever woman to lead at a Magic Circle Firm).

Generally, a male driven environment – she has empowering words for woman solicitors seeking a career in law.

I think She broke barriers for woman in Law wanting to progress.

Speaking to Legal Cheek in 2023, Dawson offered her advice to women lawyers everywhere.

“I would encourage women seeking a career in law to be brave and seize opportunities as they present themselves. The profession has made progress with representation, but we know there is still much to do; a major part of that stems from younger generations driving the momentum. Be an ally and support each other.” ”

 

Ella about a valuable workplace moment:

“A workplace moment that made you feel valued, inspired or empowered… would have to be the day I actually become a solicitor and was accepted by the SRA.

I was in work on the day and when the email came through (with my certificate) I was so ecstatic!.  I sent the certificate to the team to show them and not half an hour later, Stephen and the whole team presented me with a framed picture of my certificate and some lovely treats. They had taken time out to honour my achievement and make me feel so valued as part of the team and the wider firm! It was a long journey to qualify and when I saw my certificate I felt so inspired and empowered! That will be a day I will never forget.”

 

Doris about a valuable workplace moment:

“I feel valued by receiving positive client feedback and knowing I have helped families through difficult times when they have suffered a bereavement.”

 

Chloe about a woman who inspires:

“My mother, who continues to show incredible strength and resilience while living with a brain tumour, inspires me every day with her unwavering courage and determination to overcome every obstacle life throws her way.”

 

Amelia about a valuable workplace moment:

“Joined mlplaw as a paralegal, empowered on both occasions, when offered my training contract and role as an NQ, inspired to continue my professional development within the firm and excited to embark on my next chapter.”

 

Ellie about a valuable workplace moment:

“After speaking up about what would make my life easier at mlplaw, I felt incredibly empowered. It was refreshing to share my thoughts openly and know that my voice was being heard.”

 

Shaista about a woman who inspires:

“Maya Angelou. Her strength, resilience, and wisdom inspire me.

Her words offer hope and are a reminder to face adversity with grace no matter the obstacles we face.

Her mantra, “We may encounter many defeats, but we must not be defeated,” reflects the strength every woman carries within, encouraging us to break barriers and embrace our potential, inspire change and lift each other up.”

 

Zara about a valuable workplace moment:

“I have felt valued through the opportunities I have had to develop new skills and take on fresh challenges. The trust placed in me with greater responsibilities has helped me grow professionally, and I’m grateful for the support from Alissa, Anna, and the wider mlpower team as we genuinely want to see each other succeed.”

 

Katie about a valuable workplace moment:

“The workplace moment that made me feel valued, inspired and empowered is from back in 2022. I originally worked for MLPower as a Legal Assistant in 2021 however my wish was always to progress further in my career towards becoming a solicitor. In 2022 I started working more closely with WTP until I was then offered an interview for the Paralegal Apprentice position in the WTP team. I was successful in my interview and began my apprenticeship in October 2022 which offers progression to the Solicitor Apprenticeship. Being successful in the interview and WTP inviting me to their team for the role made me feel valued and inspired. It also empowered me in knowing that my career aspirations were progressing, and I look forward to my future career progression with mlplaw.”

 

Maria about a woman who inspires:

“Tanya Liberman – the blogger I am following is somehow nailing all the aspects of life. Originally from Russia, she had three children before going through a divorce and later moving to Israel, where she met her now-husband and had two more kids. All while building and growing a successful jewellery business, she has also been deeply emotionally engaged in two major conflicts: the Russia-Ukraine war and the Israel-Palestine conflict. What inspires me most about her is her incredible willpower and sharp sense of humour, which she carries through even the most challenging times.”

 

Deborah about a woman who inspires:

“So many women (and men) inspire me but in light of recent world events I am choosing Newsnight presenter, Victoria Derbyshire. I admire the way she refuses to let the most patronising and bombastic interviewees off the hook or derail her.“