What’s the chance of working in a professional environment where over three quarters of the team are female? Well that’s us at Winston Solicitors.
A legal firm where the majority of managers are female
We embrace the values that International Women’s Day promotes, celebrating the social, economic, cultural and political achievements of women. It is testimony to our positive culture that female representation is 75% in our team, and two-thirds for our department heads.
This year’s theme for IWD is Embrace Equity. Different to equality, equity recognises that each person has different circumstances and allocates the exact resources and opportunities needed to reach an equal outcome. This is what we strive for at Winston Solicitors, treating everyone as an individual to make sure that we achieve our potential, and in turn our clients benefit from excellent client care and service.
Sharing wise words
In recognition of IWD, we asked our female staff two questions:
Question 1:
As Winston Solicitors has such a strong female-led team, what positives do you feel this has on the work environment (or compared to where you have worked previously)?
“We get the job done but support our colleagues and our clients along the way. We celebrate success, along with encouraging growth and development. We care about the outcome but also about how we get to it."
“It is fantastic to work at a firm when so many heads of departments and Directors are woman. I take great pride in knowing that gender plays no role in achieving promotion and greatness in firm that keeps on growing. “
“It’s a more ‘honest’ environment, everyone is open with their conversation and there’s no need to hide what happens outside of work eg the reality of family life, which did not feel acceptable when working in a male dominated firm.“
“It’s nice to have female manager as I feel it’s easier to express personal issues without feeling uncomfortable. Also, I must admit I feel women are super organised and get things done!”
“There is no sense of having to model a more competitive behaviour in order to succeed. I feel everyone is heard and that I have the space to genuinely mentor and nurture colleagues.“
“Woman are highly driven and motivated and drives success within the firm.”
“The fact that WS has such a strong female-led team demonstrates in practice that there is real career progression and opportunity for women. This is in stark contrast to where I started my legal career 20 years ago where all the partners were male and the Managing Partner would routinely ask every new female fee earner whether they intended to have children!”
“I feel like there is a friendlier/more easy going environment as where I worked previously was a big firm with more men and some were slightly intimidating! This may sound quite stereotypical but this is what I found to be the case coming from a bigger firm to a smaller one.“
Question 2:
What advice would you pass on to the next generation of women who are making career choices?
“Do what you love – not what you are ‘good’ at (or what you are told you are ‘good’ at). You have to do it for a long time so it might as well be something you enjoy. And don’t ever be afraid to change if you get bored of what you are doing, no matter at what stage – give it a good go and if it’s not for you, move on if you can.“
“Don’t compromise unnecessarily, work life balance is important and can be done if you work for the right employer- stand your ground and know your worth.”
“Work hard, dream big and be proud to be a woman.“
“To consider what they want to do, rather than what they might have been told they “should” do. To have their own independent approach to their career and life choices.“
“There’s always an opportunity to keep learning, therefore, whatever you decide now, will evolve, grow and change. Every day is a school day.”
“Next generation should follow your dreams and passions. Work and life is more diverse now than ever to fit all.”
“To the next generation of women who are making career choices I would say don’t specialise too soon, embrace a change of direction and you never know what the future holds.”
“Don’t be afraid to go for whatever role/career you want and don’t let anyone put you off anything. Stick to what you want to do and if you believe in yourself you will work hard to achieve that.“
Enlightening answers, showing the positive impact of a female dominated work environment, and some sage words of advice to the next generation
