denotes premium content | Jul 31 2010 Women Legal archive
Volume 2 Issue 1
Letter from the editor: A year in review
This issue marks a year since Women Legal magazine launched. And what a year it has been. Dominated by a global financial crisis that brought the big-firm bubble close to bursting point and a swine flu pandemic that has – according to the latest figures from the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control – resulted in 3,555 deaths to date worldwide, the past 12 months have been, for many, a year like no other.
Throughout all of this the positive response to Women Legal has been overwhelming. In fact, from the moment the first edition landed on desks, the publication has grown exponentially – thanks in no small part to the huge support of the magazine’s editorial board, both in the research stages of the magazine and in providing advice for forward features schedules and article ideas. And, of course, the extremely high standard of articles that you (as well as others working in the industry) have contributed. It has been a pleasure to cover the huge range of issues and developments in what is certainly one of the most important areas within today’s recession-scarred legal landscape.
And, on a personal note, as a relative newcomer to the world of law-firm gender diversity, it has been fascinating to follow the journey of women working in the legal profession the world over from managing partners and partners to practice group leaders and human resources professionals.
It is interesting to look back at the issues covered within these pages: the rise of gender diversity issues up the law firm agenda, increasing awareness of the benefits of flexible working schemes, the growing importance of mentoring and strong role models in the law firm environment, and much more. And the Women Legal team is ready to sink its teeth into some new challenges during our second year.
In my first editor’s letter, I highlighted our goal of providing you with a valuable resource, which you could use as part of your everyday toolkit. I hope that we have achieved this promise over the past twelve months.
I would like to thank you for your support in the past year and hope that you continue to enjoy the magazine. As always, I would love to hear your feedback, or any ideas for features you would like to see in the magazine. In the meantime, I hope you enjoy this issue.
Lucy McNulty,
Editor
Features
Lifestyle: Brand building for beginners
A lawyer's image can have a huge impact on their success. Louise Mowbray discusses the core principles of a personal brand.
Masterclass: Working together
Karen B. Kahn and John E. Mitchell discuss how best to use the male mentor-female mentee relationship to firm effective bonds.
Case study: Mallesons Stephen Jacques
Kate Rimer and Catherine McNair reveal how Australian firm Mallesons Stephen Jacques has succeeded in positioning the firm as a government-accredited 'employer of choice for women'.
Cover feature: Recessions lessons
As reports that the global economy may be on the road to recovery gather pace. Lamia Walker analyses what lessons in gender diversity can be learnt from this financial crisis.
Regulars
The last word: Supporting success
Marianne M. Trost, 'The Women Lawyers Coach', on creating a support network.
Opinion: In search of acceptance - the Asian perspective
Kamani Jinadasa offers insight into the obstacles faced by women working in the Asian legal sector.
Opinion: Is your firm's women's initiative all that it can be?
Carol Frohlinger asks the questions that will help you evaluate how effective your firm's gender diversity programmes are.
Profile: Ann Alexander
As deputy chairman of UK networking organisation, The Legal Alliance, Ann Alexander works to make the legal sector more accessible and promote quality in the legal service delivery. She talks to Women Legal about a career spanning decades and disciplines.
Thought leader: The silver lining
Frances Drummond on why and how women are succeeding in the current economic climate.
