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 Free
Originally from Women Legal Volume 2 Issue 1:

Masterclass: Working together This article is for subscribers only
Originally from Women Legal Volume 2 Issue 1:

Case study: Mallesons Stephen Jacques This article is for subscribers only
Originally from Women Legal Volume 2 Issue 1:

Cover feature: Recessions lessons This article is for subscribers only
Originally from Women Legal Volume 2 Issue 1:

Regulars

The last word: Supporting success Free
Originally from Women Legal Volume 2 Issue 1:

Opinion: In search of acceptance - the Asian perspective Free
Originally from Women Legal Volume 2 Issue 1:

Opinion: Is your firm's women's initiative all that it can be? Free
Originally from Women Legal Volume 2 Issue 1:

Profile: Ann Alexander Free
Originally from Women Legal Volume 2 Issue 1:

Thought leader: The silver lining Free
Originally from Women Legal Volume 2 Issue 1: