Female lawyers will explore the ways imposter syndrome can be turned to their advantage during a conference celebrating International Women’s Day next week
The organisation’s full-day “How to future-proof your career” conference is scheduled to take place at the offices of law firm Irwin Mitchell at One St Peter’s Square in Manchester from 10.00am on Friday 10 March. A limited number of tickets are still available from www.womeninthelawuk.com/webevents.
Speakers at the conference will include Ros Bever, regional managing partner at Irwin Mitchell, Her Honour Judge Leona Harrison, the first black woman to become a circuit judge in the North West of England, and Baroness Newlove, the former victims commissioner.
Other speakers include Kate Hammond, former CPS advocate, barrister, and now lecturer at BPP, who will talk about “using imposter syndrome as your superpower”. Criminal defence specialist Nina Grahame KC, meanwhile, will discuss the vital importance of preparation for lawyers who want to perform to the best of their potential.
The conference will also include a session on the role of male allies, with a presentation from Sam Jardine, partner at Fieldfisher.
Dr Sally Penni MBE, founder and chair of Women in the Law UK, said, “Our International Women’s Day conference is always a special event and this year I am particularly looking forward to focusing on a subject which is so often seen as a negative.
“We have all heard any number of talks on overcoming imposter syndrome, but I think it will be really valuable to explore how we can turn what is a natural human feeling to our advantage. As lawyers we are supposed to be dispassionate and see the bigger picture so, arguably, feeling like a bit of an outsider is actually part of the job description.
“Nobody should feel like an imposter at our conference, though. It’s a great opportunity for lawyers at all stages of their careers to connect, share experiences and learn from one-another.”
The conference will follow the sold-out Women in the Law UK annual dinner, which will take place the previous evening at the Midland Hotel in Manchester.
Other events in the Women in the Law UK calendar include online book club sessions with human rights barrister and campaigner Adam Wagner on 31 March, author, barrister and celebrity quizzer Shaun Wallace on 28 April and legal sector legend The Secret Barrister on 26 May.
Dr Penni concluded, “Our International Women’s Day conference will be a great start to an exciting programme of in-person and online events throughout the year. I would like to take this opportunity to thank all our speakers in advance and, of course, our hosts Irwin Mitchell, who I am sure will look after us magnificently.”
Women in the Law UK is a professional development organisation that promotes gender diversity and women’s progression in the legal sector. The organisation, which has its roots in Manchester, is active nationwide and has held regular events in London, Scotland, Wales, the Midlands and Yorkshire.
Women in the Law UK’s events are held under the Chatham House Rule, enabling speakers and audience members to speak freely and learn from each-others’ experiences in a confidential environment. Previous events have covered subjects including career progression, why lawyers need to sit on boards, how to network and make it work for you, and what lawyers can learn from inspiring businesswomen.
To book places at Women in the Law UK events readers should visit www.womeninthelawuk.com or book directly via www.eventbrite.co.uk. Individuals and businesses that are interested in joining Women in the Law UK or applying for the Women in the Law UK Charter should email womeninthelawuk@gmail.com.
