Insights
27 Feb 24
Hybrid working — good or bad for business?
Sejal Raja
To celebrate International Women's Day, we are celebrating some of the many inspirational women of Weightmans.
At Weightmans, we consistently uphold an equal gender mindset, striving to eliminate bias, stereotypes, and discrimination and what better occasion to commemorate this commitment than on International Women's Day?
This year, we reached out to a select group of our inspirational women to ask "What does being a woman working at Weightmans mean to you?" and "Which other women have inspired you?" You can find the full responses below.
What does it mean to you to be a woman working at Weightmans?
Being a woman working at Weightmans means my contributions are valued and recognised regardless of gender. Since joining our wonderful firm I have been given many opportunities to develop and grow, from starting with the firm in a junior HR role to my current role as Head of HR, and I am truly grateful for those opportunities. I also feel part of a very supportive community, I am part of a fantastic team and firm, where gender diversity is celebrated and opportunities to grow and develop are always available.
What other women have inspired you?
I would have to say firstly my Mum, I think that is where I get my work ethic and compassion from, my mum is a true role model in every aspect and I strive to be just like her every day.
Secondly, I would say Diana, Princess of Wales, I was fascinated by her in my younger years, she felt so relatable and captivated people with her warmth and compassion, never afraid to confront difficult issues, and showing resilience in overcoming her own personal difficulties and championing her agenda on mental health which in those days was hardly spoken about.
Sue Gould, Head of HR
What does it mean to you to be a woman working at Weightmans?
At Weightmans, everyone is treated equally no matter their gender. I know that I will be encouraged to pursue my passions and I will have opportunities to do so. It’s inspiring to see so many other women at Weightmans being supported to pursue their passions and a career that works for them.
What other women have inspired you?
My mum! Societal and religious norms at the time had created a lot of barriers for her, yet she still managed to pursue her own happiness. She has always encouraged me and my sister to follow our dreams and not let anyone tell us we can’t or shouldn’t do something. Her independence, encouragement, and determination are truly inspiring.
Anya Tremaine, Solicitor Degree Apprentice
What does it mean to you to be a woman working at Weightmans?
When I started at Weightmans, I was supported by the best Buddy Asbeena who taught me everything I needed to know and more, was always so helpful, friendly and encouraging. I joined a team where my team manager and HSD were both women, who were so supportive, welcoming and kind, and who encouraged me to develop myself professionally. I would not have become a trainee without Asbeena and Molly who supported, encouraged and inspired me.
This kindness, support and encouragement has not changed when moving into different teams across the firm. I have worked with strong, exceptionally talented and hardworking women across the firm, who are keen to help develop junior women in any way they can!
What other women have inspired you?
My mum is my biggest supporter and my inspiration. She has worked so hard, and has continued to develop and educate herself in her career and always being there for me, and everyone else! I am surrounded by strong women (quite literally I have 2 sisters) who are always pushing themselves to achieve their goals.
Eve burns, Trainee Solicitor
What does it mean to you to be a woman working at Weightmans?
Despite not going to the best schools or being top of the class, at Weightmans I have always been seen as the person I am and what I bring to the table — my gender has never felt like a factor. I hold many roles outside of Weightmans and I always feel a sense of pride in saying where I work and showcasing what I have achieved at the firm.
What other women have inspired you?
Without a doubt my Mum. Following a severe accident she had her independence taken away from her and had to learn to rely on others for support. Despite her limitations she continues to handle it all with such grace and determination and always with a smile on her face. It is impossible not to be inspired by her and I am forever grateful to have her in my life.
What does it mean to you to be a woman working at Weightmans?
I am incredibly proud to be a woman working at Weightmans. I have always felt supported and listened to here, and my gender has never held me back. I count myself lucky to say that throughout my career I feel I have been treated equally, which you can see by looking at the roles I have been lucky to work in. I’m confident in saying that Weightmans sees talent, not gender.
What other women have inspired you?
I am inspired by all of the women around me. My female colleagues of all levels inspire me every day. I’m blessed to work with amazing females who are mothers, friends, aunties, nannas and much much more. Personally my nanna and mum are huge inspirations for me; amazing, strong and empowering women who I look up to every day.
What does it mean to you to be a woman working at Weightmans?
Over the years, as my career has progressed, I have enjoyed the juggle of being a working mother and then the change of role to become a daughter supporting elderly parents. The support and flexibility from Weightmans allow me to take this in my stride. Last year I was thrilled to be promoted to Partner and internally I felt that I had shown there was no glass ceiling when my ability was able to shine.
What other women have inspired you?
Nicola Horlick was dubbed the City “Superwoman” for her ability to combine an adrenaline-charged City career with bringing up a family. Nicola recognised that she had only been able to meet the conflicting demands because she was able to call upon an army of helpers and support. Nicola inspired me to appreciate that my role as a working mother does need support and from then on, I was not shy to seek it out.
What does it mean to you to be a woman working at Weightmans?
Weightmans has a very inclusive culture. There have never been any barriers to me as a female leader and I have been given lots of opportunities to develop my career and skills. Now I am further on in my career I want to be a positive role model and to inspire others to become our future leaders.
What other women have inspired you?
The most inspiring woman in my life has been my Nana. She died last summer at the grand old age of 101. We were very close and she was an incredible role model, teaching me so many valuable lessons about determination, delivering on promises, caring and love. Born in 1921 she saw so much change in her lifetime, but embraced it all with a smile and an endless thirst for knowledge.
What does it mean to you to be a woman working at Weightmans?
I enjoy the flexibility to be present for my children. I value being part of a firm with colleagues who are passionate about issues relating to equality diversity and inclusion and striving to make this an inclusive work place.
What other women have inspired you?
I know this is a bit of a cliché but it is my mum (and dad) who had limited means when I was growing up and they worked all the hours to support my siblings and I. My daughter also inspires me every day to be a better version of me.
Sejal is an experienced employment lawyer and strand lead for gender equality in our diversity and inclusion group.
