Attorney at Law magazine featured the experiences of 10 Venable attorneys in their Women in Law special issue. The piece highlights support they received, challenges faced, or the work still to be done. Below are quotes from each attorney featured.
- Jessie Beeber – I have been practicing law for thirty years. In the beginning, women who juggled a successful practice with a family were few and far between. It seemed like you had to choose one or the other. As one of my female colleagues put it, people wouldn’t blink if you missed work because the car was in the shop, but they would not have that same understanding if you said you had to care for a sick kid. Contrast that to where we are today: so many things have improved for parents in our profession, from normalizing parental leave for all parents, to promoting attorneys who work flexible schedules. We are no longer the exception; we are the rule.
- Emily Keimig – As a new lawyer starting out in the early 90s, my professional world had few women to serve as mentors. I committed then that if I survived and thrived in this business, I would be that mentor for new women lawyers who came after me. I was fortunate, though, to have had a mentor (a man) who guided and invested in my professional development with the same wisdom, time, and energy that he gave my male colleagues. I felt supported because I was part of a team, and I was valued for what I brought to the team in the way of commitment, passion, and mutual respect for my teammates.
- Elizabeth Manno – I have been inspired by involvement with the National Association of Women Lawyers (NAWL). NAWL is a group of women lawyers who are often at competing law firms or organizations, sometimes even on different sides of the “v” in various cases, but they come together to make the profession a better place for all attorneys. I was welcomed in as a young associate by many NAWL members and have felt supported by them as I advanced in my career, all the way to now being a Board Member myself at NAWL.
- Desirée Moore – Throughout my career, I’ve had many instances of genuine support and mentorship from male and female colleagues alike – and the best advice I’ve ever received is to remember that the arc of a career is long and it’s the totality of it that matters, not any single moment. In recent years when I moved my practice to Venable, Firm Leadership was incredibly supportive in valuing me and my practice, and recognizing the impact I could have with the right resources and platform. I will be forever grateful for this!
- Shahin Rothermel – When Venable promoted me to counsel and partner, I felt some insecurities in my role particularly as a young woman. I was unsure how to maintain my personality in a male-dominated field where a certain paradigm is considered successful. Claudia Lewis, chair of our FDA group, took me under her wing and showed me through example that I can retain my personality – goofy and nerding out about advertising law – while still succeeding in gaining the respect of clients, my partners, and associates. I remember vividly her advice that as a young attorney, she felt the need to wear suits to be taken seriously and that as she grew, she realized that we can keep our own style. Implementing her advice, I became more confident in my role which has begotten more success and made me happier as I grow in my career.
- Jeannine Sano – Senior District Judge Barbara M.G. Lynn in the Northern District of Texas has always been supportive of the development of young lawyers. When I appeared before her, her comments to clients led to the junior members of my trial team getting to handle pretrial motions and witness examinations. I have heard Judge Lynn encourage women lawyers who appear before her as part of a large team to stand up in court, in her typical direct and forceful fashion. She not only runs the tightest courtroom but continually inspires lawyers to become the best versions of themselves.
- Lisa Tavares – One of the times that I have felt supported in the practice of law was when I was attending ABA meetings and a woman who is considered a Dean of the ERISA Bar came up to see me and said she wanted to recommend me to committee leadership. The appointment to that committee was nine years of hard work but it expanded my knowledge and allowed me to gain experience that has been nationally recognized. This same lawyer has also consistently invited me to speak as the subject matter expert at an annual CLE program. She mentored through action.
- Stacie Tobin – When I was a young lawyer, an older woman said to me, “I don’t know who in your life convinced you that you aren’t smart, but you need to get that out of your head.” At first, I was offended, but the comment helped me realize that I wasn’t carrying myself with a show of confidence, which undermined my ability to advocate effectively for others. I have always been grateful to that woman for that lightbulb moment.
- Ellia Thompson – Several years before law school, I worked for the U.S. House of Representatives as a Press Secretary/Communications Director. I was sure I would choose a career in First Amendment law. But as I continued through law school, I became unsure. My friend and mentor, Andrea ‘Lee’ Negroni – an exceptional mortgage regulatory/finance lawyer encouraged me to compile a list of things I enjoyed having nothing to do with the law – my list included hiking, rowing, supporting environmental causes and buying/renovating/selling real estate. She helped me realize that everything I liked to do involved the use of land and encouraged me to become a land use lawyer. She likes to say, ‘”The practice of law is hard and demanding. But if you don’t choose something you have a passion for, it will grind you down and become unbearable.”
- Belinda Vega –A mentor that encouraged me as a young associate is the Honorable Sandra S. Ikuta, United States Court of Appeals Judge for the Ninth Circuit. I had the honor of practicing law with Judge Ikuta for many years when she was a young partner, and I was an associate. Not only is she a brilliant mind, but her commitment to excellence made me aspire to always do the best for my clients. She trained me, inspired me, and gave me opportunities to flourish as a lawyer. Her values have stayed with me as I mentor young women at Venable LLP.
For the complete list and to read the quotes, click here.