Partner of our Corporate group tells us about what Break the Bias means to her and the challenges faced by women
How can allies help to break the bias (or any specific form of bias)?
I think allies can have a big impact on any form of bias, even with small actions - whether that is actively challenging whether their own instincts in a situation may be unconsciously biased, or finding ways to give colleagues more of a voice or platform, either in day-to-day situations or to help support their wider career development.
What do you think is the biggest challenge facing women?
While there has been a lot of progress, I think it can still be challenging for women in our roles to build credibility with counterparts or other advisers in the City – and the onus is sometimes on women to find the right style (e.g. less “direct”, less “emotional”), rather than on the people who doing the stereotyping (unconsciously or otherwise).
What one piece of advice would you give a woman entering the legal sector?
Be confident in the skills you bring, and don’t self-select out. And support other women – Mean Girls is a bad look!
I think allies can have a big impact on any form of bias, even with small actions