What challenges have you faced as a woman in the legal field, and how did you address them? The balancing act between the home front and professional life is one many workers, including women lawyers, must address. I think being dynamic and emphasizing transparency and communication are key to navigating varied challenges within any workspace. As General Counsel of Hearthstone Utilities, have you implemented or advocated for policies that promote gender equality and inclusivity in the workplace? The chairperson of Hearthstone’s Board of Directors is a woman, and the majority of senior leaders at Hearthstone and its largest utility, Hope Gas, are women. I feel very fortunate to be a part of a place that has a fantastic leadership team committed to inclusivity and excellence at all levels of our companies. What advice would you offer young women entering the legal profession or seeking leadership roles like yours? I would advise young women entering the legal profession 77 www.lawyer-monthly.com to be open to new opportunities. Do not reject opportunities based on geography or industry. Get your foot in the door, be flexible, and be willing to work hard. I would also advise those entering the profession to become a lawyer who protects their clients while also adopting a cando mindset. Do not be an impediment. A lawyer’s role is not limited to saying “no”. A lawyer’s job is to advise on risks, be part of the team, and help find solutions. Law is a profession that sometimes gets a bad rap, but there are so many reasons to be proud of this profession. In-house and external counsel are integral to building and maintaining a strong business, and strong businesses create family-sustaining jobs, build communities, and, in the case of utilities, provide vital services. Lastly, looking back, if there was one thing you could tell your younger self when you were starting on the path to being a General Counsel, what would it be? I would tell myself that the path is not always standard or linear. There are turns, surprises, and opportunities that may not be foreseeable from where you are today. Try to look around corners in your career, but when that line of sight is not clear, allow yourself to be open to and prepared for new possibilities. “Do not reject opportunities based on geography or industry. Get your foot in the door, be flexible, and be willing to work hard.” “Be the type of lawyer who protects their client while also adopting a can-do mindset. A lawyer’s job is to advise on risks, be part of the team, and help find solutions.” USA
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