91 www.lawyer-monthly.com on this work. Before joining Robbins Geller, I defended Fortune 500 companies in securities class actions and complex business litigation. The opportunity to successfully work on both sides of the table allowed me to learn a lot about career growth, the power of mentorship, and the importance of giving back in terms of nurturing and deepening your professional relationships. The bottom line lesson is master your craft. Relationships can open doors, but once you are at the table, it is your expertise, your skill, and your tenacity that will distinguish you and make your counsel invaluable to your clients. Patience is also so critical to your career trajectory. It takes time and practice to master a complex field, and the landscape – particularly in securities litigation – continually evolves, so it is essential to stay up-to-date on regulatory changes, court decisions, and emerging trends. It is also important to recognize that it is about what you give, not what you get. I am forever grateful for the opportunities I have had to collaborate with, learn from, and mutually support other accomplished women in the legal field. When I have mentored and served, I have found not only deep personal and professional fulfillment, but also an extensive network of extraordinary colleagues who have supported me throughout my career. To women in this field, I would say believe in yourself. There will be moments when you are discounted and grossly underestimated, which may lead you to question your own value. In these moments, surround yourself with a network that empowers you and believes in you. At the same time, never stay still. Embrace opportunities for growth, and don’t be afraid to ask for guidance and support when you take on new challenges. And always continue to advocate for diversity and inclusion in the legal profession and beyond to make room for others at the table. You’ve been consistently recognized for your work, including being named a Leading Plaintiff Financial Lawyer by Lawdragon and, indeed, by this publication, as a leading woman in law. How do you think such recognitions impact the visibility and representation of women in law? It is critical. Many women lawyers were first inspired to pursue a career in the legal field based on stories about female legal pioneers. I cannot think of a colleague of mine who was not first inspired by women like Constance Baker Motley, Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg, and Sarah Weddington. Inspiring stories of women practicing at a high level, leading important matters, and doing interesting work is essential. Young women in college, law school, and in practice are paying attention, and these stories inspire them to pursue meaningful and impactful careers. When women win awards, it confirms our value and creates a ripple effect in the legal field, inspiring firms and other legal organizations to foster an inclusive environment where everyone can thrive – and that’s a win for everyone. Lastly, as a successful woman in law, what initiatives or changes would you like to see in the legal profession to further support and promote female lawyers? Mentorship is a key priority, especially for young lawyers. There is no substitute for the guidance and support of more experienced attorneys. I received that early in my career – from many senior lawyers, including both men and women – and these relationships have been crucial to my professional growth. A lot of this work is already happening across the bar, and seeing it grow will only help more women and the profession more broadly. The legal bar’s efforts to grow awareness about unconscious bias have also been helpful and will continue to make the legal profession more inclusive, as well as the recent trend toward more inclusion on the state and federal bench. More exceptional women are stepping into judicial roles across the country, which will only build public confidence in the judiciary and strengthen the administration of justice. “Mentorship is a key priority, especially for young lawyers.” USA
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