Today is International Women’s Day, a global day celebrating the social, economic, cultural and political achievement of women.
We interviewed our Director, Lucy Thomas to discuss diversity and working in law.
What do you enjoy about practicing law?
Whilst incredibly challenging at times, practicing in the area of Family Law can be very satisfying. For those who have an interest in the human condition it offers an opportunity to make a difference.
My particular interest is minimising the fallout for children, for the greatest threat to the mental health and well-being of children is exposure to family conflict.
Sadly, the waiting rooms of psychologists/therapists are filled with children of warring parents, when in most cases it is the parents that need to do the hard work in letting go of their anger, resentment and disappointment associated with separation.
What advice would you give young female practitioners that you wish you had been told when you first started?
First, practicing Family Law is not for the faint hearted. I did learn this pretty quickly! I was however blessed with great mentors within the workplace.
As we deal with clients at their worst, it is very easy to develop a jaundiced view of society. My tip therefore is to surround yourself with grounded friends outside of the law to maintain a more balanced perspective.
Find a niche that you are really interested in to pave the way to become a thought leader in that area. A legal career can span many decades and burn out is prevalent. Job satisfaction serves as a mitigating factor to what might otherwise be a pathway to poor mental health.
As a former full time working Mum, in hindsight I would have spent more on home help to leverage more time for myself, and taken more holidays rather than accruing leave for the proverbial rainy day!
Why do you think diversity in the workplace is important?
Diversity to me can mean a number of things. Racial, cultural, gender, age and personalities.
Team diversity enhances vibrancy and interest in the workplace and provides a range of perspectives on not only cases but also management issues.
As an older member of the profession, I am inspired by younger members every day, particularly their grasp on technology, and I hope that I can offer the odd bit of life advice to them along the way!
Exposure to cultural diversity provides a richness of awareness and tolerance, making for a more cohesive community.
Diversity of interests enhances the collective knowledge and capability of a legal team.
Divergence in leadership personalities can have a Yin and Yang effect which also enhances the cohesiveness of a team.
Who is the most inspiring woman in your life?
Dare I say it, my mother. Not university educated but a wonderful command of the English language. She had the gift of relating to all walks of life and telling a good story!
She grew up in idyllic rural England on a manor farm and then migrated to Australia in the early 60s. A massive cultural shock and challenges of raising 4 children on a small farm with no money.
Initially no electricity, no phone for a number of years and always old cars that frequently broke down. Yet she managed to ensure we travelled all around the countryside to attend horse related competitions. Huge self sacrifice to make sure that we successfully competed with the best of them, including at the Royal Show.
Resilient, resourceful and incredibly hard working. When sheep not generating income, she diversified and developed a riding school/holiday camp to which children came from far and wide.
No dishwasher and old Metters wood stove/oven for many years to cook for up to 20 kids at a time. Wood fired water heater to the end.
Legendary in the horse world for her contribution to Pony Club and Riding for Disabled.
She put 3 children through university – 2 lawyers and a school teacher. Despite her right wing politics, her social conscience shone through her remarkable community minded deeds.
Gender never a barrier for her as she worked as hard as any male counterpart and respected by all.
Although insulin dependent and plagued by hypoglycaemic episodes, she ran the farm and riding school until her 79th year when she was diagnosed with ovarian cancer. Her courage was extraordinary in the face of this insidious disease and the amputation of one of her legs.
A steady stream of visitors to her bedside at Hollywood Hospital where a bottle of whiskey was smuggled in, and parties had! Many former riding school children there to reminisce over the adventures and fun had at the farm.
Farewelled by some 300 at her funeral at Fairbridge where she had taught RDA for decades.
My greatest regret, that I did not tell her how amazing she was in her lifetime. Her fantastic “can do” role modelling lives on through my daughter who spent so many wonderful holidays at the farm.
