SCL Managing Partner Kellie Lerner recently spoke with Law360 Pulse about what advice she had for young attorneys in honor of Women’s History Month.
In the article, “In Their Words: Women Leaders On Top Advice To Associates,” Kellie spoke of her own experience being underestimated and her wish that senior women lawyers will support their protégées. She also noted that this is a good time to engage in pro-bono work on behalf of organizations that support women and highlighted three women who have inspired her lately.
Although it happens less frequently after almost 25 years of practice, I often noticed others underestimate my talent. This phenomenon is not limited to the law, and I have heard similar frustrations voiced by women across a variety of traditionally male-dominated fields. Over time, I have developed strategies to use this misperception to my benefit. Looking back, I think I embraced the “Let Them Theory” long before Mel Robbins spun it into a bestselling book.
Women lawyers are entering the profession with depth in business and technology that gives them a decisive edge. My only advice is to make sure that we older lawyers do not get in the way of forging their own path and making their mark during this watershed moment in the practice of law.
I really appreciate this annual moment to pause and reflect on whether we are doing all we can to support one another. This is a great month to offer pro bono support to organizations such as Her Justice or to donate to organizations that are expanding opportunities for young girls, like one of my personal favorites, Girls Who Code.
Some inspirational women on my mind recently include Danielle Sassoon, acting Manhattan U.S. attorney and a Republican, who resigned after refusing to obey an order by the Justice Department to dismiss the pending indictment against Mayor Eric Adams. I have been thinking a lot about the recent passing of Shirah Neiman, who fought to become the first woman ever hired in the criminal division of the U.S. Attorneys’ office for the Southern District of New York. And forever an inspiration, I think of Dovey Johnson Roundtree, the first lawyer to win a bus desegregation case before the [Interstate Commerce Commission]. When my practice feels challenging, I think of her successful defense of a Black man accused of murdering a Washington socialite before a white judge and jury at a time when she was not even allowed to use the courthouse cafeteria or restrooms. The common thread among all three women is their willingness to suffer through what was unpopular to do but what they each knew was right.
For the full article, check out Law360’s website here (paywall).
