Page 23 - Delaware Lawyer - Winter 2019

Tips for the Next Generation of Women Lawyers
Success requires hard work and persis- tence. Progress is no different. In terms of the work to be done by the next wave of women in this profession, the trailblazers had this to say:
Jennings: I think the most important thing that we can do is to be strong and to be ourselves. You can segue into a ste- reotype. And it’s really important that we not do that. So, if you don’t play or want to talk about sports, you don’t have to do it. If you’re more comfortable reaching consensus than sort of being the loud- est voice in the room, reach consensus. We just have to be true to who each of us is. And the pressure, the sort of peer pressure, to be part of a good-old-boy network, or part of a guy’s group, is not good. It’s not something we should suc- cumb to, because women are different, in many ways. And I think that difference is wonderful. It makes an organization bet- ter when we embrace our differences and
It makes
an organization better when we embrace our differences and our different styles.
our different styles. It makes the culture better. People shouldn’t be forced to con- form. They should be themselves.
McGeever: I would advise women to make a connection with a senior person in their firm. The lean-in concept. Find a man or woman and make connections. Don’t expect special treatment, based on gender, because you’re not going to get
it, or if you get it, you may not want it. Don’t sweat the small stuff. Learn when to let something pass versus when it needs to be confronted. Pick your battles, and when you do pick, pick them and learn how to do it in a respectful but yet serious way, explaining to people that they have crossed a line. “This isn’t acceptable. We have to change something.”
Damon: My advice to women com- ing into the profession is to be a sponge. Learn as much as you possibly can. And don’t think you’re going to learn only from people who look like you. You need to allow yourself to learn from ev- eryone, and establish relationships and a rapport with everyone, not just women. And be your authentic self. There are a lot of women who come into this profes- sion thinking they need to be something other than who they are in order to be successful, but you need to be true to yourself. Be open to learning from men and women from within and outside your organization.
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www.horty.com • 302.652.4194
Horty & Horty, P.A. • Certified Public Accountants
503 Carr Road, Suite 120 • Wilmington, DE • 19809 • 302.652.4194 3702 North DuPont Highway • Dover, DE • 19901 • 302.730.4560
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