Inspirational Women in Law: Catherine Slattery

Providing an opportunity for women solicitors to have their voices heard, their members work in private practice, and in-house within corporate, public sector and not-for-profit organisations.

We will hear from women who are members of the Division, how it has helped them through their journey in law, as well as insightful nuggets of advice.

Touching on the transition from student to solicitor, Catherine speaks about what the most rewarding aspect of working in the legal sector is for her, as well as how the Division assists women in law.

How was the transition from studying law to practising? What shocked you the most?
At law school, from the outset, all students were on a level playing field. University is the closest thing I have experienced to a true meritocracy (once you are in that is). How well you do compared with your peers is 100% dependent upon how much you avoid the student bars and put time in at the library. In practice, things are different. This became immediately apparent when I became a trainee solicitor and spoke to fellow trainees from other firms about their experiences. The common theme was that white men dominated senior positions, whilst women and ethnic minorities were visible in other positions. This was particularly so in male-dominated departments such as those dealing with M&A work. I would often hear about the old boys club. My firm has a lot of women in positions of responsibility in the team that I work in (personal injury) and women are in the majority rather than the minority.

In 2018, women represented 62.1% of new entrants to the profession and 50.2% of practising certificate holders yet they only account for 30.1% of partners in private practice.

Your most challenging case: How did you overcome the challenges you faced?
The most challenging case I have worked on to date is a clinical negligence case against a specific surgeon. Since we were first approached by the first cohort of claimants in October 2017, we have had over 50 clients join the group action, of which a small minority are men.
The claims involve intimate surgery and it can be difficult to get sufficient instructions without coming across as clinical. You have to have an approachable, sympathetic approach to clients. When dealing with that many clients, managing
their expectations and dealing with their competing demands is a challenge.
In addition, getting to grips with the facts of the case requires in-depth technical knowledge by reading up on surgical techniques for the procedures involved and understanding the relevant medical terminology so that clients feel at ease (as well as understanding all relevant background issues). I find this work more rewarding than standard single claimant litigation as there are so many technical details involved and nuanced issues to consider, all the while ensuring we are working efficiently and proportionately.

What is the most rewarding aspect of practising law?
Undoubtedly, helping clients pursue claims which they would not have done without the support of me and my colleagues. At the end of the cases, I am so pleased that we have achieved a settlement for them that helps get their lives back on track. I cannot turn back time, I cannot make the injuries or pain go away, but the compensation provides them with the comfort and security needed to overcome the trauma they have experienced. For so many, pursuing a claim feels like a David and Goliath situation (and I am Erin Brockovich!); many of my clients are intimidated by the legal system, the court process and the idea of adversarial litigation. To guide them through that process is a very rewarding experience.

How does the Women Lawyers Division help women?
The Law Society is committed to promoting inclusion in the legal profession, reflecting the diversity of our society and ensuring we are working in an inclusive sector. The Women Lawyers Division committee provides senior management within the Law Society with guidance and advice on how it can best achieve this aim. The committee provides an opportunity for women solicitors to have their voice heard. The committee has provided me with a fantastic support group and facilitated me to strive to improve opportunities for women in law. One of my proudest moments was nominating the inspiring Caoilfhionn Gallagher QC to speak at our annual Fiona Woolf lecture in 2018.
We represent the views of women solicitors and hold the Law Society to account on how it supports women in the profession through its policy, procedures and support. We also assist with planning networking events and seminars on women in law and in leadership.
Our work focuses upon promoting gender equality in law by looking at issues, including: social mobility; challenges specifically faced by diverse groups; promoting fair recruitment practices including blind recruitment; sexual discrimination and harassment; equal pay and the gender pay gap.
In 2018, women represented 62.1% of new entrants to the profession and 50.2% of practising certificate holders yet they only account for 30.1% of partners in private practice.. Equal pay also remains a problem with pay differentials exceeding the national average.

In the past year, we have assisted the Law Society President Christina Blacklaws with her work on her women in leadership project. This has including hosting women’s roundtables to look at the barriers for achieving gender equality in the legal sector. The findings from our global survey showed that unconscious bias remains a barrier to female progression.
This year is the centenary of women wishing to become solicitors could apply to the Law Society. Although we should take time to celebrate what has been achieved, we have much more to do before the legal sector is representative of the general population.

Who are your biggest inspirations?
There are so many fantastic women working hard to move the needle on gender equality. In the legal sector, Christina Blacklaws, Baroness Hale and Baroness Kennedy are synonymous for the vocal work they do.
My fellow Law Society women lawyers committee members are also very inspiring and Suzanne Gallagher and Leah Glover deserve special mention or their tireless contribution to the work of the Law Society.
I also think Beyoncé (who recently walked out of a pitch due to lack of diversity) has a thing or two to teach us. If the team pitching to you are not representative of you, or the equality issues you stand for, don’t do business with them.

Who would you invite to your dinner party?
It would have to be inspirational women in law: Christina Blacklaws, Ruth Bader Ginsburg and Baroness Hale of Richmond. And Beyoncé, always Beyoncé.

If you could go back and pick your career, would you choose law? Why?
Perhaps it would be interesting to work in promoting women’s equality either in the UK or globally. I am always inspired by the tireless work of UNWomen and the Fawcett Society.