This Women’s History Month, Advocate Marketers is honoring six women from across the globe who have planted their flag firmly in the legal industry by virtue of their excellence, service, growth and community. These lawyers stand atop the shoulders of predecessors who have progressively built and expanded the presence of women in law, paving paths for future generations.
In the United States of the 1960s, only 4% of lawyers were women. Over the next 30 years, pioneering women continued to enter the profession and enabled their peers to do the same such that this percentage increased sharply to 25%. As of 2021, women make up 37% of the legal workforce and we are highlighting six key stars of this ever-growing proportion internationally.
Amandeep Khasriya
Amandeep Khasriya handles major trauma claims at Moore Barlow as a senior associate, but spends significant time and effort advocating for women in law. As a founder of ‘Women Back to Law,’ she is at the helm of a campaign to enable women to return to work after a career break or maternity leave. Offering mentoring, empowerment, education and confidence building, Women Back to Law is an important initiative in lowering barriers to entry and increasing retention of female lawyers. She also sits on the Women Lawyers Division Committee of The Law Society and contributes to its Gazette as an author. It is no surprise that she was selected as INvolve HERoes top 100 Women Future Leader 2021.
Ertharin Cousin
When talking about women who are making waves in the legal arena, Ertharin Cousin is a name that has made a significant mark because of her tireless efforts to eradicate global hunger. As she progressed through her professional life, she was increasingly inclined towards doing meaningful work to help people in any capacity, particularly when it related to food assistance and nutrition around the world. Her work and efforts earned her several distinguished positions including that of the United States Ambassador to the United Nations Agencies for Food and Agriculture (2009-2012) and the twelfth Executive Director of the United Nations World Food Programme (2012 – 2017).
Fatema Orjela
Fatema Orjela is a rising star in the British legal scene. Specializing in private equity (recognized as a “next generation partner” by the Legal 500), she currently serves as a partner at Sidley Austin LLP. Passionate about mentoring women lawyers and ensuring their career progression, she chairs Sidley’s London Committee on Retention and Promotion of Women, co-founded Women in Law, London and is a member of Oxford Women in Law. As a result of her professional excellence and leadership, she has been repeatedly recognized by the Law Society of England & Wales, Private Funds Management, and Law.com.
Kate Eastman
Kate Eastman is an accomplished leader in human rights law with a plethora of accolades, awards and distinctions to her name. She has been at the forefront of advocating for the rights of the disabled, asylum seekers, children and women, particularly those experiencing trafficking, sexual violence, harrasment and discrimination. Her leadership extends into various memberships of committees and boards dedicated to the protection of human rights. As a result of her legal and social work, she is often recognized, most recently with being appointed a Member of the Order of Australia and being awarded for lifetime achievement by the Women Lawyers’ Association of NSW.
Nicole Black
Nicole Black started her career as an attorney but now spends most of her time bridging technology and law, specifically as Legal Technology Evangelist at MyCase. A frequent speaker at conferences across the United States, she educates lawyers on using technology to improve operations and client representation at their firms. With publications on cloud computing for lawyers, social media for lawyers and criminal to her name, she also regularly writes on legal tech. You can find her writing at ABA Journal, Above the Law and The Daily Record.
Sue Abbott
Sue Abbott is the chair of the Exempt Organisation group at Goodwin’s Trusts & Estate Planning practice where she has dedicated her practice on tax-exempt organizations, including non-profit and charity organizations, trust law, and estate planning, specifically on charitable planning. Her focus has been on consulting for tax-exempt organizations, guiding them through incorporation and executing their welfare initiatives. She was given the title of the New England Super Lawyer and ”Top Woman of Law” by Massachusetts Lawyers Weekly. She also received the Massachusetts Lawyers Weekly’s Excellence in Pro Bono Award.
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