I am lucky in that I have always been able to find strong male and female legal mentors who encouraged my interest in technology and privacy law and supported my career. However, it took time for me to understand how to market effectively as a female lawyer since I don’t play golf!
I am fascinated by the increasing adoption of artificial intelligence, machine learning and smart devices. I am also very interested in everything to do with cybersecurity and am pleased to see that organisations are finally beginning to pay due attention to this critical issue.
My advice for young female lawyers is to be prepared to keep up with ongoing legal developments as this is a very fast-paced practice. Ensure that you offer your clients balanced and practical advice.
I don’t see the gender gap as an issue per se. Data, privacy and cybersecurity law still does not command the attention (and profitability) that other practices – such as securities, and mergers and acquisitions – engender, so it will not be easy to close the gap.