The Pan European Organisation of Personal Injury Lawyers (PEOPIL) and the American Association for Justice (AAJ)’s Women Trial Lawyers Caucus (WTLC) collaborated to arrange their first joint conference concentrating solely on wellbeing in the workplace, with a focus on female health.
Cheryl Palmer-Hughes, a partner in our International Injury team and revitalisation officer for both PEOPIL and the AAJ, took a lead role in organising the conference last month in Barcelona. Cheryl worked alongside key PEOPIL and AAJ members to bring together a varied and insightful programme for female lawyers across Europe and the US.
The feedback received following the conference is a testament to those who contributed to the programme and delivered and engaged with the sessions. You might see selfies and photos of champagne on attendees’ social media channels, but the true purpose of the conference is evidenced in the programme.
What was discussed?
Topics covered included tips for dealing with the psychological side of representing bereaved and seriously injured clients, tackling imposter syndrome, employment law issues relevant to females and female health, advocating for yourself and each other in a professional context, being the “first and only”, neurodiversity in the workplace and agile working, including discussions around the use of technology in practice and access to the profession.
As well as chairing the afternoon sessions, Cheryl co-hosted a facilitated discussion on menopause in the workplace, during which delegates shared their experiences and offered advice to one another. Presentations from PEOPIL president Ana Romero, AAJ president Lori Andrus and WTLC chair Bridget Long were particularly well received as each shared personal anecdotes about the difference that a supportive network and environment can make to a person’s career and overall wellbeing.
Much aligned with Stewarts’ recent ‘Learning at Work’ week, there was also a session dedicated to exploring the benefits of looking after your physical self and a much-appreciated ‘in-seat’ yoga session to finish the event.
Moving forward
Discussions surrounding the conference have been resoundingly positive. Delegates described the event as supportive and empowering, as they shared stories, experiences and advice that they had not previously shared with professional contacts. Emotive sessions resonated with those listening, with everyone comforted to know that they were not alone in dealing with the stresses and pressures associated with running a litigation practice.
The presenters equipped delegates with tips, insight and action plans to make small and manageable, but impactful, changes to their daily habits. As everyone returned to their practices of varying size and structure, the unanimous opinion is that it was an incredibly empowering and inspiring conference, useful to all those in a professional role regardless of their background, route to the profession or status.
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