Law Soc to Host Women in Law Forum

In an event that will be the first of its kind in Ireland, female forerunners in the field of law will be brought together to encourage female students to pursue legal careers. The forum, coordinated by UCC Law Society, will be held in Hayfield Manor on March 10, and will discuss issues relevant to the pursuit of both traditional and less conventional legal careers. The inaugural event was organised in response to the very real hesitations highlighted by female students aspiring to undertake careers in law. UCC Law Society is committed to illustrating that gender is not an obstacle to a career in the legal sector.“This Forum, featuring women who currently occupy significant roles in Irish public and corporate life, is a welcome initiative from the UCC student Law Society,” said morning session conference chair, Professor Irene Lynch Fannon. “I can only think of how different the experience of women law students and lawyers was in the late 70s and 80s when I was in UCD. I hope we can all continue to advocate for an ever more open and inclusive experience of the law and legal institutions in Ireland.”The forum will exhibit a variety of female speakers who are leaders in their branch of the legal sector. The morning session will feature women such as the first female Chief Justice of Canada, an Irish Supreme Court Justice and the first female Director of Public Prosecutions in Ireland. The afternoon session will be chaired by Dr. Louise Crowley and will feature, amongst others, an Irish Senator, a T.D., and the European Ombudsman.Any proceeds raised by the forum will be donated to Cork charities Dress4Success and Edel House. Limited spaces are available and those wishing to attend the forum should email womeninlawforumregistration@ucclawsociety.com immediately.