The Silent Struggle: Fertility Treatment Whilst Working as a Lawyer
Although fertility treatment is not something I have personally experienced, I felt strongly driven to create this blog post. In all my time as a lawyer, I have never seen anyone talk openly about what it’s like to go through fertility treatment whilst doing the demanding work of being a lawyer.
From reading accounts of treatment, I knew how physically and emotionally gruelling it can be. And it made me wonder: how many silent warrior women must be out there, showing up every day to do an already challenging job, all whilst dealing with unimaginable physical and emotional pain — often without anyone around them even knowing. I just can’t even imagine how difficult that must be.
How to Stop Beating Yourself Up
I recently went for dinner at Evelyn’s in Manchester with a lovely friend who I used to work with. Between bites of charred cauliflower, deep-fried courgettes, teriyaki mushrooms, and chips (we ordered all the food and it was glorious), we caught up on life, careers, and everything in between.
At one point, my friend asked me something that really stuck with me. She said:
“How do I stop beating myself up when I get things wrong?”
Codex Vitae
If you’re anything like me, your legal career has been full of ‘aha’ moments. Those insights that shift your mindset, challenge the way you’ve been working, and ultimately help you grow into the lawyer – and person – you want to be. But here’s the problem: unless you capture them, they slip away.
Enter the Codex Vitae.
Embracing the Power of Awkwardness in your Legal Career
Have you ever stood at a networking event, clutching your drink like a lifeline, hovering near a conversation circle but never quite making it in? I have. More than once. I never seem to master the art of smoothly sidling up to a group and seamlessly joining their chat. Instead, I’ve loitered awkwardly, waiting for the perfect moment to jump in—only to find myself retreating, red-faced and inwardly cringing.
Why Women Lawyers Must Negotiate their Pay Differently from Men
It’s no secret that the gender pay gap persists in the legal profession. Women lawyers, on average, earn less than their male counterparts—despite often having the same experience and expertise. But what’s less talked about is why this happens and, more importantly, what women can do about it.