Michele O'Boyle

The Women in Leadership Programme 2020 aims to empower and support women in advancing their careers to senior leadership positions.

The programme is presented by the Law Society in collaboration with Law Society Finuas Skillnet with the support of Skillnet Ireland.

Michele O’Boyle, president of the Law Society, said: “The solicitors’ profession reached gender parity in 2014 and while women currently account for 51 per cent of practising solicitors they only hold 33 per cent of leadership roles.

“The Women in Leadership Programme aims to encourage more women to grow towards leadership roles and help remove some of the barriers to these positions.”

The programme is open to women solicitors across the State who have been qualified for a minimum of five years, while applications to become a mentor are welcomed from both women and men solicitors.

Ms O’Boyle said: “The programme is beneficial and rewarding for both mentor and mentee. The mentor and mentee bond is one of trust, confidence and encouragement.

“Mentors can offer mentees their experience and guidance on how to progress up the career ladder, how to find their next role, develop skills and grow their contact base.”

She added: “It is also a great way to give back to the profession. It is important for all members of the profession to strive for equality and inclusion and to foster opportunities now to help our future leaders.”