At Switalskis, we take immense pride in recognising the invaluable contributions of women in the legal profession and beyond. This International Women's Day, we celebrate the incredible female directors at our firm—who make up 62.5% of our board—by highlighting their journeys, challenges, and advice for the next generation of women in law.

Through a candid Q&A, our female leaders share their personal experiences, the obstacles they've overcome, and the lessons they've learned along the way. Their stories reflect the resilience, dedication, and ambition that define Switalskis.

Breaking Barriers: The Path to Leadership

How did you progress in your legal career?

Jennifer Heckingbottom: I trained and qualified as a solicitor at Switalskis. From the outset, I was drawn to child protection work due to its challenging yet deeply rewarding nature, advocating for vulnerable children and families in crisis. I have progressed within the firm, taking on greater responsibilities, mentoring junior colleagues, and eventually stepping into a management role. I am a true example of how nurturing our trainees and apprentices throughout their qualification and professional journey demonstrates there is no "glass ceiling" to achieving management within the right organisation.

Sarah Cookson: Sadly, my academic results didn’t allow me to obtain a training contract the traditional way. I did a Higher National Diploma (HND) first, then a law degree and my LPC part-time while working in a law firm. I worked as a conveyancer, impressed my colleagues, and secured a training contract, eventually qualifying as a solicitor. I have always been good at communicating—with clients, referrers, and colleagues—and I’ve worked hard in every role to succeed.

Overcoming Challenges on the Road to Success

What challenges have you overcome in your journey to becoming a director?

Suzanne Munroe: Gosh—many. There is still a glass ceiling for women in the legal world, though I think I have smashed through it multiple times. It is still harder than it should be for women in senior positions, but at Switalskis, we are getting this more right than many firms. I remember when the decision was made that women didn’t have to wear a skirt to court. We embraced power dressing in three-piece suits with bold jewellery and bright red lips. I miss those days.

Lisa Swales: Being a working parent has been a challenge for me since becoming a mum in 2010. Balancing career ambition with being a present parent is an ongoing juggle. I’m fortunate to have fantastic friends and family who support me. In the workplace, my biggest challenge has been managing my caseload while handling the increasing non-fee-earning responsibilities that come with being a director. Learning to manage my time well has been key to navigating these challenges.

A Firm Where Women Lead

Switalskis is a female-dominated law firm. What does this mean to you?

Sarah Naylor: I feel very fortunate to have spent my career in firms that value gender equality, including Atherton Godfrey and Switalskis. Not everyone in the legal field has had that experience. Switalskis is leading the way in demonstrating success and leadership through equality, and I’m incredibly proud to be part of it.

Clare Peckett: It’s a chicken-and-egg situation. The business is built on decency because it has always had both women and men in leadership. Our leadership team is a group of decent individuals who recognise each other’s value—regardless of gender, race, or religion.

Empowering the Next Generation

What advice would you give to young women starting their legal careers?

Diane Parker: You can have it all! Find the right firm and make it your own. Law is a great career, offering challenge and lifelong learning. Part-time working should allow you to raise a family while maintaining a fulfilling career. Juggling both is hard work—illnesses and unexpected challenges come up—but it is possible if that’s what you want. Alternatively, if family life isn’t your focus, law is incredibly fulfilling on its own.

Amy Clowrey: I see a lot of women doubting their abilities, and I have been one of them. Many junior women overthink their careers and futures. My advice? Find mentors, seek out successful female solicitors, and soak up their knowledge. Build a strong professional network—these people will become your friends. Speak up, ask questions, and share your insights. Confidence grows when you actively participate.

Striking a Work-Life Balance

How do you maintain a work-life balance?

Diane Parker: Early in my career, I was told that in Scandinavia, working outside office hours was frowned upon because it suggested inefficiency. I took that to heart and maintain a clear distinction between work and home. I don’t bring home life to work, and I don’t (often) take work home.

Suzanne Munroe: Despite my successes, I still haven’t mastered this one—and I’m turning 60 this year! My approach is to take each day as it comes and not dwell on the past. I meditate, do yoga, and walk whenever I can. My best advice? Learn to say no, don’t people-please, and remember: "Just because you can doesn’t mean you should." Wish me luck applying it!

Sarah Naylor: I struggle with this! I have two young children with packed schedules. Work-life balance for me often means logging back on for another hour or two after they’re in bed. But I wouldn’t have it any other way—I feel fortunate to be able to juggle everything and still do my job well.

Shaping the Future of Law for Women

The journeys of our female directors at Switalskis remind us of the strength, resilience, and determination it takes to reach the top. Their stories inspire us to champion equality and uplift the next generation of women in law.

By working together, we can create a profession where every woman has the opportunity to thrive, lead, and inspire with confidence.