This article is part of a series of educational blog posts created by a team of Watson Goepel women lawyers in light of International Women’s Day 2023, to empower, celebrate, and encourage women in Canada.
International Women’s Day is an important day for us women lawyers, as it celebrates the achievements and contributions of women to the world, both personally and professionally. It is also a day to recognize the ongoing struggles for gender equality and to advocate for the rights and opportunities of women in all walks of life.
One of the most rewarding aspects of being a woman lawyer is the opportunity to work with other women professionals, such as accountants, financial advisors, bankers, and women entrepreneurs. This dynamic creates a supportive and empowering environment that encourages women to strive for excellence and to reach their full potential.
Working with other women in a professional setting is especially important in male-dominated fields, such as law and finance. By building relationships with female colleagues, women are able to gain the confidence and mentorship we need to succeed in our careers. Moreover, these connections can lead to new business opportunities, as well as a broader network of support for personal and professional growth.
Women entrepreneurs, in particular, benefit from working with women lawyers. When navigating the complexities of starting and growing their businesses, they need support from a range of professionals, including lawyers. Women lawyers bring a unique perspective and understanding of the challenges faced by women entrepreneurs, as well as a wealth of experience and knowledge that can help entrepreneurs achieve their goals.
Women accountants and financial advisors are also key players in the success of women-led businesses. These professionals bring expertise and skills in finance and accounting that are essential to the growth and stability of a business. They also provide valuable insights and guidance to women entrepreneurs, helping them make informed decisions about their finances and investments.
We have also worked with women bankers who play an important role in providing funding and support for women-led businesses. By working with women bankers, women entrepreneurs are able to secure the capital they need to grow their businesses and achieve their financial goals. Additionally, women bankers can provide valuable advice and mentorship to help entrepreneurs succeed.
Working with other women professionals is a powerful and rewarding experience for women lawyers. This collaboration creates a supportive network that empowers women to achieve their full potential and to succeed in their careers. As we celebrate International Women’s Day, let us remember the importance of supporting each other and working together to achieve gender equality and to build a better world for women.
Move Forward With Confidence In Your Business Matters
If you are a female business owner (whether big or small!) always feel confident and safe in reaching out to a lawyer for preliminary advice on anything you have questions or concerns about. Most lawyers will provide initial consults for free and can provide you with an initial direction and advice as well as link you up with other professionals such as accountants or financial advisers to assist you in realizing your vision. Advice and guidance early on in your business-building or when you are concerned you may be running into trouble, can relieve a lot of stress and fear of the unknown. Start with the simply question of: What type of legal documents do you think I need to protect my business? We want to help.
Meet The Authors
Linda and Sarah work together to assist companies with their employment and business needs:
Linda is Associate Counsel in the Business Law Group at Watson Goepel LLP. She has over a decade of experience helping individuals and small businesses with their corporate, commercial, wills and estates and real estate matters.
Ben Ling (Linda) Chen, Associate Counsel
Sarah Hentschel is a Senior Associate in the Business and Litigation and Dispute Resolution Groups at Watson Goepel LLP. Sarah has had cases before the Employment Standards Tribunal of BC, the BC Human Rights Tribunal, the Industrial Relations Board, the Canadian Human Rights Tribunal, the Office of the Information and Privacy Commissioner, the Social Security Tribunal, and the Supreme and Provincial Courts of British Columbia.