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Celebrating Women Leaders In Family Law

In the spirit of Women’s History Month, Modern Family Law takes immense pride in shining a spotlight on the formidable women within our ranks who have shaped and continue to transform the field of family law through their tenacity, expertise, and innovation. As we celebrate their achievements, we also recognize the unique challenges they have faced in a profession historically dominated by men. These powerful narratives from Elizabeth Voorhees, Cynthia Griffin, and Jessica McKeel not only chronicle the trials and triumphs encountered by women in the legal landscape but also herald the changing tides as more women ascend to positions of influence and leadership.

Their stories are a testament to the resilience and adaptability of women attorneys who are redefining the practice of law with every case they undertake. As we honor the past, we also look to these trailblazers to inspire the future, proving that the pursuit of justice knows no gender. Join us as we delve into the experiences of these exceptional women at Modern Family Law, who are not only elevating the conversation around family law but are also forging paths for the aspiring women attorneys who will follow. 

1. Have you faced any challenges as a woman in the legal profession?


Elizabeth Voorhees San Jose Managing Attorney

Elizabeth Voorhees
Managing Attorney

Law is a ‘man’s world’ for sure. Throughout my career, I have been mostly under-estimated as an attorney. However, sometimes I find that to be helpful!


Denver family lawyer

Cynthia Griffin
Senior Attorney

Though it’s not all the time, the most common challenges are being accused of being emotional and being talked down by male professionals. A lot of times, there is an assumption that a woman cannot argue passionately or firmly stand her ground without being emotional or irrational.


Jessica McKeel Texas paralegal

Jessica McKeel
Paralegal

Prior to joining Modern Family Law and having the ability to work remotely; being a working mom trying to balance home and show up as my best self in the workplace was a challenge.


2. Have you encountered any misconceptions or stereotypes about women working in law, and how have you addressed them?


Elizabeth Voorhees San Jose Managing Attorney

Elizabeth Voorhees
Managing Attorney

The biggest stereotype is that women are too emotional to be good attorneys. I deal with it by ignoring it and doing my job as well as I can.


Jessica McKeel Texas paralegal

Jessica McKeel
Paralegal

The belief that women are less committed to their careers than their male counterparts due to family obligations is a common misconception I’ve unfortunately encountered. I’ve addressed this issue by simply challenging gender-based biases through open communication and education.


3. How do you see the role of women in the legal profession evolving in the coming years?


Elizabeth Voorhees San Jose Managing Attorney

Elizabeth Voorhees
Managing Attorney

I think the number of female law students is surpassing the number of males entering the field. We also have very good female judges in several counties now. I think that the trend toward more females in the field will continue.


Denver family lawyer

Cynthia Griffin
Senior Attorney

The number of women in law school has continued to increase every year. I expect that women’s presence in the legal arena is only going to continue to increase, particularly on the bench.


Jessica McKeel Texas paralegal

Jessica McKeel
Paralegal

I would like to see an increase in women assuming leadership positions and continuing to advocate for gender equality and inclusiveness.


4. What advice would you give to other women aspiring to enter the field of family law?


Elizabeth Voorhees San Jose Managing Attorney

Elizabeth Voorhees
Managing Attorney

Don’t drink your client’s Kool-aid! Remember who YOU are, hold to your center and keep in mind that the mess you are asked to unwind is not a mess YOU chose to enter. Keep a professional detachment so that you can focus on being the smartest advocate you can be. Find a way to remember who you are, every day.


Denver family lawyer

Cynthia Griffin
Senior Attorney

Don’t shrink yourself to make others feel comfortable. This legal arena is changing. The ‘traditional’ notions of how an attorney acts may not still be applicable and there is not one set path for being a successful attorney.


Jessica McKeel Texas paralegal

Jessica McKeel
Paralegal

Stay up to date on case law and best practices as family law is forever evolving. Show empathy and compassion to your clients as family law involves sensitive and emotional issues. And prioritize work-life balance.


5. What do you hope to achieve or contribute as a female professional in the field of family law, especially during Women’s History Month?


Elizabeth Voorhees San Jose Managing Attorney

Elizabeth Voorhees
Managing Attorney

I think there are women who enter this field because they are deeply passionate about fairness and feel like their natural caretaking attributes will help them to help others. I hope to influence the young, female attorneys on my team to remember self-care, maintain that professional emotional distance and focus on strategic thinking for their clients. That is why they hire us!


Denver family lawyer

Cynthia Griffin
Senior Attorney

I would love to have women, especially women of color, to be less hesitant to start a court case based upon fear or misinformation about the legal system.


Jessica McKeel Texas paralegal

Jessica McKeel
Paralegal

I hope to assist in empowering individuals navigating family law matters by providing knowledge and support needed to make informed decisions about their situations.


Conclusion

As we celebrate Women’s History Month, we honor the remarkable journeys of Elizabeth Voorhees, Cynthia Griffin, and Jessica McKeel at Modern Family Law. Their experiences shed light on the evolving role of women in the legal profession and beckon future female lawyers to pursue their careers with audacity and heart. These trailblazing women have not only excelled in a demanding field but have also been instrumental in forging a more inclusive and equitable path in family law.

Their stories represent a collective stride toward transforming the legal landscape, an effort that extends throughout the year. The impact of our female attorneys is defined by the opportunities they create for the next generation of legal minds. Modern Family Law is committed to nurturing an environment that celebrates and amplifies the contributions of women every day, ensuring that the legacy of progress they have established is sustained and continues to inspire.

By: MFL Team

Posted March 01, 2024


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