Legal Business – How to get to the top in M&AThis video is hosted by Vimeo. To watch it here, accept functional cookies.Watch on Vimeo
For International Women’s Day Legal Business asked ten leading female M&A partners to share their tips for success for the next generation.
If you love what you do, stick with it. Be determined and take those opportunities—don’t wait for things just to happen to you. Make a plan and execute it.
Sally Wokes, Slaughter and May
If you find yourself as the only woman on a screen, use that platform to speak up and be vocal. Own the space and make your voice heard.
Claire Coppel, A&0 Shearman
Trust your instincts. Build strong relationships with people because, ultimately, that will win you work. Deep relationships allow you to know when someone needs you. Women excel at this—use that superpower to your advantage.
Kate Cooper, Freshfields
Lean into your job. It will be far more fulfilling if you choose an area you truly enjoy. If you can relate to it and it energises you, the challenges and stress will fade.
Annabelle Croker, A&O Shearman
If you’ve found something you enjoy, don’t opt out early. Focus on what’s in front of you—worry about next year when it comes.
Caroline Rae, Herbert Smith Freehills
Say yes to opportunities as they come. You never know which one will lead you to that promotion. Saying yes opens up doors you might not expect.
Fionnghuala Griggs, Linklaters
Look for a sponsor. Having someone with a reputable profile in the organisation who will back you and help open doors is incredibly powerful.
Katherine Moir, Clifford Chance
Work hard and enjoy it. If you enjoy what you do, people will want to be around you. It creates a virtuous circle—happiness helps you build better relationships.
Aisling Zarraga, Linklaters
You really have to want to do it. If your heart’s not in it, it will make things a lot harder in the long run. Don’t be driven by what others do—make sure you’re following your own path.
Lauren Honeyben, Freshfields
Always take the meeting. The support you provide to your clients between the deals is just as important, if not more important than the deal itself. Don’t count yourself out of the room because you’re not sure what you are going to say. Never shy away from an opportunity to build a relationship.
Melissa Fogarty, Clifford Chance
