McAfee & Taft’s Off the Record event, held Oct. 11, was filled with meaningful conversations and inspiring women navigating the legal field. The event’s primary goal was to empower female law students by providing them direct access to successful women in the legal field. Guests networked and shared their diverse backgrounds, offering insights and answers unreservedly, creating a secure environment that allowed the students to grow and learn.
The yearly event aimed at sharing knowledge with students proves much more than an exchange of information. Organizers themselves, hailing from varied backgrounds, find inspiration in the unique professional paths of women who have made use of their legal education in unconventional ways.
“We do this every year, not only to be able to share with students,” said Rachel Blue, an intellectual property lawyer with McAfee & Taft, “but because we learn from these inspiring women … every year ourselves.”
The gathering imparts important teachings as well as personal enrichment. With diverse participants, there is much to be gained from each other. As noted by Justine Ellis, a trial lawyer with McAfee & Taft: “I really wanted to hear authentic answers … because in law school, it’s a little different. So [the event] was very helpful.”
Juggling the demands of a high-pressure legal career while raising a family is a common struggle many women face. Attendees of the event were highly interested in gaining insight from attorneys who successfully balance work and family.
“I [was] excited to talk to practicing lawyers who are moms,” said Kimberly Arland, a second-year law student at TU, “and get their perspective on how they balance [work and family], because I know it will be completely different once I’m out of school.”
A legal education provides an array of opportunities in the professional world that women can capitalize on to achieve personal fulfillment in both their careers and family life. Nontraditional paths are abundant and can incorporate their legal training in daily activities, adding value to their roles.
“I use my law degree every single day reading contracts,” said Cassia Carr, deputy mayor for the city of Tulsa. “But, even more than that, I use my [corporate experience to] work with different parts of an organization to all come together for one purpose.”
By embracing unconventional career paths, women can discover fulfilling roles that allow them to merge their interests in law and family. These nontraditional paths have opened doors that were previously unavailable, providing a platform for them to showcase their expertise and skills.
“We place 20 % of students in JD-advantage jobs – or nontraditional uses of a law degree – which shows the myriad ways a law degree can be used,” said Natalie Leone, director of professional development for TU Law.
As the legal industry continues to evolve, there is a growing recognition of the collaborative and supportive nature of women within the field. Adding to the event’s success, Oklahoma Court of Civil Appeals Judge Stacie Hixon shared she was surprised by “how encouraging female judges are from the Supreme Court on down. … Even when we don’t agree on the work we’re all doing … they’re always willing to lift women up.”