UCC Law Society host 'UCC Women in Law Forum'

31 Mar 2023

On March 8th, International Women’s Day, The UCC Women in Law Forum took place at The Hayfield Manor Hotel, with special thanks to title sponsors Comyn Kelleher Tobin Solicitors.  The day focused on highlighting the success and versatility of women within the legal sphere, and saw many prestigious guest speakers and guests.

Jade Shannon, BCL Law and Irish student and Women in Law Forum Convenor, writes about the recent event. 

The Forum was truly such a remarkable occasion for all, the insights and experiences shared on the day were invaluable. Our endeavour was to make the idea of a legal career or a legal agenda more accessible and inclusive for all, and that is exactly what was achieved on the day. Afterall, gender should not impede on any direction one may take within the legal sphere, or in society for that matter.

The first panel explored the theme of Equity through Activism. Involving, Catherine Gallagher PhD Researcher and major activist for disability rights, Claire O’Connell legal clerk with the Legal Aid Board and Board Member of LGBT Ireland, finally Meg Burke Chairperson of The Mental Health Tribunal and practising barrister. The second panel involved Ms Justice Úna Ní Raifeartaigh of the Court of Appeal, Ms Denise Kirwan partner in CKT specialising in childcare law, finally Dr Shaoming Zhu The Founder and President of the Foundation for Law and International Affairs and BCLGA Course Coordinator at UCC.

For the first time, a Career’s Q&A Panel was also run, which included more accomplished leading female figures. The aim for this panel was to provide students with the opportunity to ask questions and seek information from those who have already been in their shoes, harnessing the panel to create a more accessible insight into the exploration of varying career paths in the legal field.

All panel discussions were chaired by highly accredited members of staff from The Law Department here in UCC. This includes Dr Aoife Daly, Dr Catherine O’Sullivan and Professor Áine Ryall.

For the first time in the history of the Forum, an evening soirée event followed the day of informative panel discussions. The Soirée included, refreshments, social networking opportunities, musical entertainment and a charity raffle in aid of our charity partner Cork Sexual Violence Centre.

The support and engagement shown in relation to the Forum was outstanding. With close to 150 guests, ranging from students, faculty members, high profile individuals, practitioners, and qualified solicitors and barristers. Moreover, the generosity and support from local and national businesses eager to sponsor us was overwhelming. In total, just under €2500 was raised for our charity partner Cork Sexual Violence Centre through the Forum, Charity Raffle and a Table Quiz night, which further highlights the success of the Forum. The media attraction gained as a result, was also remarkable. The Forum Convenor Jade Shannon was invited to be interviewed by Raidió na Gaeltachta and a local radio station, while articles were also published in magazines and news outlets.

I was honoured to be given the opportunity to bring my selected themes to life through such emotive, powerful and enriching panel discussions. I felt so privileged as Convenor, to spend the day with such esteemed guests, prestigious guest speakers and inspirational women. I am so proud of all the work put in by my subcommittee to make the day as special as it was.