Celebrating Women’s History Month March 2019 Emily Friedman condition and female plight the world has how you’re going to learn and grow as ever seen. Justice Ginsburg attended law an attorney. (Sometimes I have to remind ERISA, Partner school while raising her young daughter myself of my own advice with this one!) Atlanta at the same time. She battled sexism Second, find a mentor. I’ve found that and discrimination in a male-dominated there’s so much law school doesn’t teach environment – both during law school you, and having someone you can turn Emily Friedman is a and in her professional career after to with questions has been invaluable. Partner in the Executive graduation – and later went on to argue Mentors are also great sources for career Compensation and landmark gender equality cases before advice. Third, don’t ever feel professionally Employee Benefits Practice of Smith, the U.S. Supreme Court before eventually inferior because you’re a woman. Yes, Gambrell & Russell, LLP. Emily specializes becoming a justice herself. women may still be in the minority in in Employment Counseling and ERISA management positions, but view that as an Litigation and Litigation Avoidance. What are your proudest moments in opportunity and not a setback. terms of what you have accomplished? What are three things you wish you Of course, there are different degrees of If you could make one change to help could tell every woman entering the perseverance. The proudest moments women at work, what would it be? workforce right now? Say “yes” to every in my career have been when I was able Because the disparity in pay generally great opportunity, even if it is outside your to conquer a fear. Whether it was going occurs when a woman decides to start comfort zone. Take a seat at the table; up against a tough litigation opponent or a family, companies should create more make your voice heard. Make meaningful winning a difficult legal argument, there is flexible options for women (i.e., updated connections with your peers, early. These nothing that beats the feeling of knowing maternity policies; allowances for working are the three things I would tell every you persevered and came out the other remotely or telecommuting; on-site or paid woman I know entering the workforce now. side better because of it. child care; flexible hours) and create a company culture that is more understanding Did you have a mentor? If so, how did of the need for this flexibility. For real change they encourage you in your career? Cassie Daum in equality to happen, this requires a shift in Early in my career, I was fortunate to Litigation, Associate the entire company culture, which usually have worked with a team of more senior starts at the top. I hope more companies attorneys who sought my participation and Jacksonville view the long-term retention of female my input. I was lucky, because the clients employees as an important goal and also actively encouraged participation embrace this need for change. from the other women on the team. Cassie Daum is an They recognized that my views and life associate in the Litigation Do you believe a woman can have both experiences, as well as those of the other Practice of SGR. Her a meaningful professional career and a women on the defense team, would be practice focuses on general and complex fulfilling personal life? Yes! Everyone should helpful for purposes of crafting a defense commercial litigation matters, including be able to have both a career and a personal strategy and arguments that ultimately contract disputes, employment and life (whether that includes children, time with would be made before a jury. It doesn’t non-compete disputes, and intellectual family, friends, travel, or all of the above). always work out this way; however, and that property matters. is why it is important to take advantage of Who is a woman in history that inspires Why did you choose your practice area? certain opportunities that come your way – you? Two women come to mind, both I choose to practice commercial litigation even if you have to learn something new to of them lawyers. First, Michelle Obama: because I like the excitement and challenge accomplish the task – and create a strong lawyer, mother, advocate, fashion icon—she of being in a courtroom and because each network both in and outside of the office. makes doing it all and having it all look case is an opportunity to learn about a easy. Second, Ruth Bader Ginsberg. It goes Who is a woman in history that inspires new business. When you get to dive into a without saying, but she’s an advocate of you? Many women have inspired me, but new case, you become a “mini expert” on women’s rights and a trailblazer on the two that stand out are Frida Kahlo and Ruth your client’s line of business, customers, Supreme Court, notorious for her “dissenting Bader Ginsburg. Both are the epitome of and products. This makes each case collar” that she wears whenever she’d like to perseverance. Frida Kahlo suffered a tragic unpredictable and interesting. communicate her disagreement with a court accident at a young age – battling serious opinion. Plus, she’s 83 years old and still What advice do you have for young women health issues throughout her life – but makes it to the gym—she does 20 push ups starting out in the profession? 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SGR recognizes the importance of retaining women in the workplace, fostering stronger relationships, and providing added value to its business and social communities. For the Firm’s women attorneys, the Women’s Initiative focuses on mentoring and providing resources to hone the skills necessary for career advancement. For the Firm’s women clients, contacts, and friends, it aims to create opportunities to network and programs to educate about important legal and social issues. Adventurers and Explorers Quiz Take the quiz online at www.surveymonkey.com/r/whmquiz Who was the first woman to win the Iditarod Trail Sled Who was the first woman to sail solo around the world, Dog Race, the “Last Great Race on Earth” - 1,000 miles traversing 31,166 nautical miles in 401 days? from Anchorage to Nome? Simone Biles Nancy Woodhull Susan Butcher Libby Riddles Krystyna Chojnowska Jackie Joyner-Kersee Who was the first woman to sail around the world via Who was the first woman to fly solo around the world? Cape Horn in 272 days? Jerrie Mock Dame Naomi James Bonnie Blair Joan Kelly Debi Thomas Susan B. Anthony Who was the first woman to hold the overall no limits Who