Recognising Resilience

By Catherine Nikolajeva and the Women In Law Forum Sub-Committee

The legal sector prides itself on upholding justice and equality—yet it remains a bastion of entrenched privilege, where women continue to face systemic barriers, discrimination, and outright exclusion. From unconscious bias and flagrant sexism to the seniority gap, the legal profession has consistently failed to deliver on its promises of fairness when it comes to gender. Every second year, the UCC Law Society seeks to celebrate the resilience of the women who have overcome these challenges through the Women in Law Forum. The Forum is a bespoke event —the only one of its kind in Ireland. This year, it will take place on March 12th, from 10:00-14:00, in the historic Aula Maxima.

The choice of Aula Maxima is more than just symbolic, it exemplifies the issues we’re trying to highlight: not a single portrait on those walls is of a woman, exemplifying the systemic erasure of women from the legal profession and positions of power. This is why the Women in Law Forum, and events like it, matters. It is a call for change and a challenge to the status quo. It is a space where we confront the profession's shortcomings rather than politely gloss over them.

The legal industry remains an arena where men are the default leaders. Women frequently work twice as hard for half the recognition. Despite making up a significant portion of law graduates, they remain underrepresented as partners, as senior counsel, and as judges, and they continue to be paid less than their male counterparts in many sectors of law. 

The Women in Law Forum is a space to fight back. It is a place for women to engage with one another, share insights on overcoming these barriers, and discuss how to create a more inclusive and supportive legal environment. They recognize that we cannot wait for a legal system built by and for men to grant us equality—we must seize it ourselves. 

As the Forum Convenor, my team and I are proud to be part of a platform that amplifies women’s voices in the legal field. We are aware of the deeply ingrained exclusion within the legal profession, and we decided to be part of the movement to change it. Law is still a field dominated by masculinity and by privilege, connections matter more than competence, and those who do not fit the mold are sidelined. Our time studying at UCC has only reinforced our belief that students, especially women, deserve to see themselves represented at every level of this industry. That is precisely why the Women in Law Forum exists: it offers a rare opportunity for women in law, whether students or seasoned practitioners, to come together, share experiences, and learn from one another.

This year’s Forum promises to be particularly special. We are hosting three compelling panel discussions, ranging from Q&A sessions with trainee solicitors and young barristers to conversations with established female leaders in the legal profession and those who have forged unconventional career paths—whether in policy, in-house counsel, or beyond. And, perhaps most significantly, we are honoured to welcome our keynote speaker: Blinne Ní Ghrálaigh KC.

Blinne Ní Ghrálaigh is an international law and human rights law barrister, practicing in London, and is an undisputed leader in her field. She is perhaps best known for representing South Africa in their case against Israel for the violation of the Genocide Convention in the ICJ over the summer, but Blinne’s impressive list of achievements do not stop there. She is a former Visiting Fellow at the Harvard Law School, where her research focused both on the Arms Trade Treaty and on Israeli Military Courts in occupied Palestinian territory. Much of her practice focuses on justice and accountability for victims of State violence, including victims of the Troubles, and on the protection of the rights to free speech and protest. Blinne Ní Ghrálaigh is an absolute tour de force, and it is nothing short of an honour to be welcoming her to the 2025 Women in Law Forum. 

Beyond the discussions, the Forum serves as a vital networking opportunity. It brings together people who share a common interest in promoting diversity and equality in the profession. The connections made at the Forum can spark collaborations, provide career opportunities, and foster mentorship, which are essential for anyone looking to build a successful career in law. We look forward to seeing you all there—because this fight is far from over!