I have learned enumerable lessons but the top five are: 1. Always be (over) prepared; 2. do not argue with the court; 3. do not lose your cool; 4. always have a Plan B; and 5. return every call and email within 24 hours.

What’s the biggest challenge women lawyers face and how have you surmounted that challenge?

Biases, conscious and unconscious, are the biggest challenge for women lawyers. Women lawyers are treated as underqualified or not suited for their job and not taken seriously, even with the right credentials and education. Now that I am the senior lawyer, I try to curtail any sexist comments, explicit or otherwise. After having frank conversations with other lawyers, I find it reassuring that they are generally receptive to the constructive feedback and willing to adjust their behavior.

How would your peers describe your impact on the profession?