17 September 2012
Us Ambassador for Global Women’S Issues Pays Tribute to Women in Northern Ireland
In a video message delivered at the ‘Women in the Law and Business conference’ in the Titanic Business centre in Belfast, the United States Ambassador At Large for Global Women’s Issues, Melanne Verveer paid tribute to the contribution of female solicitors, barristers and business women in Northern Ireland.
The Ambassador’s message was part of a unique conference organised by the Law Society of Northern Ireland to raise awareness and examine the major issues affecting women in the legal profession and business community.
Over 230 women and men attended the conference and they had the opportunity to hear from a distinguished panel of key note speakers including the Lord Chief Justice for Northern Ireland, the Presiding District Judge for Northern Ireland as well as Blair Berk who is internationally recognised for her criminal defence work of some of Beverely Hills most well known celebrities including Mel Gibson.
In her presentation, Ms Berk urged women in the legal profession to aspire to be partners in law firms and members of the judiciary and to realise their full potential.
As well as providing those attending with an opportunity to hear from key note speakers the conference provided the perfect platform for a general discussion on women’s issues and in particular how to empower women to become members of the senior judiciary, partners in their firms and successful businesswomen.
Speaking after the conference the President of the Law Society commented,
“The Women in the Law and Business Conference has provided a stimulus for a much wider debate to be had about the challenges and opportunities which exist for women today and how we can empower them to reach their full potential. We need to develop the confidence, abilities and talents which have been so evident amongst delegates attending the conference. This remains our goal and it is one that the Law Society remains committed to supporting.”
ENDS