Women of WLG: Lindsay Everitt, Goodmans - WLG Marketing & BD Professionals Ambassador

Director, Marketing and Client Relations, Goodmans LLP

What advice would you give to a young female associate looking to make partner/advance her career?

My advice to all young lawyers starting out in their career is to be interested. Be engaged. Find ways to be helpful and build your internal brand. But most importantly, focus on what you already enjoy. If staying on top of legal trends and research is a passion of yours, reach out to your marketing and BD teams and see how you can contribute to firm publications – trust me, they would love to hear from you! If you are a social media guru -- spend time amplifying your firm’s social channels. If you love after work socializing or playing team sports…..you get the idea.

Like many World Law Group firms, Goodmans is a one-office firm, and with that comes opportunities for younger associates to get involved early – in files, in business development, and in firm committees. Take advantage of an internal playing field that may be a little less crowded than other firms.

But also – be prepared to change it up and re-evaluate. Circumstances might change, life happens. Don’t be tied to one way of doing things or get overcome by what other people are doing around you. Manage your own expectations and find your core values to help you stay focused.

It’s easy to craft a "Things I’m Supposed to do to be a Great Lawyer” list and try to check the boxes, but it can really start with showing you’re interested. And showing you care.

What female has inspired you and why?

A few years ago my husband and I were planning our honeymoon. Deciding on New Zealand wasn’t only because we were fond of the grapes and seeking adventure. Having the opportunity to spend time in a country led by one of this century’s most impressive heads of state made a bucket list vacation all the more meaningful. At 41, Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern has led a country through a pandemic, terrorist attacks and natural disasters, with confidence and decisive action. Her poise and ability to let her human side shine through in high stress and unprecedented situations is aspirational and motivating. At the same time, I admire her inclusive approach to leadership, lifting up those around her by shining the spotlight on her team and their collective efforts.

How do you balance your career and personal life?

Everyone is walking on this balance beam – and these last few years have shown us that while the height of the beam isn’t always consistent; people are all managing their own challenges and wobbles along the way.

A really fantastic female boss shared advice with me years ago when I was struggling with an issue. You’re never going to feel good – and be good - at everything at the same time. And that’s okay. A great professional outcome might mean not spending quality time in your home life the way you might have wished; taking an elderly parent to an appointment might result in a late night spent catching up on emails. Giving yourself permission to not have to be good, at all the things at the same time, is an important step towards being great.

How can women support other women in their organizations?

Mentoring and supporting other women doesn’t always have to be a formal arrangement. I’ve had many mentors (female and male) who might not have even been aware that’s how I viewed our relationship -- sometimes it just happens. Finding a mentor within your organization may take some time, but professional insights from someone who knows you, and understands your values and goals, is invaluable.

Do you have any networking advice for women lawyers?

Not everyone is comfortable with networking and it is certainly not something everyone excels at. When it feels more like another checkbox on that "Things I’m Supposed to do…” list, it might be time to explore different ways you can connect – or stay connected. It could be as simple as sharing an article or podcast of interest, or joining a table your firm has at a charity event. You never know who might be sitting next to you or is in the room.

I’ve also come to realize quality is far superior than quantity. Don’t get caught up in the size of your network or trying to do everything possible; understand your connections and seek out those that can help drive you forward. Taking a more measured, meaningful approach should result in exposure to a wider scope of people.