“Today I lead a legal firm which is powered by women from diverse academic and professional backgrounds, with a mosaic of experience and talent in the field, along with the people-centric qualities that we consider crucial and like to infuse our services with,” Protopapa tells GOLD.
The greatest challenge she faced on her professional journey was balancing her personal and professional life, as a mother of four and a business owner. “Being a woman, a mother, a wife and an entrepreneur was a constant struggle, and one that women still face today,” she says.
Although there are many women in senior posts today, they still have to overcome the view that identifies them first with matrimony and motherhood, she explains. “Women are often brutally criticized for wanting to be part of two worlds and, regrettably, they are almost always forced to make a choice. But I believe that we can rule both worlds. The key word here is ‘respect’ – respect for a woman’s abilities, regardless of her role and her position in society or business.”
Although considerable progress has been made, regarding the inclusion of women in the legal profession, some challenges remain firmly in place, says Louiza Protopapa.
“I believe that women in the profession are now acknowledged for their skills and abilities and are not underestimated. However, we still need to work twice as hard to prove ourselves. The biggest challenge for future generations of women is to maintain what has been achieved and remain determined to further empower their position.”
As the legal profession keeps on evolving, so does the global socioeconomic environment surrounding it, dictating new rules and norms in the way Law is taught, practiced and implemented. “We are at a turning point in the legal environment today,” Protopapa says. “Major bills of law are going to change things as we know them. We need more specialized education for lawyers and judges, as well as updated court proceedings utilizing technology and the enhanced skills that the young generation of lawyers brings to our profession.” She cautions, however, about making changes without ensuring that lawyers are consulted on matters that will ultimately affect them considerably.
So, what is the secret of her success? “The qualities that women need in order to be successful leaders in the legal profession are not very different from those that everyone – male or female – should have,” she says, citing “Patience, intuitiveness, a disciplined and dedicated way of working in order to reach a set of goals, and the talent to inspire and lead others.”
Unfortunately, says Louiza Protopapa, it is society that makes it difficult for women leaders to be accepted, “which is why we end up discussing the qualities of women leaders rather than the qualities of leaders irrespective of their gender.”
She also notes that success in the legal profession requires years of dedication, knowledge, development, ambition, and hard work. Moreover, being a lawyer is not the same as owning a law firm. “The ability to combine both to a high standard is, in itself, a big challenge” she says.
Source: Gold Magazine