Remaining at the Top Panel

Starting with the daunting revelation that “In Austria, there are more board members named Peter than women,” the expert panel of academics and practitioners in the legal field I. Stephanie Boyce, Priyanka Dutta-Passecker, Birgit Fleischmann, Mahdis Gharaei, Bettina Knoetzl, Jennifer Lusser, Angelika Pallwein-Prettner, Katja Radlgruber, and Christiane Wendehorst, discussed the hurdles women have to overcome to reach top positions in the legal professions and eventually remain in these positions.

Network with, support, and mentor other women

The accomplished female panelists, who have shattered glass ceilings, agreed that their achievements are the fruits of hard work. Pinpointing that women in top positions had to work at least twice as hard as their male colleagues, the panelists highlighted that remaining at the top requires equally hard work.

Shape your own definition of leadership and challenge male-centric concepts

Drawing on their personal experience, the panelists emphasized the importance of networking and fostering one’s professional networks to achieve high-level positions. Moreover, they encouraged aspiring colleagues to build their own personal brand, seize opportunities that match their talents, define and shape their own top, and accept support if needed.

Demand allyship from men

Addressing male colleagues, the panelists further encouraged female professionals to cooperate with their male allies. In conclusion, the panelists declared it a common goal to mentor fellow female legal professionals and reminded female legal professionals to continuously support each other not only to reach and remain at the top but also to pave the way for future generations.