Young Voices: The Future of Law

The future of law is increasingly shaped by the voices of the younger generation, and in a recent panel discussion titled „Young Voices the Future is Law,“ young legal professionals from diverse backgrounds shared their insights and experiences on how to make the legal profession more inclusive and attractive for the next generation. The event featured a dynamic panel of speakers: Lauren Kohn, an Advocate of High Court and Young research Fellow; Ceren Şanlı Budak, a Turkish Attorney at Law; Jessica Puhr & Sophie Tesarik, from VIAC (Vienna International Arbitral Centre) and Nina Atanasovska, an ELSA Vienna representative and driven law student, who moved to Vienna from Northern Macedonia to study law. Together, they engaged in a thought-provoking discussion on how the legal profession can evolve to meet the expectations and aspirations of Gen Z.

Making Law Attractive Again: A New Generation´s Perspective

“We need both realism and idealism. Women should put themselves out there and always embrace their dreams and plans. They are the ones who will make law attractive again.” ~ Lauren Kohn

The conversation kicked off with an overview by Lauren Kohn, who addressed the theme „Making Law Attractive Again.“ Kohn began by providing an insight into who the Gen Z demographic includes. Typically, those born between 1997 and 2012 are considered part of Generation Z. Known for their digital fluency and progressive mindset, Gen Z is often described as a socially conscious group that values inclusivity and work-life balance. These traits are increasingly influencing their career choices, including their interest—or lack thereof—in pursuing a legal career. Lauren explained that for law to remain an attractive career path for Gen Z, it must evolve in response to their values and expectations. This includes embracing diversity, flexibility, and a focus on making meaningful societal contributions, rather than adhering to traditional, rigid frameworks.

Women in Law: Challenges and Opportunities in Turkey

Ceren Sanli Budak took the stage next, providing an insightful overview of the status of Gen Z women in Turkey’s legal landscape. Budak discussed the significant progress made in terms of female participation in law education and practice in Turkey, but she also highlighted the systemic barriers that continue to limit women’s advancement in the legal profession.

The Gender Disparity in Abitration

“Only 34% of all confirmed arbitrators in 2023 were women. 82% of party-nominated arbitrators were men.” – Sophie Tesarik

The discussion then shifted to Austria, where Sophie Tesarik provided a snapshot of the current state of arbitration and legal representation in the country. Sophie emphasized a concerning statistic: 82% of all political nominations for arbitrators, are male. This statistic sheds light on a significant gender imbalance that continues to persist in the legal field, despite the fact that over 50% of law students in Austria are women. Tesarik pointed out that this discrepancy indicates a systemic problem where women are not equally represented in decision-making positions, even as they constitute a majority in law schools. She emphasized that the legal profession must address this imbalance, as the lack of female representation not only limits the opportunities for women but also undermines the diversity of perspectives in important legal decisions.

The Importance of Awareness and Action

“Some issues need to be addressed internally. On the other hand, we must focus on spreading awareness to the outside world. However, talking is not enough—we need to ‚walk the talk‘ and genuinely implement measures.“ – Jessica Puhr

Following Tesarik, Jessica Puhr emphasized the need for greater awareness about the gender disparity in law. She argued that raising awareness is a crucial first step in addressing these inequities, but it is not enough on its own. Puhr stressed the importance of actively promoting and supporting women in law, especially in areas where they are underrepresented, such as in arbitration and corporate law. She also highlighted the responsibility that women have to take ownership of their career advancement by actively participating in conferences, networking events, and other opportunities for professional growth. According to Puhr, women need to be more proactive in positioning themselves as leaders in the legal community, rather than waiting for these opportunities to be handed to them. She further pointed out that a gender-neutral language in legal texts and communication could be a step forward in making all genders feel more visible and included within the profession.

Ground Zero: The University Experience

The university is the “ground zero” of legal studies. Unfortunately, the issues of lack of interest in equal treatment start there. – Nina Atanasovska

Nina Atanasovska took a closer look at the „ground zero“ of legal careers: university life. Atanasovska discussed the trends she has observed in the university setting, where women are the majority in the law classrooms. However, as students progress through their studies, many women begin to veer away from pursuing careers as practicing lawyers. Instead, they gravitate towards careers in the judiciary, believing these roles are more compatible with family life due to their perceived stability and more predictable hours. Atanasovska’s point illustrated a critical issue: the legal profession, particularly in the fields of private practice and arbitration, has yet to adapt fully to the evolving needs of young women who seek both professional fulfillment and work-life balance. She also noted a disappointing trend in Legal Gender Studies courses, where only women enroll, while men — who are essential allies in advancing gender equality — remain largely absent from these discussions.

Looking Forward: A Call for Change

The discussion concluded with a strong call to action: The future of law cannot be built on the exclusion or marginalization of any group. If law is to remain a relevant and attractive profession for Gen Z, it must adapt to the changing values of this generation — values that emphasize equality, diversity, and social responsibility. The legal profession must actively work to dismantle the barriers that prevent women from reaching their full potential, whether these barriers are cultural, institutional, or simply a result of outdated practices.

By ensuring that women are not only present but also empowered to lead, and by creating a more inclusive and supportive environment, legal practice can truly be the career of the future for the next generation of legal professionals.

As the panelists concluded, the future is in their hands — and the future is female.