How I Got Here: Pamela O’Neill, head of the dispute management at Eversheds Sutherland

WHAT WAS YOUR FIRST JOB?

I am originally from Dundalk, with a retail business background on both sides of my family. My parents ran a large shop in the centre of Dundalk for many years, which closed on their retirement, after over 120 years of trading. I was drafted in from an early age, working during school breaks. I have been lucky to have strong female role models in my family and working with my Mum strongly influenced many of my career decisions. One of the biggest lessons I learned from my early days would be to stick to your goals – if at first you don’t succeed, try again and again.

WHEN DID YOU START YOUR CAREER?

I started my career as a trainee with the Dublin firm Rory O’Donnell, which was located in the offices where Eversheds Sutherland is today. I joined the firm when I was 24; I qualified into the litigation team and never looked back. The firm has changed and grown exponentially since I started, we are now one of the largest global combinations of firms in the world with 74 offices across 35 countries. I love the international aspect of the business, working with people with so many different backgrounds and experiences.

WHAT DOES A TYPICAL DAY LOOK LIKE FOR YOU?

What I enjoy about my role the most is that I rarely have a typical day but I know I am most definitely not a morning person! Mornings have changed for me significantly since my children have grown up, as a result I am less efficient at getting out the door. I never work from home, it just isn’t for me. I enjoy the energy of having my team around me as well as the ritual of getting ready and walking into the office daily. It gives me a sense of purpose. In my role as head of our dispute management and litigation team, and a member of the firm’s Executive Leadership team, my role involves dealing with the team, department and firm management issues on a daily basis. Other parts of my day are taken up with client calls, meetings, document reviews and attending Court or mediations.

WHAT PARTS OF YOUR ROLE DO YOU FIND MOST FULFILLING?

It can be as simple as achieving a favourable outcome for a client. Finding meaning in my work is important to me and I think as my role has evolved, I get the chance to influence and support, positively I hope, how we grow our future and existing talent within the firm.

HOW ARE YOU DRIVING DIVERSITY & INCLUSION IN THE FIRM?

When we first set up our female network – which has now evolved into “Pathways” – the internal debate at the time was: do we really need one? At that time there was definitely less awareness of the challenges facing women in business today. But we have evolved massively since then. I clearly recall our first meeting. You cannot beat a group of women coming together with a common purpose, for the energy, openness and support – and ability to articulate and identify the issues to be addressed. In Eversheds Sutherland we recognise that if there is to be real change, DEI has to be an integral part of both our culture and our business strategy. Clients are rightly demanding their law firm provide a diverse and inclusive team and that work is allocated on an equitable basis. I think the challenge for law firms particularly in a smaller market such as ours, is not to put the burden on a few to react to this demand but to collectively collaborate with clients to create sustained and solid change. Being part of a global firm network is hugely beneficial and brings with it an immense number of different perspectives which is invaluable.

HOW DO YOU MAINTAIN A WORK LIFE BALANCE?

If I am honest, I am not the best at it! It is something my family will attest to and often make fun of. As lawyers we often put everything on hold when an urgent work matter needs to be completed. The trick is to balance what needs to be prioritised and this includes family as well as work, so I am getting better at enjoying my time away from the desk/office too. Most of my unwinding time is squeezed into my weekends; when I find myself making a to-do list of things I need to to unwind; which I know may defeat the purpose! I really enjoy reading and listening to podcasts – anything from history, politics to psychology, fashion and beauty. And I go to Pilates, three times a week, which is good for my body and mind.

WHAT’S THE SINGLE BIGGEST MISCONCEPTION ABOUT YOUR JOB?

People think that what I do is just going to court. Certainly when you start professionally, the biggest thing you have to do is just become a really good technical lawyer. But as you move on your client skills and people management and strategy, come into focus because it’s a business like any other. I think that people can view law as archaic, something that’s not dynamic, or doesn’t need to keep up with the times, but law firms are among the largest revenue businesses in the world, and that comes with the same issues that come with running any successful business.

WHAT IS IT LIKE BEING A WOMAN IN THIS INDUSTRY?

I started the Female Network at Eversheds Sutherland about 10 years ago, which has now evolved into our Pathways committee. At the time the internal challenge was whether we really needed a female network, at that time there was definitely less awareness of the challenges facing women in business today, but we have evolved massively since then. At the time it was kind of controversial to have all-female events, but I distinctly remember the first one we had, there was just such a fantastic energy in the room. You cannot beat a group of women coming together with a common purpose, for the energy, openness, sharing of experience, support, to articulate and identify the issues to be addressed.

eversheds-sutherland.com

MAKING CHANGE

Pamela’s tips for promoting gender equality at your workplace…

1. Don’t underestimate the value of establishing your own network. Our Pathways committee works together to support and promote gender inclusivity in our firm and it has spearheaded several positive initiatives since its formation in 2014 including client events, learning and development opportunities, and policy initiatives.
2. Be strategic. Ensure you develop a clear mission statement and objectives that are aligned with your company’s core values and be open to tweaking it according to the needs of your people. For example, our mission statement is to have ‘… an inclusive and positive environment with a focus on enhancing your personal and professional development and encouraging confidence in meeting your career aspirations’.
3. Be proactive. As well as providing opportunities for more social interactions and support, Pathways has enabled us to positively tackle and advance issues.
4. By working together, you can do more. Look for opportunities within your sector to join forces and collaborate with other like-minded businesses and clients.
5. Get creative. We are all different and by articulating these differences you can start to create tools, courses, and events to help people with different needs achieve their career aspirations.
6. Don’t forget to celebrate your successes. If your focus, like Pathways, is on enhancing personal and professional development, celebrate the achievements of your colleagues and network.

IMAGE Winter 2023

The Winter issue of IMAGE is here, and festive sparkles are on our mind, from our fashion shoot full of party-ready pieces to the home of jeweller Chupi Sweetman-Durney which is full of glinting gold. Plus, we learn how to make the most of festive leftovers, and are planning a winter break to remember. Plus: * Big knits * Cool corduroy * In studio with Pearl Reddington * Audrey Hepburn’s Irish connections * Confidence at work * A Kilimanjaro adventure * Beauty gifts to give yourself * Practical magic * A ski retreat with a difference * Weekend escapes * and so much more…

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