Mishcon de Reya reputation protection and crisis management head Emma Woollcott on the importance of LGBTQ+ visibility and the impact of role models.
How easy did you find it to come out professionally? And what were the biggest barriers you had to overcome before you felt ready to come out at work?
It was challenging in the early 2000s, as I had no visible role models with lives anywhere close to the one I wanted – comfortable being open in the workplace about their sexuality, and having families as well as progressing their legal careers.
I was out at university and law school, but was encouraged to squeeze myself back into the closet as a trainee. I didn’t have the confidence to speak openly until I was qualified, and at a firm which sees diversity and authenticity as strengths.
How has the industry improved since you began your career?
It is wonderful to see LGBTQ+ people succeeding across the legal sector, and for community groups to exist within firms, at the Law Society and across many different industries.
My role requires me to try to quickly understand what is important to clients – what drives them, what worries them, where they have support and where they feel vulnerable. My identity and background – and my experiences of feeling like an outsider – give me power and insight in these moments, for which I am extremely grateful.
What motivated you to actively use your voice to advocate for LGBTQ+ voices in the legal sector?
I felt a responsibility to do so. If we do not speak up, our lives and our experiences may be overlooked.
Law is so pervasive in society that we need a plurality of voices and perspectives around the table when (big and seemingly small) decisions are made.
How much obligation do you feel to be a role model within the industry? How helpful are role models in pushing change?
Hugely. It still feels awkward being referred to as a role model, but I’m motivated to be visible enough to show others that it was possible to be out and proud, and for them to know they could reach out for support and insight when needed.
For more, see ‘We’re all nervous right now’ – how a subdued Pride month got caught in the DEI backlash
More Pride Perspectives:
Patrick McCann: ‘We need more queer managing partners’
Cai Cherry: ‘It’s easy to think something isn’t your problem – but equality is all of our problem’
