In celebration of International Women’s Day, we’re highlighting the voice of an inspiring woman in law. Hannah Vachre, a Partner at Glaisyers ETL, has been working in Litigation for over seven years, and is a passionate and resilient solicitor.
Here, she talks about what motivated her to pursue a legal career, the challenges she’s faced and the proudest moments that have shaped her journey.
What inspired you to pursue a career in law?
From a young age, I’ve always had a strong sense of justice and desire to stand up for what’s right. I have always been someone who enjoys being able to challenge ideas when necessary – sometimes, just because I like to be right! I’ve always found a good debate to be stimulating, as I enjoy the process of thinking critically, forming well-grounded arguments, and standing by them.
On a deeper level, my interest in law is driven by a genuine passion for justice. I want to be a part of a system that works to ensure fairness for all. The idea of helping people navigate complex legal systems and advocating for what is right aligns with my personal values. Additionally, the law is a dynamic and intellectually stimulating field that presents new challenges and opportunities every day. That combination of intellectual rigour and social impact makes it an exciting and fulfilling career path for me.
As a woman in law, have you encountered barriers or biases, and how have you navigated them to achieve success?
As a woman in law, I have undoubtedly encountered barriers and biases, though I see them as opportunities to demonstrate resilience and professionalism. Early in my career, there were instances where clients expressed reluctance to instruct a woman, assuming they would prefer a male lawyer’s perspective or approach. In those situations, I focused on building trust by consistently delivering results and demonstrating my competence and expertise. Over time, I cultivated strong relationships by emphasising the quality of my work and making sure that clients felt confident in my abilities, regardless of gender.
Additionally, I’ve encountered situations where my assertiveness and forthrightness, qualities that are often necessary in advocating for my clients (particularly in litigation), were perceived differently than they might be for a male colleague. Navigating these challenges has required me to adapt my communication style to be both effective and professional while remaining true to my principles. It’s about finding the balance between being firm and assertive without compromising the clarity and effectiveness of the message.
Ultimately, these experiences have shaped me into a more adaptable, empathetic, and strategic solicitor. They have reinforced the importance of standing by my values and capabilities, and using challenges as a platform for continued growth. I firmly believe that while biases may still exist, it’s how we navigate and address them that defines our success and our ability to create change within the profession.
What is the proudest moment in your career?
Although I have had the benefit of acting in some high-profile cases and pursuing matters through the higher courts, one of the proudest moments in my career was when I acted on a financially smaller matter, securing a successful outcome for a client whose situation at one point seemed impossible.
The client had reached a point where he was ready to give up, due to the emotional and financial impact of litigation generally, however a negative outcome would have jeopardised both his livelihood and his home. Therefore, even though financially the claim was at the lower end of the scale, it had a big impact on the client personally. I knew how much this case meant to him, and despite the challenges, I continued to counsel him, providing both legal guidance and emotional support.
I made sure to assist him through the difficult moments, working tirelessly on his behalf to find every possible avenue for a favourable resolution. When we ultimately achieved a positive result, it was incredibly rewarding – not just professionally, but personally as well. I saw firsthand how much was at stake for my client and their business, and to be able to help him turn his situation around and retain everything he had worked for was deeply fulfilling. It reinforced for me the power of perseverance, and the impact we can have as legal professionals in people’s lives.
What advice would you give to your younger self?
If I could give advice to my younger self, it would be to stay true to who you are and trust that the hard work will pay off. Early on, it’s easy to feel pressured to fit into certain moulds or to compare your journey to others. But it’s important to remember that everyone’s path is different, and there is no ‘one right way’ to succeed. Don’t worry about the differences between your journey and others as those differences are not barriers, but rather unique strengths that shape your perspective and drive.
Lastly, and practically, I would emphasise the importance of building and nurturing relationships with both clients and peers. These connections are vital to growing your career and expanding your opportunities. Cultivate trust, offer support, and build strong networks, because the relationships you form – both professionally and personally – are what will sustain and propel you forward in your career.
