When I graduated from law school, women didn't think they had options other than to practice full-time or not practice at all. Women graduating from law school today accurately perceive a wider array of options: full-time or part-time, as well as different employers, such as firms of different sizes, companies, judiciary, etc.

However, even though women have more opportunities today than they ever had at any time, the profession is still overwhelmingly male-dominated at the leadership levels. The Glass Ceiling is still a big challenge for women.

Women absolutely can succeed and thrive in the legal profession. I know it's not fashionable and some may not think it's credible, but I truly believe you can have it all. You can be yourself and still be a success, and being in a male-dominated profession doesn't mean you have to act like a man or deny that you're a woman, and it doesn't mean that you have to give up your family or outside interests - I think my career shows that. There is no one road map to success; you can and should forge your own path. In my view, apart from the obvious requirement of doing excellent work, success in the profession requires a high level of self-confidence, rather than ego, an ability to forge relationships with other lawyers in the firm, a capacity to learn from tough feedback without getting paralyzed by it, and a bit of intestinal fortitude. It also requires energy and commitment, and a passion to do the best you can do, both in your personal life and in your profession.