In this episode of If You Ask Me, Hannah and Sarah speak with Francesca Ainsworth, Corporate Partner at Lewis Silkin, about her journey from training and qualifying at Linklaters to becoming a partner while on parental leave.

Francesca shares why she chose to leave Big Law just three years after qualification, how she found a firm culture that aligned with her ambitions and values, and the moment she realised partnership was a goal worth pursuing.

The conversation explores:

•  Why leaving a prestigious firm can be the right career move 
•  Building a successful legal career without sacrificing life outside work 
•  Becoming partner while on parental leave 
•  The importance of mentors and sponsors in career progression 
•  Lewis Silkin's groundbreaking equal parental leave policy 
•  Why changing workplace culture matters as much as changing policies 
•  The role flexible working has played in retaining talented lawyers 

Francesca also reflects on motherhood, leadership and the societal shifts still needed to create genuine equality in the legal profession.

A thoughtful and honest discussion about ambition, partnership, parenthood and redefining what success in law can look like.

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