Celebrating International Women's Day, 2024 - Spotlight on Giao Pacey

Today, we turn our spotlight on Giao Pacey, a partner in our Corporate team. Giao has developed a thriving practice in the world of corporate law, a field historically dominated by men. Her experience provides inspiration for aspiring female lawyers and reminds us of the strides women have taken towards equality and empowerment.

Giao’s aspiration to become a lawyer was sparked at a young age when she turned to films and books during difficult times. “I was inspired by classic narratives of justice, like Twelve Angry Men and To Kill a Mockingbird”, she says, “But at university, my interests quickly shifted to the more commercial areas where I saw a real opportunity to become involved in helping others start and build their own businesses.” Corporate law has proved to be her natural home – “I love the challenge of finding creative and commercial legal solutions in an otherwise quite structured environment.” 

Like so many other women, Giao’s career path has not been without obstacles. In particular, Giao believes that those wanting both a career and their own families face a host of challenges. She comments, “I’d like to think that the industry is changing and becoming increasingly open to making adjustments to make it easier for women to pursue their careers and have families at the same time, but I am also aware that perhaps Simkins is a more progressive firm than most, so there is still more to be done in the industry to enable working mothers to succeed. I am lucky to have had the opportunity to create a harmonious life with career and family in balance. I would like all women to have the same chances."

International Women’s Day continues to hold profound significance for Giao. She believes that celebrating achievements is a powerful way to raise awareness and move towards a more inclusive society. But she maintains that we all have a responsibility “to keep pushing down those walls.”

As for advice to the younger generation of aspiring lawyers, Giao is frank “Stop thinking about the fact that you are a woman; you have the same right to fulfil your ambitions and career goals as men. Put yourself forward, work hard and don’t question your right to sit at the top table.”

Giao’s blend of professionalism and authenticity stands as a testament to what women in law can achieve. In the week of International Women’s Day, we applaud the resilience and innovation of women like Giao, who continue to inspire inclusion not only with words but through their actions, laying fundamental groundwork for generations of female lawyers to come.