Celebrating International Women's Day, 2024 - Spotlight on Deborah Jeff

Today, we turn our spotlight on Deborah Jeff, head of our Family team.

Deborah's choice of career was driven by her strong sense of justice. “I’ve always felt strongly that it is important to apply, and to act upon, the principles of justice; and, more than that, to take action where justice hasn’t prevailed," she explains. This sense of justice naturally led to a career in law where her interest in people propelled her towards family law. “I knew I wanted to be working for individuals rather than companies and, after spending part of my training contract in family law, I knew it was for me. I enjoyed the real-world impact my work could have. And having done the job for a number of years now, I am still highly motivated to do my utmost for my clients, ensuring I get the best outcome possible while taking care that the client remains emotionally intact through what can be an extremely stressful experience.”

Reflecting on her own journey and the career challenges faced by all women, Deborah says “I think it’s a much better experience nowadays for women entering the profession than it was when I qualified. Things were already progressing then but there is greater understanding now of how the long working hours of the profession need to accommodate family life for both men and women.” She adds “There’s also a general understanding that this doesn’t mean you need to lose the great people you’ve invested in and who have invested in your practice just because their family needs mean standard office hours aren’t possible.”

Like many other women, Deborah has witnessed situations where the workplace could better support women and minorities. It is important for Deborah to speak up in such circumstances. “It is only by speaking up respectfully and appropriately that we can make change happen. Leading by example also has a big impact – both on an individual workplace and the industry at large”.

Deborah’s advice to aspiring young lawyers is “Be the best human being you can as well as the best lawyer. It ensures you respect others, and they respect you. And always stand up for yourself despite the strong characters we will inevitably encounter in our profession.”

When asked about her personal role models, Deborah does not hesitate: “First, Lady Hale, as she’s been such a trailblazer for women in the law, I admire her hugely. And secondly, Carrie Morrison, the first female solicitor to be admitted in England and Wales in 1922 – I would love to have had the chance to speak to her and compare her experience with ours almost a century later.”

This International Women's Day, our conversation with Deborah reminds us of the power of individual stories. Deborah’s clear sense of justice and her advocacy for inclusive working practices is an inspiration for all aspiring female lawyers.