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Advocacy with Empathy: The Power of Female Attorneys Representing Female Clients

By: Shayna Slater, Anapol Weiss Partner

Advocacy with Empathy: The Power of Female Attorneys Representing Female ClientsAdvocacy with Empathy: The Power of Female Attorneys Representing Female Clients

As a female lawyer who is also a mom to two amazing boys, it quickly became apparent that the juggling act between career and motherhood would be difficult. As a mother, my priorities shifted, and I quickly realized that if I was going to maintain my career, I had to be passionate about what I was doing. At that time, litigations began emerging that solely or disproportionately affected women.  In speaking to women who were fellow moms, daughters, and sisters, it became obvious that while I fight hard for all my clients, female-focused litigations lit a fire inside me to address the unique challenges faced by women. I am lucky to say that my firm fully supports female litigators championing the rights of women, representing them in cases that range from transvaginal mesh to sexual assault to Depo Provera. Having fierce female lawyers on these litigations is essential.

Why Female Representation Matters

Representation by female lawyers in female-focused litigations brings not only legal expertise but also empathy and understanding. Female attorneys can relate to the experiences of their clients in ways that male counterparts may not. This connection fosters trust and encourages women to speak openly about their experiences, which is crucial. Often, women will seek out lawyers who understand their unique challenges, comfort them during a process that can be stressful, and can empathize and support them, all while vigorously representing their interests.

The benefits of having a female lawyer handle cases such as Depo Provera, an injectable birth control with an increased risk of brain and spinal tumors, cannot be overstated. From compassion and understanding to strong advocacy, the advantages are clear. Ultimately, the right lawyer—regardless of gender—will be one who understands, respects, and ferociously pursues the client’s rights. For many women, that lawyer is often a woman.

Women Holding Society’s Biggest Companies Accountable for Harms to Consumers

I am proud to say that the majority of both our shareholders and partners at Anapol Weiss are female. These litigators have undeniable legal prowess but also possess a passion for helping their clients and holding pharmaceutical giants responsible. The ultimate goal has been and continues to be, the prioritization of safety over profits to protect women who sadly seem to be disproportionately affected in many of these litigations.

Shayna SlaterShayna Slater

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Shayna Slater, Anapol Weiss Partner

Shayna Slater is a leader in the Women's Health Litigation Team and the firm's Unsafe Drug & Medical Device Team. She concentrates her practice on mass torts, product liability, and other civil litigation.