Over the years, women in law have gradually shattered glass ceilings and achieved remarkable milestones in various legal domains. However, the domain of litigation still remains predominantly male-centric, with fewer women assuming the role of counsel. Litigation practice as counsel in the field of Family Law is no exception.
Divorce and custody cases often involve deeply personal and intimate matters that require a sensitive and empathetic approach. Based on past experiences of many legal practitioners, it has come to light that female clients have consistently expressed a preference for and have felt more comfortable with discussing intimate details with a female counsel when it comes to Divorce and Custody cases. It remains undisputed that the diverse and unique perspectives and skills that female lawyers bring to the table can significantly impact outcome which could result in more compassionate, equitable resolutions. By welcoming more women into the domain of litigation, the legal community can foster a climate of inclusivity and multidimensional problem-solving. In light of this, overcoming the obstacle of underrepresentation of female counsel in court, is crucial, particularly when it comes to Family Law cases.
Recognizing this gender disparity and gap in the field of Family Law, the Junior Bar Committee under the guidance of Mr. Jagath Wickramanayake, PC and Mr. Priyantha Alagiyawanna, has taken the initiative to train and empower carefully selected 35 junior female counsel in the field of Family Law. This meticulously crafted program, being the brainchild of Mr. Wickramanayake, aims to support junior female counsel in the field of Family Law while reshaping societal stereotypes and paving the way for a more inclusive legal profession.