International Women’s Day Series: The importance of role models

International Women’s Day is a moment to pause, reflect, and connect. Across borders and cultures, it’s about sharing experiences, learning from one another, and recognising that progress happens faster when women support women, and when allies stand alongside us.

This year’s theme, Give to Gain, speaks to that collective power: the idea that by giving time, trust, and perspective, we create stronger careers, communities, and futures.

Vera Luickhardt, a Germany-based partner, explores what Give to Gain means in practice. From building meaningful client relationships and networks, to sharing hard-won lessons from life as a working parent in a law firm, Vera reflects on the value of openness, role models, and mutual support.

This year’s theme is Give to Gain. What does giving mean to you?

Giving means for me looking not only at billable hours but also primarily at the client relationship and building a network. This does not mean that I am working for free. Of course, I want to earn money. But building trustful relationships is essential and giving is a part of it, from all sides.

Why is it important to you have time to give back alongside your career?

When I was a working mum part-time, I did not have a role model for a long time in my career as a lawyer. Things would have been easier if I had somebody to discuss typical struggles with. That is why I share my learnings today. Without sharing, things will never change.

What are the causes important to you?

Equal opportunities, clear messages and open, respectful communication. First of all, it would be helpful to accept that there is still a way to go, to make the gap visible and to work together for an inclusive environment. We need male allies; we need men and women together. I would not have survived day-to-day business in a law firm without allies

What are you most proud of?

Some of my former trainees became lawyers because of me being something like a role model. That makes me especially proud.

What does it mean to you to be part of a firm with a wider purpose?

There are no boundaries set by gunnercooke for my business. I can choose which projects I want to focus on. I never knew that freedom would become one of my most important values. I find it very comforting that gunnercooke has a purpose and a purpose that goes beyond being a leading law firm and making money.

You can learn more about Vera here.