To mark International Women’s Day 2020, we asked four of BHP Law’s inspiring women to find out more about them…

Amanda Adeola, Partner, Family

What inspires you?

Seeing the benefits and the impact of the work I do not just with my clients but with aspiring lawyers. The engagement and the ability to share the power of positivity and determination in achieving your goals inspires me daily.

What has been your greatest challenge to get you where you are today?

Other people and their perception of where I should be or what I should be doing. It is easy to be derailed by the ideas of others therefore it is important to be assured in yourself, what you are doing, your purpose and your “why” and most importantly to go for what you want and what you deserve especially when you have worked hard for it.

What advice would you give to your younger self?

That it is okay to have self-doubt but to always remember that I control my destiny and where I see myself/want to achieve. To accept that some things are not my forte and that’s okay too.

Melanie Morley, Solicitor, Court of Protection

What inspires you?  

The kindness of others, Nelson Mandela’s fight for equality and human rights and being the best possible person I can be to inspire my children and the next generation.  

What has been your greatest challenge to get you where you are today?

Overcoming working class prejudice that I could not study law with my 4 children who were very young at the time and become a solicitor.  

What advice would you give to your younger self?

To have the confidence to believe in myself and the courage to keep persevering in pursuing my dreams.  

Leanne Walker, Trainee Legal Executive, Family

What inspires you?

Doing a job that I genuinely enjoy. I love care and domestic abuse work and each day I want to do the best for my clients.

What has been your greatest challenge to get you where you are today?

Fitting studying around life and work. Sometimes there just aren’t enough hours in the day.

What advice would you give to your younger self?

Don’t bother making a five-year plan. Life has a habit of upending everything with no warning and you never know what tomorrow will bring. Just do the best you can each day and you’ll end up where you’re meant to be.

Lisa Cairns, HR Manager

What inspires you?

My family, friends and colleagues have all inspired me and new things continue to inspire me all the time.   

What has been your greatest challenge to get you where you are today? 

Having confidence in myself.

What advice would you give to your younger self?

Don’t worry so much. Take the time to enjoy life as it goes so quickly!