In celebration of Women’s History Month, The Chicago Bar Association interviewed several all-stars from our March 6th Working Women’s Legal Summit about the issues facing women in the legal profession today and some secrets to their success.  We will close out the month with a series of posts featuring these interviews.

Below is our featured interview with E. Lynn Grayson, a partner with the environmental law firm of Nijman Franzetti.

Q: What is the most pressing issue facing women in the law today?

A: Retention, promotion, equal business opportunity and pay equity (all related in large part to law firms and corporate law departments).

Q: What is one thing a mentor has helped you learn in the course of your career that you would like to pass on to other women as they navigate the legal profession?

A: Law practice is a marathon not a sprint (you are in it for the long haul). Everything you do will make a difference today, tomorrow or in the future. Make sure you make wise choices regarding your name, your brand,  your integrity and your reputation—it is all you have to make a living.

Q: What is one thing you do to achieve a sense of balance between your professional and personal life?

A: When our son was small, I always worked a flexible schedule so I could be a bigger part of his daily life such as room mom, school volunteer or simply being home to take him to events, activities, play dates or practice. What works best changes as you grow and change and your family does the same. What works best for one may not work best for others.