Diversity in leadership isn’t just a social issue, it’s a business imperative. In a recent BE THAT LAWYER episode, I sat down with Sonya, founder of LAWHER, to talk about the evolving role of women in the legal industry and why firms that overlook women leaders are missing out on more than just optics.
Our conversation touched on leadership, equity, hiring, and the innovative ways women are reshaping law from the inside out. The legal world is changing, and Sonya’s insights offer a playbook for firms that want to evolve with it.
Women in Leadership: It’s About Better Business
Sonya made it clear that promoting women into leadership isn’t just a feel good initiative it’s smart business. Law firms serve an incredibly diverse client base, and having that diversity reflected in leadership results in better representation, empathy, and decision-making. She pointed to the growing number of women reaching partnership roles and founding their own firms as evidence that women are no longer waiting for a seat at the table they’re building their own.
The Rise of LAWHER: Empowerment Through Visibility
What sparked LAWHER? A gap Sonya couldn’t ignore: the lack of visible stories about women lawyers navigating leadership, motherhood, firm ownership, and growth on their own terms. The platform exists to showcase women who are pushing boundaries and redefining success in law.
Sonya shared how more women than ever are launching their own firms, taking control of their schedules, their values, and their professional futures. She encourages women in law to stop waiting for permission and start building the practices they truly want.
Hiring That Actually Works: The One-Way Video Interview Advantage
During our panel discussion, we also explored how hiring processes are evolving to meet new workplace expectations. One of the most compelling ideas came from Sonya, who described using one-way video interviews during the screening process. Applicants respond to questions on camera, no live call, no resume fluff, just initiative and authenticity.
This simple shift reveals which candidates are truly engaged, able to communicate, and willing to step out of their comfort zone. For law firms looking to build high-performing teams without wasting time, it’s a modern and efficient solution that cuts through the noise.
“Law firms serve clients from all backgrounds. Having women in leadership helps firms better understand and serve those clients.” — Sonya
Whether you’re a managing partner, a rising associate, or a solo practitioner, there’s one truth that’s hard to ignore: leadership in law needs more voices, more perspectives, and more equity. And that starts with making room for the women who are ready to lead.
Connect with Sonya Palmer
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sonyapalmer
Email: sonyarpalmer@gmail.com
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