Advice for Women Looking to Develop a Legal Career in 2025 by Zafira Hudani

In the Women’s IP World Annual 2025, Zafira Hudani, Reporter at Northon’s Media PR & Marketing Ltd, United Kingdom, shares a thoughtful and inspiring roadmap for women aspiring to build rewarding legal careers. Drawing on insights from leading IP professionals across the globe, she breaks down success into four core principles: Preparation, Learning, Action, and Notice, forming a practical plan for growth in the legal profession.

Preparation: Building the Foundation Early

For Zafira, preparation begins long before law school. Encouraging young girls to explore STEM subjects in their early education can open pathways to dynamic legal specialisations such as intellectual property law. She references Patent Analyst Claire Gibson’s perspective on empowering future innovators through early engagement in science and technology, building the foundation for women to thrive in innovation and IP law.

Zafira also recommends seeking internships or holiday work in legal environments early on to understand the realities of the profession. Before choosing a law school, she advises aspiring lawyers to explore the institution’s career support programmes, legal clinics, and networking opportunities to build practical experience alongside academic study.

Learning: Embracing Every Opportunity

“Every opportunity you take is also an opportunity to learn,” Zafira reminds readers. In a competitive market, continuous learning and professional development are key. Quoting Vanessa Abdel-Razak, she reiterates that “a female lawyer must prove herself”, a reality that calls for resilience, adaptability, and the willingness to learn from peers and mentors.

Zafira highlights the importance of collaboration, echoing Carina Gommers, who noted the value of having colleagues to share experiences with. She also emphasises the role of technology as a lifelong learning tool that enhances communication and efficiency in modern legal practice.

Action: Turning Ambition into Achievement

Actions, Zafira writes, speak louder than words. She cites Heidi Linder’s insight that client success should be central to every lawyer’s work ethic. Zafira advises young professionals to complete every task with diligence, ask questions when uncertain, and demonstrate initiative. Doing so not only shows commitment but also builds credibility within any firm or organisation.

Notice: Seeing Opportunities Others Miss

The final principle Notice is about awareness and innovation. Zafira encourages women to identify opportunities for improvement within their firms or organisations and take the initiative to suggest solutions. Often, these ideas can lead to meaningful change, innovation, and even leadership opportunities.

She reminds readers that each career path is unique. Some may follow the traditional partner track, while others may find fulfilment in alternative legal careers. What matters most is recognising that success in law is not one-size-fits-all; it’s defined by personal growth, integrity, and service.

Work-Life Balance and Mental Health

Beyond career strategy, Zafira underscores the importance of mental and physical well-being. The legal profession can be demanding, but maintaining balance ensures long-term success and satisfaction. As Heidi Linder eloquently states, “If you have goals, go for them, accept them, be brave and, most importantly, don’t allow anyone to tell you how valuable you are.”

Conclusion

Through her four-part approach, Plan, Learn, Act, and Notice, Zafira Hudani offers women a holistic guide to navigating the legal world with purpose and confidence. Her message is clear: success in law begins with preparation, grows through learning, and endures through action, awareness, and self-belief.

Read the full article in Women’s IP World Annual 2025,  essential reading for aspiring lawyers, students, and professionals seeking practical guidance and inspiration to build meaningful, successful careers in law.

READ THE FULL ARTICLE NOW!