In honor of Women’s History Month, we are celebrating the phenomenal women of Malek + Malek. We asked members of our team about the women who inspire them and the importance of Women’s History Month.
For Carla Lancaster, a receptionist at our Spokane office, Women’s History Month is a reminder that “women can accomplish any goal with determination, strength, and pride, giving way to tremendous strides for future generations.” She sees this embodied in Malek + Malek’s Chief Litigator and co-owner, Tara Malek.
“In the little time I’ve known Tara Malek, I’ve seen a woman who is clearly driven, strong, steadfast, brilliant, and focused, with amazing insight and knowledge that allows her to excel in her field,” Carla says. “While blazing amazing trails in the legal world, Tara takes the time to share a smile and kind word, always helping others feel comfortable.” Carla says that seeing Tara’s example inspires her to give back 100% each day.
Attorney Baeley Hathaway found an inspiring community of women at law school. “My fellow female law students inspire me and encourage me to break down barriers for women in the law. I love so many of the women I’ve met in the legal field and it inspires me to advocate for all of us.” For Baeley, seeing their example has encouraged her to speak up and advocate for gender equality.
She’s also encouraged by the environment at Malek + Malek. “Women supporting other women is something I’ve experienced at the company. Everyone has genuine excitement, pride, and encouragement for [their] teammates,” Baeley says.
For Sidney Boyle, litigation paralegal, Women’s History Month is about celebrating the women around her. “I believe that women can be fierce, professional, and champions for their cause,” Sidney says. “Observing the women that I work with every day is inspiring and pushes me to want to be better.”
Sidney sees this in attorney Katie Daniel. “She has taught me that women have far more potential than we often give ourselves credit for,” Sidney says. “It is so inspiring to see her working so hard to advocate for her clients all while juggling the responsibilities of being a mother, a wife, and a mentor. She wears so many hats and is a woman of great talent and great inspiration.”
Talking to Katie about who inspires her, she named Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg. As Katie says, “She is a woman who worked herself to the top and never wavered on her support of women.”
Katie recognizes the role of all the pioneers who helped to blaze trails for women in law. “As a woman in a male-dominated field, Women’s History Month recognizes all the hard work the women have done before me to make the legal field more accessible to women.”
Korrei Kruger, a Legal Assistant at Malek + Malek, echoes Katie’s sentiments about Women’s History Month. “It’s a great time to reflect on and celebrate the achievements of amazing women throughout history as well as the women at our firm.”
We hope this post inspires you to take a moment to reflect on and celebrate the women throughout history and the women in your life who have helped pave the way for others.