This week, we welcomed Maryam Ziarati McLoughlin at our second Hale Lecture of the Autumn Term, with students and parents in attendance. Introduced by Alessia (UV), she discussed how her global travels and fluency in multiple languages, including French and Farsi, have broadened her perspective and influenced her career. Maryam then went on to share insights into the challenges and opportunities for women in the legal field, addressing gender dynamics and her experiences in a predominantly male-dominated space the more senior she rose. Maryam highlighted her favourite aspects of her work, including recent achievements, and offered advice on selecting impactful cases and preparing for clients.
Maryam also shared her transition from private practice to advisory work in disruptive tech, explaining the motivations and challenges behind founding her own business, Lwyr, which advises high-growth tech companies. This she said required her to draw on her internal strength to navigate the transition.
In response to the panel questions from Uma (UVI), Abigail (UVS) and Eleanor (UVM) she discussed the distinctions between British and international law, how AI is transforming the industry, and how she anticipates the legal landscape changing over the next 5–10 years championing soft skills and rebranding them as core skills. These she stated were the most important in navigating working with people and technology.
One of our panellists Uma (UVI) had the following to say:
“Maryam’s message, about being brave and taking every opportunity, was a greatly influential one. Her lecture, which detailed her impressive achievements over her career, has solidified my intentions to complete a Classics degree and then transition into law. I believe that every young woman aspiring to enter law and tech should hear Maryam’s advice, as it is very empowering, and has reassured me that I can eventually achieve my goals within the law industry.”
Students were inspired by her advice to “study what you’re interested in” at university and to “be brave” in facing challenges, even when they seem intimidating. Many students inquired about shadowing opportunities, and Maryam encouraged them to seek work experience in the tech law field to gain valuable insights as well contacting her for mentoring opportunities.
We are grateful to Maryam for sharing her insights and time with us!
