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Supporting the Legal Profession Through Menopause: Why It Matters and How We Create Real Change
Lauren Chiren talks to Legal Women about the work she is doing to address menopause in the profession.
The legal profession is renowned for its intellectual rigour, dedication, and resilience.
Yet, hidden behind the courtrooms, boardrooms, and bustling offices lies an often-overlooked reality impacting a significant proportion of the workforce: menopause. As a Freeman of the City of London, speaker at the Women in Law Summit, and contributor to the Law Society, I have had the privilege of working alongside incredible legal professionals who are passionate about creating more equitable, supportive environments. Now is the time to extend that support to those navigating menopause.
The Unspoken Challenge in Law Firms
In the high-pressure environment of legal work, whether as a lawyer, paralegal or the wider team supporting firms, many women facing menopause symptoms often feel compelled to conceal their experiences.
Hot flushes during client meetings, brain fog while drafting complex arguments, and sleep deprivation affecting decision-making can all undermine confidence.
With traditional workplace cultures in law often valuing "always on" availability, many brilliant professionals feel isolated, misunderstood, or even pushed towards early retirement.
Statistics are stark. Research shows that over 10% of women leave the workforce due to unmanaged menopause symptoms, and a significant number consider stepping back from senior roles. In a profession already striving for greater gender parity, losing experienced talent during midlife exacerbates inequality and talent gaps.
Breaking the Silence: The Importance of Education and Awareness
LegalWomen’s mission to provide clear information on gender parity, inspire practical initiatives, and promote innovation aligns powerfully with the urgent need for menopause awareness. Normalising conversations around menopause in law firms and legal teams can drive profound cultural change, retaining exceptional talent and enhancing well-being.
Through my work with firms across sectors, including the legal profession, I consistently find that simple, practical education leads to significant shifts. When people understand that menopause is a natural life phase - not an illness or weakness - they can better support colleagues and themselves.
Creating Practical Change in Legal Workplaces
Addressing menopause isn't just about information-sharing; it's about action. During my keynote at the Women in Law Summit, I highlighted practical initiatives that have successfully transformed workplace culture:
● Clear Policies: Law firms benefit from having formal menopause policies, just as they do maternity or parental leave policies.
● Tailored Training: Equipping managers, HR teams, and leadership with training on recognising and supporting menopause ensures empathy and practical solutions rather than awkwardness or avoidance.
● Workplace Adjustments: Minor adaptations, such as flexible working, access to cooler meeting rooms, or relaxed dress codes, can make a huge difference.
● Employee Resource Groups: Peer support networks foster belonging and empower individuals to share experiences and strategies without fear of stigma.
● Effective Benefits Packages and Health Insurance: Ensuring qualified professionals are available to support colleagues at all stages of their menopause transition.
These strategies are proven to boost retention, engagement, and loyalty - crucial in a profession that demands trust, discretion, and client continuity.
My Expertise: How I Can Support Your Organisation
After a 25-year career leading global transformation projects in high-pressure sectors including financial services, and navigating the challenges of a premature menopause at 37, I founded Women of a Certain Stage. Now an award-winning organisation, my team and I specialise in empowering individuals and organisations to navigate menopause confidently.
I bring a unique blend of academic rigour (holding qualifications in Psychology, Anatomy & Physiology, Sports Therapy, Nutrition, Menstruation, and Menopause) combined with real-world corporate leadership experience and a robust team of experts. I truly understand the unique pressures and expectations within the legal profession.
Through bespoke workshops, strategic consultancy, and 1:1 coaching, I help law firms:
● Create menopause-savvy workplaces that retain and support experienced legal professionals.
● Train leaders and HR teams to handle conversations confidently and sensitively.
● Empower individuals to manage their health proactively while maintaining their career ambition.
● Embed menopause support into broader Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion and Wellbeing strategies.
Innovation in Practice: Leadership Beyond Compliance
Leading law firms are recognising that menopause support isn't just a "nice to have" — it's a critical aspect of inclusive leadership. By proactively addressing menopause, organisations demonstrate genuine commitment to employee welfare, gender parity, and innovation.
Real change comes when leadership teams champion these initiatives not merely for compliance, but because it is the right thing to do. At Women of a Certain Stage, we partner with organisations to build sustainable, impactful frameworks that become part of everyday practice, not isolated campaigns.
The Future of Law: Empowered, Supported, and Inclusive
LegalWomen stands at the forefront of promoting innovation, inclusion, and gender parity in the legal world. Addressing menopause is an essential, often overlooked, part of this mission. Together, we can create legal workplaces where experienced professionals thrive at every life stage.
The time to act is now. By recognising and addressing menopause as a workplace issue, we ensure that brilliance, experience, and leadership potential are not lost to silence and stigma.
Let's shape a profession where every legal mind can flourish, no matter what life stage they are in.
Lauren Chiren CEO, Women of a Certain Stage
Freeman of the City of London
International Speaker, Consultant, and Trainer