Our Interview With Judge R. Allyce Bailey, President Of The South Carolina Women Lawyers Association

Judge R. Allyce Bailey is the President of the South Carolina Women Lawyers Association.

What barriers do you believe still exist for women in law, and how can the next generation of female attorneys work to overcome them?

Success in most legal jobs typically requires mentorship and sponsorship. Often times, there are few women leaders available in leadership, thus making mentorship opportunities for women harder to come by. Without intentional mentorship and sponsorship, women may be overlooked for promotion and opportunities for advancement.

Accordingly, the next generation of lawyers should be adamant about seeking out mentors in their legal community by turning to local or national womens bar associations, connecting with women lawyers in their legal community, etc. Even if these connections are formed outside of their office or organization, many women lawyers have faced the same challenges and would welcome the opportunity to share their experiences to help someone else along.

What recent South Carolina Women Lawyers Association initiative are you most proud of and why?

This year, our organization has been intentional about supporting the success of the next generation of women lawyers with two initiatives in particular. During our annual recognition of Law Day, SCWLA hosted a statewide high school essay competition in which high school students from across our state submitted thought provoking essays in response to a legal writing prompt. We awarded a cash prize and award to a distinguished local high school student interested in the legal field upon graduation.

Additionally, SCWLA started the “Ladder Down Mentoring Program” in which young women from high school to law school are able to be partnered with a woman lawyer in their area  for individual mentoring, career and educational guidance, and to foster genuine connections with women in the legal field.

From your perspective, which qualities or skills set apart women lawyers, and how can pre-law and law students begin cultivating those now?

Women historically are impeccable multi-taskers. Women often have an innate ability to wear many hats at once and still perform at high levels. The practice of law at any level or in any arena requires you to adapt to multiple demands at once. Honing this strength early will work to our advantage.

What's the best law school related advice you ever received and why?

Prioritize self care even during law school. Prioritizing self care in law school is analogous to “putting your oxygen mask on first before helping a passenger next to you on an airplane during an emergency.” You can’t perform well in law school if you don't first take care of yourself. Whatever that looks like for you- still make time for exercise, your hobbies, spending time with friends and family. Prioritizing your life outside of law school will help refuel you to perform well in law school.

We're proud to feature insights from leaders like Judge R. Allyce Bailey to help inspire women on their journey to law school.