The draw of the law: Midlife women lawyers seeking to refocus on their legal careers after a break

Amanda Roberts

doi:10.20856/jnicec.5511

Authors

Amanda Roberts Birkbeck University of London

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.20856/jnicec.5511

Keywords:

career break; midlife; women; law

Abstract

This paper explores the drivers and experiences of midlife women lawyers seeking to refocus on their legal careers after a break. Studies suggest professional women rarely return to previous roles, and research on the careers of midlife women is limited. Using reflexive thematic analysis, a qualitative study involving 11 midlife women lawyers identified three themes - ‘It’s (all) about time’, ‘Expectations, roles and identity’, and ‘Finding a new path – bridging the gap’ and the overarching theme of ‘Emotions’. The research expands literature on women’s careers at midlife providing a new model to support their career development.

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