And in the third edition of our special series, solicitor Geraldine Kelly reveals how asking for help is the key to success.

I qualified as a Solicitor in 1988. I set up my own practice in 1994 and within three years had two children. I continue some 27 years later to practice as a Sole Practitioner.

I learned very quickly to ask for help when I needed it. My family helped me out with my children and I became involved in the Dublin Solicitors Bar Association in 2000. I sat on various committees, chaired the Conveyancing Committee and acted as Social Secretary for over 10 years. I became the President in 2012. I also became involved with the Law Society and continue to sit on the Conveyancing Committee.

In order to succeed, women should not be afraid to ask for help - be it in work or at home. From serving on committees for the past few years, I have made wonderful friends and I have also kept up-to-date with changes happening.

It is possible for women to break glass ceilings and women continue to do so. The DSBA and the Law Society are always looking for people to sit on committees and I cannot recommend it enough. It gets you away from the office and you meet new people and learn about changes taking place. There are plenty of opportunities to network and exchange information.

Women can and are successful in all walks of life and will continue to be so.

Geraldine Kelly is as Solicitor practising as a sole practitioner as Geraldine Kelly & Co for 28 years. She currently sits on the Solicitors Disciplinary Tribunal.
She sits on the Conveyancing Committee of the Law Society and chairs a Sub Committee dealing with Property Registration Authority
She is a Board Member of the Private Security Authority and chairs the Audit Committee.
A qualified Mediator, Geraldine was the President of the Dublin Solicitors Bar Association in 2012 and continues to be a member of the Association. She is a member of the Irish Women’s Laywers Association and the Family Lawyers Association.
She sits on the Committee and is a Volunteer of Consult a Colleague. She is also a Mentor on the Law Society Mentoring programme for Women in Law.