‘I Have A Duty To Give Back And Mentor Younger Women,’ Says Law Firm Director
Aleisha MacKenzie, director of Construct Law Group and recent winner of Boutique Diversity Firm of the Year at the Women in Law Awards, has emphasised the importance of female leaders mentoring the next generation of women in the legal profession.
Speaking on The Lawyers Weekly Show, MacKenzie highlighted her commitment to fostering safe and supportive workplaces for young female lawyers. She described leadership as more than personal achievement, calling it a responsibility to guide and uplift others in the profession.
“Once you get to a leadership position, I very much feel I have a duty to give back and mentor younger women, especially to ensure they’ve got a safe and supportive workplace,” she said.
Alongside Crystal Ray, special counsel at Construct Law Group, MacKenzie discussed the troubling trend of women leaving the legal profession. Together, they examined the systemic issues contributing to this phenomenon, advocating for a more tailored approach to mentorship.
MacKenzie stressed the importance of understanding each individual’s career aspirations and challenges. “A lot of the time, mentorship is an individual plan,” she explained. “It’s really important to have conversations with each person about where they want to go and the struggles they’re facing.”
Reflecting on her own career, MacKenzie revealed that her dedication to supporting younger women stems from her own experiences in the workplace. “I have this deep passion towards helping others,” she said. “I just don’t want to see them go through what I went through. You want them to have a better start and a long future in the law.”
Her commitment extends beyond her own firm. MacKenzie shared that mentoring sometimes involves helping young lawyers transition to new opportunities elsewhere.
“Sometimes, it means supporting them to move on from my firm,” she said. “I’ve had exceptional young women who I’ve mentored and guided to a certain stage in their careers. While it’s hard to see them leave, it’s rewarding to know they feel supported and valued as they move to the next phase of their journey.”
MacKenzie’s approach underscores a growing recognition of the need for mentorship and diversity in leadership within the legal profession. By focusing on creating supportive environments and addressing individual needs, she exemplifies how leaders can drive meaningful change while empowering the next generation of women lawyers.
