PaperStreet Celebrates International Women’s Day with Our Clients

As an agency with the majority of our clients being attorneys and professionals, we embrace the mindset behind International Women’s Day. We fully acknowledge how difficult the journey is for female professionals, and we celebrate their efforts and triumphs.

For me personally, this day allows me to reflect on my career role model. During law school, I had the privilege to study under the Honorable Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg in Venice, Italy. I was able to hear her experiences, learn her philosophies, discuss the law and share pizza with her, as well. I fully appreciate the road she paved for all women and will be sure to teach my daughter the importance of her legacy. 

At PaperStreet, we’re also in awe of the accomplishments and hard work we see completed by our female clients. We’re inspired by them, and we invited them to share their wisdom with us as we celebrate this important day. Here is the insightful and inspirational thoughts from some of our clients:

Jacqueline Harounian, Managing Partner 

I practice family law in New York as the managing partner of my law firm. Women attorneys bring unique skills and talents to family law as attorneys and mediators. We encourage consensus and coparenting in the cases we handle. I love what I do because it gives me the opportunity to use the law to make someone’s life better, and directly impact the lives of individuals and families. My goal is to get my clients the best possible outcome and help them move forward.

Jennifer Nichols, Attorney and Firm Owner 

“I find that being a female lawyer is a lot like being a mother. We are fixers, listeners, encouragers, and supporters. I am proud and blessed to be able to use this unique platform to counsel and support both clients and colleagues through life’s challenges.”

Lyudmyla Kolyesnik, Associate Attorney for Purcell, Flanagan, Hay & Greene

As a female attorney, I draw inspiration from my deep connection with clients’ struggles and my ability to empathize with their experiences. One of the most challenging and rewarding aspects of my career is being able to understand what clients are going through and provide them with the support and advocacy they need during their challenging times. After the war in Ukraine erupted, I have been humbled to contribute to relief efforts, assisting Ukrainians displaced by the war through provisions of legal work, coordination of grants, and fundraising. This work has reinforced my commitment to using my legal skills to make a positive impact in the lives of others, especially those facing adversity. While navigating the legal profession as a woman presents its own set of challenges, I believe that by staying attuned to the needs of my clients, whether those requiring immigration assistance or those that found themselves in the midst of an inheritance dispute, and remaining dedicated to the principles of justice and compassion, we can work towards a more equitable future for all. 

Ingrid M. Evans, Attorney and Founder

Having my own law firm allows me the flexibility to be more present (physically and mentally) for my family: I can coach or attend my child’s sporting events every week whereas when I was in private practice I was traveling and my schedule was just too irregular and busy to do this. I am grateful for the switch I made over 10 years ago to start my own law firm as this is a time in my life that I will never get back again. 

Shannon M. Puopolo, Attorney and Stockholder for Henderson Franklin

While I love many aspects of my career, I truly enjoy mentoring young female lawyers as they navigate the challenges of practicing in a traditionally male-dominated field. Many women, myself included, have grappled with imposter syndrome, and it’s important to destigmatize those feelings. It took me years to overcome this challenge in my own practice, and the advice I give to new lawyers is to trust in your abilities, face your fears, and know that your hard work will pay off.

Victoria Aguilar, Founder and Managing Director

As a female attorney with over 30 years of experience in employment law, having the opportunity to provide insightful guidance to government and private industry clients to successfully manage employment matters is personally and professionally rewarding. I am continually inspired by my clients’ commitment to fair, compliant, and swift resolutions to issues that arise in the workplace. 

In addition to sharing their experiences with us, our clients had the following to encourage their fellow women in law: 

Leah Durant, Attorney and Founder

By empowering women through dedicated legal support, attorneys and leaders in the legal community contribute to broader societal progress. Let’s celebrate Women’s History Month by reaffirming our commitment to investing in women and girls across all spheres of life. By representing families in their times of need, we can accelerate an environment where all individuals can overcome challenges and achieve their greatest potential.

Caitlein Jammo, Partner for Johnson Pope Bokor Ruppel & Burns

Women in law are building from the foundations laid by our trailblazer predecessors, and we have to be thankful to them for the paths they have worn for us. Because of them, we are no longer traversing new, unchartered territory for our gender. However, we cannot rest on our laurels having entered the field. Our gender is still grossly underrepresented in partner and other higher-level legal positions, and we need to continue to use the momentum of our pioneers to balance that imbalanced advancement.

Jenna Karadbil, Attorney and Founder/CEO

Go ahead, let them underestimate you.

Marisa Ratinoff, Esq., Mediator & Arbitrator

I am cheering on all women in law on International Women’s Day! Together we are stronger and capable of achieving anything.