The Career Move That Changed Everything with Francesca Ainsworth

In this episode of If You Ask Me, Hannah and Sarah speak with Francesca Ainsworth, Corporate Partner at Lewis Silkin, about her journey from training and qualifying at Linklaters to becoming a partner while on parental leave.Francesca shares why she chose to leave Big Law just three years after qualification, how she found a firm culture that aligned with her ambitions and values, and the moment she realised partnership was a goal worth pursuing.The conversation explores: Why leaving a prestigious firm can be the right career move  Building a successful legal career without sacrificing life outside work  Becoming partner while on parental leave  The importance of mentors and sponsors in career progression  Lewis Silkin's groundbreaking equal parental leave policy  Why changing workplace culture matters as much as changing policies  The role flexible working has played in retaining talented lawyers Francesca also reflects on motherhood, leadership and the societal shifts still needed to create genuine equality in the legal profession.A thoughtful and honest discussion about ambition, partnership, parenthood and redefining what success in law can look like.If You Ask Me is sponsored by BlckBx, the life admin personal assistant behind professional working families - saving you time, mental load and giving you back your energy.Sign up at blckbx.co.uk and get 10% off with code Blue10