You Can Have a Big Career and a Family: Joy Davey on Partnership, Ambition and Motherhood

Send us Fan MailIn this episode of If You Ask Me, we speak to Joy Davey, partner at CMS, co-founder of Women Who Work, and mother of three, about what it really takes to build a senior legal career alongside family life.Joy shares her path into law, her determination to make partner, and the reality of navigating promotions, maternity leave and career moves with young children. We talk about the impact of post-Covid flexibility, the pressure many women feel to scale back after becoming mothers, and why ambition does not disappear after having children.This is a candid conversation about speaking up for what you want, resisting the urge to opt out too early, and creating a version of career and motherhood that works for you.Expect honest reflections on:returning to work after maternity leavefull-time versus part-time workingmaking partner with young childrenflexibility in law firmsthe support women really need to thriveA practical and reassuring listen for women in law who want both a fulfilling career and a family life on their own terms.