Law student named in '35 Women Under 35' list

Two lawyers have been named in the prestigious 35 Women Under 35 list, which
showcases the UK’s leading young businesswomen.

Thirty-four-year-old Deborah Regal, who is studying at the bar and was last
year named Pro Bono Hero by the attorney general, has made it onto the list
for her work in the pro bono field.

The mother of two, who gave up a 10-year City career in foreign exchange
sales to study law, said her biggest influences so far have been women.

She said: “My guiding lights in my journey so far in the law are, as it
happens, both women: the director of pro bono at BPP Law School Kara Irwin
and my sponsor at Middle Temple Frances Bolton. Both women are mentors to me
and continually demonstrate their passion for the law and for pro bono.”

The second lawyer named on the list, which is compiled by business magazine
Management Today, is Russell Jones & Walker employment solicitor Samantha
Mangwana. She was included for her work on cases of discrimination
litigation for individuals, particularly sex discrimination in the City.

She said: “I think it shows that some of the major players in law are women
and I think it’s a sign of things to come for the industry. Nowadays there’s
nothing standing in the way so that women can push through that glass
ceiling and succeed in law.”

The 35-year-old was also listed in second place in the Associate of the Year
category at The Lawyer Awards last week (29 June 2009
http://www.thelawyer.com/the-lawyer-awards-winners/1001149.article).

The 35 Women Under 35 list is selected by industry bosses, head hunters,
think tanks and academics.