The final award winner to recognise from this year’s Alumni Awards is Megan Leckie (née Ryan)( LLB (Hons) Bachelor of Law, 2017). Megan was bestowed the third Rising Star of the Year Award for the difference she has made in her role as Director and Treasurer of Women In Law Kent.

Megan co-founded this organisation with the aim of empowering women in the legal sector, offering a platform to connect and support each other. This is combined with her voluntary activity, in which she gives her time to charities that redress inequalities in access to legal aid. In sum, Megan has quickly emerged as a trailblazer in the local community. Our special congratulations also go to Megan for her recent wedding!

We reconvened with Megan in the aftermath of the Gala for a deeper dive.

When did you learn that you’d been nominated? How did that feel?

I found out whilst I was in court and saw the email come up on my phone! I was so happy and overwhelmed.

Now that you’ve had time to reflect on your win, what does it mean to you?

I am really proud of myself to have won alongside two amazing people, considering I have only just started in profession it is surreal to think that I have been acknowledged for my efforts to pave the way in the legal field for students.

How was the experience of returning to CCCU as an alumnus?

What did your journey to attending university look like?

I finished my A-levels, being the first person in my family to do so, and then after that went on to complete my degree – again I was the first member of the family to attend university and obtain a degree, so I have a very proud family!

Why is empowering women in law so important?

We empower and encourage women to be the best versions of themselves. We support women in law not only to dream to achieve great things, but to actually believe that those dreams are attainable. We encourage women not only to smash through the glass ceiling, but to leave the ladder there to encourage the next generation of female lawyers. In 2017, women made up 59% of non-partner solicitors, compared to just 33% of partners (up from 31% in 2014). The difference is greater still in the largest firms (50 plus partners), where 29% of partners are female.

What motivates you to stay connected and keep working with the University?

I had such a positive experience at CCCU and I was helped along the way by fellow students, alumni and solicitors, therefore I think it is my duty to pass on the support that I was given throughout the years to help the next generation of lawyers.

How do you see Women In Law Kent progressing over the next 5 years?

We aim to only grow bigger and as I always say “take over the world…!”

If people want to learn more about WILK what we do, you can find us on:

Facebook: Women In Law Kent

Instagram: @womeninlawkent

Twitter: @womeninlawkent

TikTok: @womeninlawkent

LinkedIn: @womeninlawkent

Email: womeninlawkent@gmail.com