Flexibility to flourish: Sophie Peat, Teneisha Robinson, Cindy Downing

At Ogier, we're committed to building a flexible workplace that allows all of our people to progress and thrive, regardless of gender. This means giving people the flexibility needed to successfully balance their work and home life.

Hear from partner Sophie Peat, senior administrator Teneisha Robinson and HR business partner Cindy Downing, all based in the Cayman Islands office, about their experiences at Ogier and how the firm's policies have helped them to thrive in their roles.

Sophie Peat – Partner, Intellectual Property

How has Ogier's flexible working policy and culture supported your career?

Ogier's flexible working policy and culture have been incredibly supportive of my career, for which I am very grateful. When I joined, my daughter was only six months old, but with Ogier's modern and supportive approach, I managed the demands of both my career and my young baby. A workplace without this approach can be very stressful for new mums returning to work. Ogier is a breath of fresh air in this respect.

How can women support each other to succeed as future leaders?

Women can support each other by celebrating each other's successes. Sometimes, we don't celebrate each other enough! Those in senior roles can not only mentor those in more junior positions but also check in with them from time to time to see how they are doing and offer words of advice or encouragement. Small gestures go a long way too.

How is the environment changing for women in the legal and financial services industry?

There are more and more women reaching leadership positions and the overall dynamic is starting to change. Ogier sets a great example to other law firms of how a culture of inclusivity and a recognition of the importance of flexible working arrangements not just for women, but for all employees, can drive success for the firm as a whole.

Teneisha Robinson – Senior Administrator, Regulatory and Compliance

How has Ogier's flexible working policy and culture supported your career?

Being a mum of four, Ogier's flexible working policy and culture have supported my career by assisting me to manage mum life and my career at the same time. I feel 100% supported by Ogier.

How can women support each other to succeed as future leaders?

As women we can support each other by creating a culture where we can commit time and energy to uplift and support each other both professionally and personally. By fostering a strong network of professional women, we can break barriers and achieve greater success together.

How is the environment changing for women in the legal and financial services industry?

Thanks to the promotion of gender equality, we are now better positioned to pursue, win and accept leadership roles traditionally held by men. Ogier's gender pay report exemplifies its commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion, showcasing also its dedication to transparency in these areas. A bold and brave move that not a lot of other firms are making.

Cindy Downing – HR Business Partner, Human Resources

How has Ogier's flexible working policy and culture supported your career?

Ogier's flexible working policies allow me to manage my workload while also being present for my family. This is the first time in my career that I am able to truly take a vacation, disconnect fully and enjoy family time. This balance helps me thrive both professionally and personally, reducing stress and enhancing overall well-being while continuing to grow my career. Working with a company that trusts me to balance work and personal commitments makes me feel more committed, engaged and productive.

How can women support each other to succeed as future leaders?

Become a mentee; it's a powerful tool for empowering women. Seeking out the right mentor with whom you can connect and be yourself will increase your confidence, grow your leadership skills, and create lasting connections that open doors to new opportunities. Also, advocate for each other – shift your mindset from competitiveness to one that uplifts, encourages confidence and celebrates achievements.

How is the environment changing for women in the legal and financial services industry?

We are seeing greater diversity, flexible work policies and leadership opportunities for women within these industries, I certainly see it at Ogier. We have an amazing group of smart, strong and extraordinary women who continue to pave the way for the new generation of legal and financial professionals.

What Ogier believes

At Ogier, we believe in putting people first: for who they are and everything they bring. Supporting them with all they need for equal opportunity. Our clients and our people demand it. It delivers a better working environment, relationships and outcomes. For us, embracing difference should simply be fundamental to business and society as a whole.

If these stories resonated with you, or this is the kind of ethos you're looking for in an employer, then visit our careers page to find out about the roles we're hiring for all across the business. See more on our careers pages.

About Ogier

Ogier is a professional services firm with the knowledge and expertise to handle the most demanding and complex transactions and provide expert, efficient and cost-effective services to all our clients. We regularly win awards for the quality of our client service, our work and our people.

Disclaimer

This client briefing has been prepared for clients and professional associates of Ogier. The information and expressions of opinion which it contains are not intended to be a comprehensive study or to provide legal advice and should not be treated as a substitute for specific advice concerning individual situations.

Regulatory information can be found under Legal Notice