Voice of Experience: Monica McConville, Partner, Practice Leader, English Law Equity Capital Markets, Shearman & Sterling

Monica_McConvilleBy Melissa J. Anderson (New York City)

“It’s important for women, when first starting out, to remember that you have a right to a seat at the table, even if you’re the only woman in the room,” said Monica McConville, a London-based partner and leader of Shearman & Sterling’s English law equity capital markets practice.”

She added, “Opportunities will come your way. Always try to embrace them.”

Seizing Opportunities

McConville studied languages at university and then law. After graduating, she began her career at Clifford Chance, working mainly in its capital markets group.

She then moved to Freshfields‘ Madrid office to help build the firm’s equity capital markets practice there, first as an associate and then as a partner. “As a linguist, I wanted to use my languages in my legal career, and this proved to be the perfect opportunity,” she explained.

In 2005 she returned to London and spent the next five years building her practice there. The chance to lead Shearman & Sterling’s UK equity capital markets practice then came up.

“And now I’ve been here 8 weeks or so,” she said. “I’m working on growing the team and developing the practice further. It’s a very exciting time for me – challenging and a great opportunity.”

Changing Market Priorities

“It’s interesting how the Eastern markets are on the rise,” said McConville.

“Various European companies are starting to go to market in the Far East as a first choice. And we’ll be watching that development closely.”

Advice for Female Lawyers

“If I had to boil it down, it’s important to keep your eye on the bigger picture and remember that every problem has a solution,” she said. “When you’re first starting in your career, it’s easy to get lost in the detail and if something goes wrong, it’s a much bigger deal.”

She continued, “But if you take a step back, keep cool, and apply some common sense, you can get there. And that’s what our clients are looking for.”

“Women in this business have a much better environment now. We have more role models,” McConville said. “It’s much more of a level playing field now, than it once was. But for senior women, it’s very important to remember that we are role models to our younger colleagues.”

“We underestimate sometimes the importance role models can play. I have organized forums for younger associates in the past, and what comes across quickly is that they look for strong, positive female role models around them and want to learn from you,” she explained.

Women at Shearman

She continued, “I have been struck by the fact that Shearman & Sterling has a number of women in senior management roles. In fact, two of the four-member executive group, are women – Donna Parisi and Kim Gardner. “

“And we’ve got women at the head of a number of practice groups. It’s really encouraging.”

“I have no doubts about the firm’s commitment to equality – we have the structures and infrastructure in place. And it’s very clear in the working environment that we have a level playing field.”

In Her Personal Time

Outside the office, McConville says she likes to get out of London when she can. “I’ve got a lot of family in the North – in Yorkshire and County Durham,” she said. “So I head back up there when I can.”

She continued, “And because of my Spanish connections, I spend a lot of time in Spain. Madrid is one of my favorite cities in the world.”

Additionally, she added, “I’ve been active with pro bono work in the past, and I am looking to do more of that at Shearman & Sterling.”