A CITMA webinar
Parenthood in practice: Reflections from IP professionals
Wednesday 17 September 2025
12.30 – 1.30 pm, online
This webinar aimed to start the conversation on working in the IP sector, while raising a family. Attendees joined us as we discussed some of the highs and lows, and the steps firms can take to help make the sector more inclusive and supportive for working parents.
Returning to a demanding career, while navigating the responsibilities of parenthood is a challenge that remains largely unspoken within the legal profession. From the sleepless nights of caring for a newborn to re-engaging with high-pressure caseloads, the transition back to practice can be both emotionally and professionally taxing – yet the realities of this journey are often overlooked.
While all mothers and fathers in the UK are entitled to maternity and paternity leave, the length, structure, and accessibility of this leave vary widely across firms. Shared parental leave legislation offers a more flexible and equitable option, allowing parents to split time off – but how inclusive and effective are these policies in practice? Are they equally accessible to male, female, and non-binary legal professionals? And how do they differ between large firms, small practices, in-house teams, and the public sector?
We explored these questions through honest and reflective discussion, focused on the unique demands of working in IP. CITMA Council Member Leanne Hall chaired the session, joined by panellists Robert Milligan, Triona Desmond and Kay Szawlis, who shared personal experiences of navigating parental leave within their respective firms.
Key learning outcomes:
- Gain first-hand insights from IP professionals on navigating parental leave and returning to a demanding legal career
- Explore current parental leave policies across various legal settings – how these differ, their effectiveness, and any challenges
- Learn practical ways firms can better support returning parents, from flexible working to shifting workplace culture
Whether you were planning to take parental leave, had recently returned to practice, or were shaping policy within your organisation, this session offered valuable insights into how the IP sector can evolve to better support working parents.
Who was it for?
This event was open to non-members and members of CITMA.