Every March 8 is a special date to commemorate, honor and raise our voices on behalf of all women. Today we want to share stories of references who serve as testimonies to continue writing this collective legacy.
March is women’s month par excellence. At ERP Lawyers we want to honor each one with stories of resilience and perseverance, like lighthouses, of those who overcame challenges, in different areas, encouraging themselves to write the plot of their own life.
Lidia Poët: an example of tenacity
Much is owed to Lidia Poët, the first Italian lawyer: a permanent fight to practice law and to ensure that women have access to public office. Although she was born into a wealthy family, which allowed her to study in the best places, her path was not without difficulties and challenges. She was a true precursor of feminism since her youth: her thesis was on the condition of women and the right to vote for women.
After passing the theoretical and practical exams she formally requested access to the Order of Lawyers and Prosecutors of Turin. As she could have foreseen, her request was not immune to controversy: until now its members had only been men and ending that tradition meant for many voting against and for others resigning. Three months after her entry, the decision was appealed and became void because women were disqualified from holding public office: although the law could specify it, in her case it was only silent. Her disqualification, which was confirmed by the Turin Court of Cassation, not only generated a deep and energetic public debate but was another step in the fight that Lidia continued throughout her life.
Although she had to face many prejudices for being a woman, she always remembered her aspirations to become a lawyer, which is why she did not hesitate to join her brother’s office. Throughout time she raised flags that she never stopped holding: the defense of the rights of minors, of women and women’s suffrage, and of the marginalized. She was a member of the National Council of Italian Women for women’s equality. Resilient and persevering, at the age of 65 she once again joined the Order of Lawyers and Prosecutors of Turin, when the law finally allowed women to occupy these places. Her story became the best case she ever carried out, and her testimony became the voice of many people.
Dominique Brousseau: crossing the ocean to live his dream life
Dominique Brousseau is Canadian and since 2008, after traveling to different countries, she chose Costa Rica. She fell in love with the Costa Rican lifestyle: the dream come true of living in paradise, which means not only developing professionally but also enjoying surfing and sunsets. Her optimism, positivity and motivation are some of the defining characteristics of her. Her genuine interest in getting to know other people, and her solidarity and generosity in helping them is part of the mark that Dominique leaves on those who know her.
With ten years of experience in the real estate market, she found a personal, dynamic and modern way as a hallmark of her work. And that in turn allows him to combine her professional life with her personal life (with the role of her mother). We are very fortunate that she is an ERP partner, working mainly with French clients. A true citizen of the world, she chose to break territorial barriers to continue writing her story in a desired place.
To conclude, we share the words of Maisha Mattis Byfield, associate attorney at ERP Laywers: “We honor women who challenge the status quo, we celebrate those who fight for equality in all areas, from the courtroom to a boardroom . We are committed to defending women’s rights. Today and every day we remain firm in our mission to empower them, and achieve a more equal future for all”
