Women In Law Virtual Roundtable Q&A with Elizabeth Post

Elizabeth Post is an attorney at our firm’s Los Angeles office. She earned her bachelor’s degree with a double major in English and Spanish from Loyola Marymount University in California, magna cum laude. Before being awarded her law degree from Loyola Law School as a Public Interest Scholar, Elizabeth served as a Peace Corps volunteer, during which time she worked and lived in the rural highlands of Guatemala. Today, her practice focuses on asbestos litigation, personal injury, premises liability, product liability, and toxic tort matters.

Here’s what Elizabeth had to say during our Women’s History Month Women In Law Roundtable Q&A.

Waters Kraus Paul & Siegel: Where do you think we are in terms of gender equality in the legal profession? How do you see the field growing and changing in the future, not just for women attorneys but all lawyers?

Elizabeth Post: I think the legal field is still male top heavy and needs more women in meaningful and impactful leadership roles, especially as partners and equity partners who are calling the shots and helping to develop the firm’s overall messaging, direction, and culture.

WKPS: What personality characteristics or skills do you possess that you believe enabled your career to flourish?

EP: Grit, resilience, adaptability, resourcefulness, and relatability.

WKPS: Many issues that our firm tackles – like helping talc-exposure victims and survivors of birth defects and sex abuse – have unique implications for women. How important is the legal field to ensuring fair treatment for women and protecting their rights? Why is it important to have female attorneys involved in this litigation?

EP: It is important to me that all people have access to a fair legal justice system, including women who face some unique challenges particularly as they relate to all kinds of discrimination, reproductive rights, and sexual abuse. It is important to have female attorneys involved in this litigation because the topics are very sensitive and personal, and many women may feel more comfortable being open and honest with another woman and may relate to another woman more easily in times of extreme vulnerability.

WKPS: Is there a practice area you focus on that particularly affects women? Why is it important to you? What positive impacts have you been able to make through your work?

EP: My practice areas have affected women both directly and indirectly via their spouses. I think the most positive impact I have had is showing that I genuinely care and by working relentlessly to help my clients as much as possible. When I am working on a case, I always think to myself, “How would I want this done if it were me in their shoes?” and I try to deliver an end product that I myself would want if I were a Plaintiff.

WKPS: What is the most interesting change you’ve seen in the legal field since starting your career?

EP: Being able to work using technology such as Zoom has been a game changer for my work-life balance. I used to have to travel across the country and stay for multiple days for hearings or depositions and now I can do most of these tasks via Zoom and still make my kids dinner some nights. This change is enabling more professionals (especially women) to remain in the workforce without losing the quality and challenge aspect of their legal careers.

Additionally, I am happy to see that certain laws have changed regarding the SOLs for sexual abuse based on a better understanding and recognition of victims’ experiences and allowing victims more time to process their traumas before being forced to come forward. Laws catching up to cultural shifts and enlightenment is a good step in the right direction.

WKPS: What is one piece of advice you’ve received that you would pass on to law students and lawyers? Women law students and lawyers?

EP: Be kind but don’t take anyone’s BS. Take a seat at the table, lean in, and never apologize for being assertive and opinionated. Read these books: Lean In; Radical Candor; Fair Play; and Atomic Habits.

Check out our Waters Kraus Paul & Siegel Virtual Roundtable Q&A: Women In Law for more interviews with our attorneys.