Top 5 Ways Robert Peirce and Associates Partner Elizabeth Chiappetta Helps Female Clients

It’s been more than a century and a half since Arabella Mansfield became the first female lawyer in the United States—that is, only after she challenged a law that kept the legal practice forbidden to anyone not 21 years and older, male and white.

Thankfully, we’ve come a long way since then.

It’s true that women are still actively advocating for their path forward in the legal profession. Yet, in many ways, it’s their clients who are doing the trailblazing for them. Men have historically dominated the field, but the balance is finally tipping in favor of females thanks to clients’ recognition of the many unique advantages a female lawyer can offer.

In 2014, Elizabeth Chiappetta earned the distinction of becoming Robert Peirce & Associates’ first female partner, through her hard work and dedication to her nursing home abuse and personal injury practice. Chiappetta works closely with six other female lawyers at the firm to deliver the best in care and counsel.

“In a time of ‘me too’ and other similar gender-specific issues focused on women, our clients sometimes look for a fellow female to represent them because of our innate connection and understanding of each other. They feel that we can appropriately address their concerns, so they gravitate toward our instinctive ability to nurture,” said Chiappetta.

Here are just a few of the ways a female attorney can be a client’s most powerful asset:

1. Ability to empathize

“If you’re a woman, it can be a great help to hire another woman to aid you in your legal process,” said Chiappetta.

The most important aspect of the attorney-client relationship is for the attorney to understand the struggles or trauma experienced by the client. Women generally have an easier time empathizing with other women.

“I’m a mom. I’m a wife. I’m also a friend of lifelong friends. I’m a sibling, a child and a grandchild. My experiences in these roles definitely help me relate to my clients,” said Chiappetta.

2. Women are great listeners

Many clients have sought the services of a lawyer only to end up with one who goes through the motions of filling out the paperwork, half-heartedly communicating.

Women are natural listeners and will take the time to learn about a client and hear what they have to say. Attorneys who listen to clients also are far more likely to uncover important information that could aid in winning a client’s case.

“It’s important that you have someone sitting across from you that makes you feel heard,” said Chiappetta.

3. Clients feel more comfortable

Many cases involve very private, emotional or sensitive topics, and women often feel more comfortable talking to another woman.

“I often handle sexual assault cases, or cases dealing with birth control, vaginal mesh or other gynecological medical malpractice,” said Chiappetta. “I’m able to provide women with a level of comfort that allows them to open up and share their story.”

4. Temperament

Many female clients want representation to speak on their behalf, in a temperament similar to their own. A female attorney can be just as effective in pursuit of justice, while also being more congenial and approachable to her clients.

“Female lawyers have our own voice, methodology and our own way of advocating for clients,” said Chiappetta. “It doesn’t mean we don’t get stern and stick up for ourselves, but I’ve had great success being myself, which I believe is relatable and kind, but serious when needed.”

5. Help support wives and family

Often, the client may be a man injured on the job or in the nursing home, but it’s the mother or wife who is handling the legal pursuit on his behalf. In these cases, it’s not uncommon for the family to specifically request to speak to a female lawyer, so the wife knows she has a sympathetic ear throughout the process.

“I strive to make clients comfortable and be as responsive as possible when they are dealing with a difficult legal situation, such as when the death of a loved one or life-changing accident is involved. You want an attorney who will fight passionately for your justice,” said Chiappetta. “You want someone who can put herself in your shoes.”

Sponsored by Robert Peirce & Associates. Call Robert Peirce & Associates law office at 800-543-9859 or visit www.peircelaw.com.