Feb 22, 2022
Nicole Russell and her husband tried,
for years, to have a child. The IVF journey took an enormous toll
on her – emotionally and professionally – until finally, a
friend volunteered to be a surrogate for her. This experience,
including the legal processes, inspired her to shift her practice
area to supporting families, as hers was
supported. (Content warning: this episode may be
distressing for some listeners. Discretion is advised.)
On this episode of The Boutique Lawyer Show, host Jerome
Doraisamy is joined by Russell Walker Lawyers founder and director
Nicole Russell to discuss her journey to conception, the hardship
involved with so many years of trying to have a child whilst
working as a lawyer, the vocational thought process that led to her
setting up her own firm and why practising in surrogacy law made
sense for her.
Ms Russell also outlines how she managed the journey in the context
of legal workplaces, how she navigates any potentially triggering
matters that come across her desk, her reflections on the level of
stigma that still exists regarding conception for lawyers, how male
legal professionals can be champions for their colleagues and their
own partners, and why any lawyer experiencing a similar journey to
her should “have trust in the process”.
Help is available via The
Amber Network or Happy
Minds for those seeking support and/or further
information. Russell
Walker Surrogacy also provides resources.
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