Empowering Stories of Female Trailblazers in Law - 2023 | CIO Women Magazine

Magazine

2023 C o omen

STORIES OF FEMALE TRAILBLAZERS IN LAW

EMPOWERING

Heidi Plummer- Helping Clients Attain Justice in the World Pg. 38

Michelle Obama: A Woman of Heart Pg. 12 Pg. 32

London Eye: World's Largest Ferris Wheel

| DECEMBER | 2023

Nancy Weng

ATTORNEY | Tex Law, P.C.

Disrupting the

LEGAL PROFESSION

with Expertise in Personal Injury Law

C o omen Magazine

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An Ode to the Strong Women!

“You don’t have to play masculine to be a strong woman.”

—Mary Elizabeth Winstead, actor

Dear Readers, It makes us immensely happy to present before you our latest magazine issue “Empowering Stories of Female Trailblazers in Law-2023” that features decorated female business leaders that are taking the law sector by a storm with their astute vision and skillset.

In this issue, we embark on a journey to spotlight the lives and careers of women who have shattered glass ceilings, challenged norms, and paved the way for a more inclusive and equitable legal profession. Through a collection of interviews, features, and insightful articles, we aim to amplify the voices of these exceptional women, offering readers a glimpse into their experiences, challenges, and triumphs.

Throughout the pages of this issue, you will encounter diverse narratives that showcase the breadth and depth of women's contributions to the legal field. From seasoned veterans who have spent decades advocating for justice to emerging voices making waves in cutting-edge legal areas, each story is a testament to the power of diversity and the crucial role women play in shaping the future of law.

We delve into topics ranging from gender equality in the legal profession to the unique challenges faced by women of color in law. Our hope is that these stories not only inspire and empower our readers but also serve as a catalyst for meaningful conversations about the need for continued progress in the legal sector.

Our cover story features Nancy Weng, a pioneering figure whose journey in law has not only transformed her own life but has also paved the way for countless others.

From breaking into male-dominated spaces to championing social justice causes, Nancy Weng exemplifies the resilience and determination that define female trailblazers in law. Elsewhere in the magazine, we have featured Heidi Plummer (Cofounder of Bock & Plummer, Attorneys at Law).

Have a great read!

Utkarsh D.

C o omen Magazine

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CONTENTS

12

Michelle Obama: A Woman of Heart

CONTENTS CONTENTS

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Nancy Weng

MICH MICH MICH MICH Michelle Obama, the first lady of America, the wife of the 44th President of America, Barack Obama. She was born on 17th January 1964 in Illinois, Chicago. Multi-talented woman with a heart to contribute to society to her level best is what Michelle Obama is known for. She has a zeal for contributing to society, raises her voice against color discrimination which prevails, and passes on the fitness message to all. A dynamic person as she is, her principles and the giving back attitude are what have made her the ideal personality that she is today. In this article, we take you on the journey of knowing who is Michelle in real and what you can learn from her.

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HELLE HELLE HELLE HELLE CIO Women Magazine | 13

A Quick Background Screening: Michelle Robinson grew up in Chicago's South side. She is the daughter of Frasier Robinson and Marian Robinson. Frasier, her father, was a pump operator in Chicago's water purification plant.

Her mother, Marian was a homemaker. Michelle studied sociology and African-American studies at Princeton University.

Before sociology, she has also attended Harvard Law School.

She returned to Chicago and took a job as a junior associate at Sidley & Austin, where she specialized in intellectual property laws. In 1989, she met Barack Obama when working there. He was hired as a summer associate. Being more interested in public service-oriented-path, in 1991, she joined as an assistant to Mayor Richard M. Daley.

PLEZi: A Health-oriented Beverage for Kids:

M

ichelle Obama, the first lady of America, the wife of the 44th President of America, Barack Obama. She was born on 17th January 1964 in Illinois, Chicago.

Multi-talented woman with a heart to contribute to society to her level best is what Michelle Obama is known for. She has a zeal for contributing to society, raises her voice against color discrimination which prevails, and passes on the fitness message to all. A dynamic person as she is, her principles and the giving back attitude are what have made her the ideal personality that she is today. In this article, we take you on the journey of knowing who is Michelle in real and what you can learn from her.

Since 1996 Michelle continued her efforts to do noble deeds. As a people person and a fitness enthusiast, her focus is to provide good quality foods and drinks.

She launched a company named PLEZi in 2015. It was designed to give healthy options for kids to drink. She wanted to bring in nutritious foods for kids without any added sugars. The first product of PLEZi was a drink for kids aged between 6 to 12 years. It has 75% less sugar and no added preservatives. Fiber and potassium are on a higher side in this drink, she says.

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Becoming: An Autobiography: A book written by Michelle Obama, Becoming is her life's journey. It includes her early life while growing up on the South Side of Chicago with her parents Frazer and Marian Robinson. It was an upstairs apartment where she got her first piano lessons and learned to be an independent girl while her parents took care of her. Further, the book goes ahead by taking us through her education at Princeton University and Harvard Law School. It also has traces of her early stage career at a law firm named Sidley Austin, where she met Barack Obama. It covers further the marriage, her conceiving issues, the IVF treatment she had to go through, and many other personal and career elements that are worth a read. Her journey is inspirational and will keep giving us hope for life. It will keep on reminding us to move forward.

Some facts about the Star: 1. Beauty with brains: Michelle excelled in school. She and her brother, Craig, both skipped the second grade. She graduated salutatory of her high class in 1981. Her school name was Whitney M. Young High School, the first magnet school in Chicago. Jesse Jackson's daughter, Santita, was her classmate.

2. A tall height: Michelle Obama is 5-foot 11 inches tall.

Her husband, Barack Obama is 6 foot 1 inches tall.

3. Brilliant Student: Michelle Obama was a brilliant student too. She pursued sociology and AfricanAmerican studies at Princeton University and graduated with distinction in 1985. Further, she went to Harvard University where her husband has been too.

Michelle's Career Took an Unexpected Turn: During the early 1990's she had to rethink her career path. After the death of her father and a close friend, she decided to leave her corporate law field to work in public service and be selfless. She took a job in the mayor's office and then in the city's office of planning and development. In 1993, she became the founding executive director of Public Allies Chicago, an AmeriCorps national service program. It provided training to young adults who wanted to pursue careers in the public sector.

1. A Fitness Freak: Michelle Obama is a fitness freak and it is quite visible. She has shared her fitness regime in many news articles to inspire women to be fit. It is a reminder for every person out there, to lead a healthy lifestyle. Her meticulous efforts and commitment to ward fitness and exercise have been an inspiration to all. The arms full of toned muscles quite vividly depict her commitment to working out.

2. Fashionista: Occasionally, Michelle Obama likes to don pricey designer fabrics. She is, both, praised and criticized, for her fashion sense. It is said that she is a fan of budgetfriendly brands like J. Crew and H&M. On the expensive front, she has sported Lanvin Sneakers worth $515. She was volunteering then at a food bank. On the gracious occasion of a reception regarding the London Olympic Games with the presence of Queen Elizabeth II, she sported a $6800 J. Mendel jacket for a visit to Buckingham Palace.

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An Empath for Those in Need: 16

In 1996, Michelle joined the University of Chicago, as an Associate Dean of Student Services, to bring the campus and community together. Under her regime, she successfully developed the University's first community service program. As the Vice President of Community and External Affairs, her volunteerism reached new heights. Here's a list:

1. Let's Move:

In 2010, Michelle launched the campaign Let's Move. She brought together educators, medical professionals, community leaders, parents, and others in a nationwide effort to address the challenge of childhood obesity. This initiative has a progressive goal of solving the problem of childhood obesity.

The initiative provides healthier foods in schools, helps kids to be more physically active, or urges companies to market healthier foods for children. Let's Move is an extension of the PLEZi company's vision and mission statement.

2. Reach Higher: To empower students via education, in 2014, Michelle started the Reach Higher campaign. To encourage students to complete their education past high school, she launched this campaign. It was an urge to students to enroll themselves in college degree programs, to join a community college, or a professional training program. “Reach Higher” aims to ensure that all students should understand the "why education is important" factor. The initiative exposes students to various colleges and educational institutes, the initiative helps students understand financial aid eligibility, and also provides summer learning opportunities.

3. Let Girls Learn: 2015, Mrs. Obama joined President Obama in launching the ‘Let Girls Learn’ initiative. It was a U.S. government initiative to help girls go to school and stay in school, whoever needs to do so.

As part of this effort, Mrs. Obama calls on various countries across the globe to educate and liberate young women. She shares the stories of these women with the students in her ‘Reach Higher’ initiative, so they know the struggles the women are going through to get a basic education. It is also for them to understand the importance of getting aid for education.

4. Joining Forces: In 2011, Mrs. Obama and Dr. Jill Biden came together to launch ‘Joining Forces’.

It was a nationwide initiative that called all Americans to rally around service members, veterans, and their families. It was a calling to support them through wellness, education, and employment opportunities. This initiative worked together with the public and private sectors to make sure that the veterans, service members, and their families had the necessary tools to succeed in life.

These were the 4 main initiatives that Michelle Obama started. Via these social initiatives, she has become a role model for women and an advocate for healthy families. Other service members, veterans, and their respective families were also a part of the initiative which got immense help to lead a good, healthy, and financially stable life.

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3. Multiple Tasks: Michelle Obama is the author of a best-selling book where she wrote about the White House garden. She joined millions of children in breaking the Guinness world record for jumping jacks. Moreover, she has helped almost 50,000 veterans and military spouses to get jobs through her Joining Forces initiative.

Qualities of Michelle Obama: Ÿ Zeal for Social Work: Michelle Obama has a strong personality and an ability to call others to action. She isn't a typical first lady. Her ability to motivate, inspire, and take action is immensely flawless. Many of the controversial social issues were faced by her, but she went through it all like a confident and powerful woman. It made her an iconic figure and her legacy will remain for a long time

Ÿ Inspirational: Michelle Obama was able to transform political lines and radical divides. She has inspired millions of people, without any doubt.

Michelle kept her stand about the power of the individual is paramount, and why you shouldn't underestimate your ability to inspire real change in the community. Ÿ Compassionate: Empathy and compassion are needed to maintain healthy and harmonious relationships in the organization. She went on to establish the Chicago chapter of Public Allies. It was a humble effort from her side to prepare youth to join the civil service. Being compassionate is a way to people's hearts. It earned her the trust and respect of the employees and maintain employee retention. Ÿ Strong Character: Michelle Obama was always vocal and honest about the stark realities faced by minorities in America. This topic was picked up in a

A Wan of Heart 18

OBAMA

MICHELLE

Ÿ 2015 commencement speech at Tuskegee University. There she reminded black students to stay strong and resilient against the odds. She truly believes in standing up for what she believes in and living by her values. Ÿ Powerful Speaker: Michelle Obama has a powerful communication tact. She had an astonishing way of keeping people hooked to her presence and making them feel they were a part of something big. She gave powerful speeches about her experience as a black woman competing in academia. She also emphasized the need to stand up for women's rights.

Conclusion: Michelle Obama is a dynamic woman with multiple qualities to admire. While raising daughters Malia and Natasha, she handled her all responsibilities effortlessly. Managing her time, fulfilling the duties towards her social activities, and raising the kids, she managed it all. Excellent time management skill is her trait to admire. Nobody has enough hours in the day, so you need to define the priority tasks and complete them as decided no matter what. She is a personality that will be remembered and remembered for many years. Her contribution to society, speaking up for empowering women and children, and providing education to a majority of children in need have made her inspirational for many.

CIO Women Magazine | 19

Cover Story

NANCY WENG Disrupting the Legal Profession with Expertise in Personal Injury Law Personal Injury Lawyer

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CIO Women Magazine | 23

M

Meet the remarkable Nancy Weng, an accomplished, first generation Asian American lawyer whose unwavering dedication to advocating for the underrepresented has been the defining force behind her accomplished career. In her formative years, Nancy grappled with the choice between a career in law and one in journalism. Ultimately, she found her calling in the field of law, as it seamlessly melded her passion for both writing and comprehensive reading. This realization fueled her pursuit of a legal education during her undergraduate studies.

Today, Nancy is a licensed attorney in two states: Texas and California. In Texas, her legal practice predominantly focuses on personal injury cases, while in California, she specializes in bankruptcy and real estate litigation. Nancy's diverse legal expertise underscores her dedication

to serving her clients' needs in a dynamic and multifaceted legal landscape.

Overcoming Challenges with Emotional Intelligence In Nancy's law firm, her main area of expertise is personal injury cases.

She recognizes that each client brings their own set of challenges to these cases. When accidents result in injuries, the emotional impact extends beyond the victims themselves, affecting their families as well. This creates a broad ripple effect of emotional distress.

In cases of severe injuries, Nancy understands that money alone can't completely ease the pain or bring back normal life. It's exceptionally tough to tell a client they might need lifelong care, requiring sensitive and personal conversations. In these situations, Nancy often takes on a supportive role, akin to a therapist, providing a compassionate presence and a listening ear. She's fully aware of the sensitivity surrounding these matters.

Shattering Barriers Everyday Almost every successful business leader faces a multitude of challenges on their path to success. Nancy, however, doesn't believe she's conquered or navigated past these obstacles; she encounters them daily.

She acknowledges, "there's the aspect of being female, especially in a litigious profession where adversaries aim to do their job, which is nothing personal but to challenge me. So, in terms of barriers, being female means having to constantly prove oneself, to be ready and competent."

Nancy doesn't dwell on these challenges; she sees them as opportunities for personal development. She thinks they've toughened her, allowing her to approach any situation with an air of unpredictability. In a field mostly dominated by men, she values the changing landscape where young women lawyers are confidently making their mark in the courtroom.

She concludes, ”I think the short answer to barriers is overcoming implicit biases that everybody has,

"Our distinct approach is what cultivates a diverse and exceptional team. We value true talent, and that's why our firm comprises such a diverse and exceptional group of professionals.”

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Cover Story CIO Women Magazine | 25

Cover Story

your client has, and opposing counsel has. If you’re in a trial with jurors, every juror has an implicit bias.”

Hiring Talent the Right Way When Nancy conducts interviews at her firm, whether for lawyers, paralegals, secretaries, or receptionists, her initial focus is on assessing their enthusiasm. She seeks individuals who show a passion and resilience that can sustain them through challenging days while maintaining a positive and determined outlook.

As a leader and business owner, Nancy takes an open and candid approach when addressing her employees. She emphasizes the inevitability of both difficult and rewarding days. However, Nancy's ultimate goal is to identify team members who are committed to the long-term journey and can consistently deliver quality work.

Nancy engages in candid discussions with some employees who express their aspirations, whether it's aiming for executive roles transitioning from paralegals to lawyers or aspiring to excel as top-notch paralegals. What truly resonates with Nancy is the grit, perseverance, and sense of purpose these individuals exhibit. When she identifies these qualities and personality traits in a candidate, she is more than willing to bring them on board.

For Nancy, it's not about the prestige of the schools they attended or their degrees; it's about their skillset and mindset. Nancy did not graduate from a top-tier school or attend a renowned law university or college herself for financial reasons (even though she was

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accepted a high ranked schools), which is why she values hard work mindset, determination, real life experiences and the ability to handle adversity in candidates over formal qualifications.

Nancy, leading by example, welcomes genuine talent into her firm, prioritizing merit over conventional hiring norms.

Nancy adds, ”I advocate for and look beyond all those things that are on paper and you look at the person that’s in front of you and what is in their mind, what is their growth mindset going to be in this profession five years from now or 10 years from now?

The Winning Moments Nancy's most noteworthy professional milestone occurred during her initial decade as a lawyer. During this period, she successfully tackled cases independently, demonstrating remarkable self-reliance by handling a two-week trial without the presence of an experienced trial attorney to rely on —a considerable achievement.

In her subsequent decade, Nancy came to the realization that she wasn't merely a lawyer but also a businesswoman.

Juggling the roles and diverse responsibilities of both lawyer and business owner presented a significant challenge. Nancy's ability to excel in these dual roles stands as her most substantial professional achievement to date.

Staying up-to-date with Latest Developments and Trends in Law Nancy believes in the power of networking and considers colleagues to be of utmost importance. To get to know other colleagues who specialize in different fields, it is essential to connect

and build long-lasting relationships.

While she is a Bankruptcy and Personal Injury lawyer and doesn't handle, for instance, divorces and immigration cases, she often has questions about fields as those issues intertwine with her practice areas from time to time. By interacting and establishing good rapport with other colleagues, she can find answers to her questions and reciprocally offer her assistance to them. She adds, “I’m always growing, always listening to what my esteemed colleagues have to offer.”

Nancy has joined a group that meets every month; it's like a close-knit committee. She adds, "We have meetings where we sometimes bring in judges to discuss recent developments in the law or share insights from cases where they've received certain rulings from specific judges. This kind of interaction is extremely valuable because every judge and every court is different. So, when you're able to meet with colleagues and they inform you about a ruling they received from a particular judge, it can be quite different from what you might encounter with a different judge down the street. I believe this is the best way to stay updated with recent developments in the local legal landscape where I practice."

Additionally, when a new case arises, colleagues often spread the word by either referring a particular lawyer to the client or sending an email to inform the lawyer about the case. This culture of support and collaboration is highly valued among Nancy and her peers.

Unwrapping Entrepreneurship Unwrapping Entrepreneurship Entrepreneurship resembles a triathlon, demanding multitasking skills. Just like in a triathlon, you don't need to be the best in every aspect or come in first place; instead, it's about maintaining a consistently strong overall performance. Success in entrepreneurship hinges on consistently performing well across different aspects of business management, similar to achieving a consistently high average score.

Nancy adds, “Maybe, I don’t have the highest numbers in my business sometimes, or I don’t have the highest profile or, maybe we didn’t even get the cases that we wanted that I have that they’ve gone with somebody else. So, I don’t need to beat everybody in everything but as long as I feel that I have a pretty good average across those categories, , I feel like I accomplished something.'”

Finally, "finding the right partner is key. You spend more time with your law partner than your family so your style of management and personalities need to just clique. I have been extremely fortunate to have Arasto Farsad as my law partner for over 5 years. He is impressive and an extremely skilled attorney in his own right and we just complement each other. But I couldn’t have done any of this without him.”

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Cover Story

Breaking the Notion behind Work-Life Balancing Work and Life: As a lawyer, mother, and wife, Nancy has many responsibilities to fulfill be it at home, office, or more. Therefore, there is not a “balance” at any given time on any given day. Her entrepreneurial spirit extends beyond her legal practice, encompassing the management of her offices and the intricate juggling of her various roles. She added, “you do the best you can with the limited time in the day we all have and the best I can do is prioritize each hour of my day, every day. Do I have it all balanced out? Absolutely not. Some days I feel I am failing at everything. But I take it day by day.

The hardest things that you face in life and overcome are intrinsically the most valuable.”

Nancy pens a Word for Women Leaders In Nancy’s view, one of the most essential qualities a woman leader should possess is a willingness to support other women in their journey to success, even if it means they surpass her own achievements. It is not about pushing

others down because there is only a finite amount of success to go around. Instead, it is about having a mindset that believes that when you help other women thrive, it contributes to your own success.

“We should all strive to help each other reach our full potential. Personally, I take great joy in seeing individuals I've mentored or who have worked under my guidance in law school reach remarkable heights in their careers. For instance, one of my former law clerks initially clerked for me during her second year of law school. We maintained a strong connection, and I provided her with advice based on my own experiences. It is incredibly gratifying to see her achieve greatness, such as working as in-house counsel for very successful Silicon Valley startups, which have had substantial IPOs. Her success is also my success, and I firmly believe that fostering this spirit of mentorship and support is a crucial quality for women leaders."

“I think the short answer to barriers is overcoming implicit biases that everybody has, your client has, and opposing counsel has, If you’re in a trial with jurors, every juror has an implicit bias.”

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World's Largest Ferris Wheel ondon Eye, also known as the Millennium Wheel, is the world's largest wheel located in London. Near the banks of the river Thames, it enjoys the throne of most popular tourist attraction in the United Kingdom. The structure is 135 meters tall and the diameter of the wheel is 120 meters. The architecture and design credit goes to Marks Barfield Architects which was launched in 2000. The structure has donned the hat of winning over 85 awards for national and international tourism, outstanding architectural quality, and engineering achievement. It was launched by the company in 2000. The London Eye celebrated its 20th birthday in 2020. The entry was declared free for tourists who wanted to have a look.

What is the history behind The London Eye? The London Eye is an entry that was submitted in a competition by Marks Barfield Architects. In 1993, the competition was sponsored by The Sunday Times and Great Britain's Architecture Foundation. It was submitted in anticipation that it would act as a new landmark to commemorate the millennium in London. Even though no winner was declared, the company took charge of the development of the project.

The construction began in 1998 and the wheel was put horizontally, over the river, before being put upright. By this time it was known as the London Eye, it was officially opened by then-Prime Minister Tony Blair on December 31, 1999. It was planned to dismantle the monument for about 5 years, but its popularity was so high that the London Eye stayed with us. In 2006, an attractive LED lighting system was installed to make the wheel flamboyant after dark.

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The 32 capsules on the London Eye represent the 32 Boroughs of London. Each of these holds 25 people at a time. The boroughs are air-conditioned and each weighs 10 tonnes. The eye's capsules rotate at 26 cm per second. A single spin of the London Eye takes 30 minutes. Each capsule has a number from 1 to 12 and then 14 to 32. The number 13 is omitted as it is considered a bad omen. In 2013, to draw attention, one of the capsules was named the Coronation Capsule to mark the 60th anniversary of the coronation of Queen Elizabth II.

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1.

For the popularity:

3.

Special Deals:

Yes, you read that right. You must visit this monument for the sheer popularity. The London Eye has 3 million visitors per year.

So, visiting there should be the number one priority on your list.

The waiting period can be long for your chance to come, so to get the fast track or London pass tickets, you need to be there at the right time. The best time to visit there is Spring. The weather will be bright, not too hot, and you will be able to avoid the school summer holidays. From May onwards, the sun sets around 8 pm to 9 pm. Before May, the sun sets from 5.30 pm to 6 pm. So before planning your visit, check the sunset timings on the internet, and plan and schedule the visit accordingly.

Other tourist attractions are also present near the London Eye. When a person opts to buy tickets for the London Eye, he should make sure to buy tickets for London Dungeon, and Sealife London Aquarium. It will be a part of the promotional deal and they are located next to each other. The tickets can be obtained at receptions of the places mentioned. It also includes a ticket to Madame Tussaud's which is located in Regent's Park.

2.

The capsules go around in 30 minutes. The most obvious major landmarks are Big Ben, Westminster Abbey, and the River Thames. As you go up further there's only a tiny portion of attractions you can see including Canary Wharf, Buckingham Palace, the Shard, and many others, but isn't as visible as Big Ben and Westminster Abbey.

4D cinematic experience:

Before you hop on to the London Eye, you will have an opportunity to witness the beauty of it through a 4-minute 4D cinema. You will get to enjoy the success of developing the London Eye. Also, a 3D photographic view of London is provided, which is breathtaking.

4.

Enjoy the 360-degree view:

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A view of the city from the highest point is the best sight. Apart from the London Eye and the restaurants in the city, some viewing platforms are also important topics of discussion. Many tourists have shared their experiences of viewing the city from a higher altitude and enjoying the surreal experience. Here we bring you the list of the top 4 viewing platforms of the city:

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1.

Lift 109, Battersea Power Station

Turbine Hall A's chimney comes to your rescue to take you to the top. Battersea Power Station in its lift 109, will take you to the scenic, 360-degree view of London. With the Thames at the top, the scene is a one-lifetime opportunity.

While coming down, you will find some information on the building's history and some cultural information.

2.

Horizon 22, City:

This is located on the 58th mezzanine level of 22 Bishopsgate. This is a newly launched viewing platform that is not just the highest, but it's the highest free viewing gallery in London. It stands 254 meters tall. The height is twice the height of Lift 109 and almost 100 meters taller than the Sky Garden.

3.

Sky Garden, City:

Behold the astounding views of the city from the Sky Garden's great, luscious green heights. The Mediterranean and South African species bring color all year round. This garden often hosts events like parties for Halloween, yoga on weekends, and New Year's Eve. There are three restaurants in the vicinity Sky Garden, Fenchurch Restaurant, and Darwin Brasserie.

4.

The Lookout Bishopsgate:

The exceptional view from The Lookout takes in the City's modern skyscrapers and iconic architecture. The usage is free but still booking is recommended. You'll find it on the 50th floor of the Swish 8 Bishopsgate building.

Is the London Eye Worth the Visit?

As you stroll along the Thames River, the London Eye cannot be missed. When visiting the London Eye, the most important is the ti me of Spring to consider. Springtime is perfect to visit as the weather is in your support at all times.

Not too cold, nor too hot. The only thing to keep a watch on is the timings of the sunset. Watching the sunset from the London Eye is a lifetime experience. The ride speed is also smooth and does not feel hurried. You will be in so much joy, that you'll want more of that experience.

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Heidi

PLUMMER Helping Clients Attain

JUSTICE IN THE WORLD Bock & Plummer, Attorneys at Law.

Co-Founder

CIO Women Magazine | 39

I

n the world of law, as in many other fields, women have historically encountered barriers that limited their access to leadership roles and opportunities for advancement. However, the tide is changing, and a new generation of female trailblazers in law is reshaping the narrative, inspiring a wave of transformation and empowerment for women lawyers of tomorrow.

These remarkable women are not only breaking down barriers but also laying the foundation for a more inclusive, diverse, and equitable legal profession.

The influence of these female trailblazers extends far beyond their own accomplishments. Through their extraordinary achievements, they are sending a powerful message to aspiring women lawyers: that gender should never define one's capabilities or potential. By navigating complex legal landscapes, holding influential positions, and championing vital legal reforms, these trailblazers have proven that women have an essential role to play in shaping the future of law.

One of the most impactful ways in which female trailblazers are empowering the women lawyers of tomorrow is by providing visible role models.

Representation matters, and seeing women excel in senior legal positions or as partners in prestigious law firms serves as a beacon of possibility. As these trailblazers navigate intricate legal challenges and secure groundbreaking victories, they inspire young women to dream bigger and pursue careers in law without limitations..

In its latest magazine issue ‘Empowering Stories of Female Trailblazers in Law – 2023,’ CIO Women Magazine has featured the story of Heidi Plummer, a lawyer committed to bringing justice to her clients.

Heidi Plummer- At the Helm, Leading with a Unique Approach Heidi Plummer is the Co-founder of Bock & Plummer, Attorneys at Law. Ms. Plummer was born and raised in Orange County, graduated cum laude as a member of the Dean’s honor roll from California State University, Long Beach (CSULB).

Heidi graduated with honors and obtained her Juris Doctorate from Western State College of Law.

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With extensive experience in probate, bankruptcy, and business law, Heidi has also assisted and litigated in nearly every aspect of law.

With an extensive two decades of legal practice, Ms. Plummer is a seasoned attorney who embodies passion and dedication in delivering exceptional service to her clients. Her commitment to excellence remains unwavering. Beyond her legal expertise, she actively contributes to her community through participation in various organizations.

In addition to handling law, Heidi also handles the administrative duties, ensuring that the office runs smoothly, and that the cases are running as planned.

Throughout her journey, Heidi has been the recipient of several accolades and honors.

She was the Secretary of Orange County Women Lawyers Foundation from 2021-2022. She is currently the Secretary of Orange County Women Lawyers Association and also the Chair of several committees.

She is also the chair-elect for the Orange County Bar Association Solo/Small Firm Section. She has received many peer accolades such as Rising Star 2023, Top 100 Women Lawyers.

The Pursuit of a Better Tomorrow“The law was not my choice. I have always wanted to be in a field that helped people.”

Heidi initially started out in the mental health field, but soon found that the work she was doing was not fulfilling and meaningful. Fortunately, she later got a job opportunity in a small law firm which is where she discovered her passion for the law and helping others.

“The biggest hurdle was going back to school after several decades and starting my career in the law at 40. It was a challenge to balance school, work and home life.” she adds.

Sailing through ChallengesIn her journey of becoming a lawyer, Heidi has had experiences where she is often mistaken for either support staff, court reporter, or even an assistant.

However, responding to situations like these,

“I'm dedicated to joining organizations that strongly believe in treating everyone equally and valuing diversity.”

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“The biggest hurdle was going back to school after several decades and starting my career in the law at 40. It was a challenge to balance school, work and home life.” she adds.

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keeping in mind that the nature and culture of law is changing and the world is not there yet, has proved to be a key influencer behind her decisions.

“I do not get angry or upset, instead I show patience and understanding and grace in providing information to those and correcting mistaken impressions.”She further adds.

At Bock and Plummer Law, Heidi makes it a point to take in interns/externs from both the undergraduate and law schools.

This ensures that the students get a true life experience in the legal profession. Further along the way, Heidi not only works with them on knowledge of the legal profession but also sponsors them at various networking functions and ensures that they make connections that will make them successful.

Bock and Plummer- Attorneys at Law Bock and Plummer is a specialized civil litigation firm based in Southern California.

The range of their services includesBusiness & Corporate Law Business Contracts and Analysis, Including: Trade Secrets, Indemnity Provisions, Employee Handbooks, and Intellectual Property Clauses Contracts, particularly contracts involving distributor arrangements or joint ventures, tend to be long, complicated, and full of “boilerplate.” Asking an attorney who does not specialize in litigation or liability analysis to review warranty or indemnity provisions is a recipe for disaster. Ÿ What if you agree to indemnify wrongful or negligent conduct by a third party? Ÿ What if you accidentally void your own insurance by mishandling subrogation, venue, jurisdiction, or choice-ofcounsel provisions? Ÿ How can you ensure that a non-disclosure agreement or confidentiality provision is appropriately drafted to take advantage of recent changes in California law? Ÿ Are you ensuring that employees cannot take inventions, client/customer lists, and proprietary information with them?

The firm can also assist you with: Ÿ Corporate/Partnership Formation and Management (including Limited Liability Entities) Ÿ Corporate Governance and Regulatory Matters

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Probate (Will and Trust) Litigation Disputes over wills and trusts is one of the most grueling types of Litigation. Disputes often arise in the administration of estates, often when there are complex family dynamics and disagreements over the distribution of assets. These disputes arise not only from between beneficiaries, but between beneficiaries and trustees, or even third parties.

A trustee’s management of trust assets could be challenged or the trust’s execution and terms may be challenged. This more often than not results in trust litigation. A trustee is held to a higher standard of accountability under the law. The trustee acts as fiduciary, he or she must put the interest of the trust and the beneficiaries ahead of his or her own interests. Trustees are placed under scrutiny by those persons who established the trust, beneficiaries, and the court. Ÿ Trust Claims often include: Ÿ Failure to distribute assets Ÿ Inadequate or irregular distributions of funds Ÿ Mismanagement of trust assets Ÿ Diversion of assets to the trustee Ÿ Questions regarding the validity of a trust due to undue influence or lack of capacity.

Labor Law Unpaid Wages, Wrongful Termination, and Employer Misconduct Have you been cheated by your employer? Some of the common tactics of robbing hourly employees of pay include:

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Ÿ Not paying overtime or doubletime. Ÿ Requiring you to pay for uniforms. Ÿ Requiring you to pay for items you break while on the job. Ÿ Deducting non-paying customers’ bills from your tips. Ÿ Requiring you to be “on-call,” or in the work area, during your meal or rest breaks even though you are “off the clock.” Ÿ Requiring you to be in a waiting area or perform tasks prior to actually being “on the clock.” Ÿ Requiring you to travel to and from company job sites without compensation. Ÿ Requiring that you have a vehicle for your job duties, but failing to pay you for the time traveling to and from work. Ÿ Not allowing you a break for meals. Ÿ Penalties for wrongfully withholding wages can be severe, including interest, exemplary damages, attorneys’ fees, and costs.

General Civil Litigation Business Litigation, Breach of Contract, and Fraud The firm is devoted to helping small business owners, contractors, and customers in business disputes. Have you been cheated, defrauded, or misled?

Contact us to discuss your options.

Put A Strong, Determined Litigator To Work For You Bock & Plummer, Attorneys at law, know your time is valuable. That is why the team stresses efficiency throughout the process of resolving your disputes.

The firm offers its clients:

Individual attention — When you retain Bock and Plummer, you receive the care, time and attention you deserve.

A more cost-efficient model — The team, constantly seek ways to cut your costs while maintaining the high level of legal services you expect and deserve.

Integrity — The firm’s trial attorneys provide you with straightforward, honest answers to all of your questions and ensure you fully understand the litigation process and what to expect as your case moves forward. The clients rely on the team to help them set realistic expectations.

A focus on success — Bock & Plummer, Attorneys at Law, always has your best interest in mind. If protracted litigation is the only solution to achieve the proper outcome, the firm is ready.

If settling your case early on will achieve the best result, the team will take the time to explain why it believes it is in your best interest to settle instead of engaging in lengthy litigation.

Ensuring Gender Equality and Diversity in the Organization “I'm dedicated to joining organizations that strongly believe in treating everyone equally and valuing diversity.”

Heidi not only supports these ideas, but also works to create opportunities within these groups. This means helping volunteers get involved, setting up ways for people to learn from experienced mentors, and helping build important connections from an early stage.

“By doing this, I'm helping make workplaces fairer and open for everyone. I want to make sure that upcoming leaders have the chance to

learn and grow together, so they can make a positive impact in the future.”, she further adds.

Heidi is also involved in Orange County’s Unity Bar, an organization promoting a Judicial Bench that is representative of the community. This organization works tirelessly from middle school education throughout the application process to become a judicial officer.

Heidi’s Advice to the Young Entrepreneurs“Find mentors who offer valuable guidance and build a supportive network that empowers you. Progress is happening, but there's more to achieve. Recognizing this reality and staying positive amid challenges sets the stage for success.

In growing professionally, mentors provide crucial wisdom. Their experience lights the way, enriching choices and navigating complexities. A supportive community is equally vital. Being part of a diverse, inclusive network instills confidence.

Despite strides in fairness at work, obstacles persist.

Recognizing gaps is key for lasting change. A positive mindset in challenges paves the path for triumph. The journey is demanding, yet it's within these hurdles that growth opportunities arise.

View challenges as catalysts for progress, not roadblocks. Overcoming hurdles breaks norms. Success demands endurance. With mentors, support, and resilience, you're equipped to thrive amid adversity.

Seek guidance, nurture bonds, and keep a positive outlook. Mentor insights come from experience. A community of peers uplifts and unites.

Remember, your efforts, guided by mentors and supported by peers, drive progress. With dedication to positive change, you shape your path and contribute to a more inclusive professional world.”

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3 Key Tips to

Empower Women-led Small Businesses

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