Lisa McKenna, Founder of McKenna & Co Solicitors – Winner of the Network Ireland Established Busines
In the ever-evolving world of entrepreneurship, the journey of a successful businesswoman can be both inspiring and challenging. This is why we, as a team, are delighted with the recent news from the Network Ireland national awards. Lisa McKenna, the founder of McKenna & Co Solicitors, was recently named the Established Businesswoman of the Year by Network Ireland. This accolade not only celebrates her outstanding achievements but also recognises the ethos Lisa embedded into the firm from the very first day of its existence; namely, people come first and the incredible team within McKenna & Co Solicitors. A strong field of finalists Lisa has long been a part of the Network Ireland community, winning the Emerging Businesswoman of the Year award in 2021. It’s therefore particularly meaningful to win the Established Businesswoman of the Year award 2 years later for Lisa. One remarkable aspect of Lisa McKenna’s achievement is that she emerged victorious in a category where many of her fellow finalists have been running businesses in existence for far longer. While some might view this as a disadvantage, Lisa turned it into an opportunity to demonstrate the strength and innovation of the business. By staying true to her vision and consistently delivering legal services that truly empower her clients and solve their problems, Lisa has not only made a name for herself but also propelled McKenna & Co Solicitors into the spotlight. This recognition highlights the significant impact the law firm has made in a relatively short time, defying expectations and carving a niche for the firm among the industry’s seasoned giants. Lisa founded McKenna & Co Solicitors in late 2017. With a relentless focus on building a law firm that truly works for people, from the company culture built by the leadership team and staff to the manner in which clients are served and treated, Lisa has consistently delivered on her vision. In just six years of business, McKenna & Co Solicitors is not only one of Ireland’s fastest-growing law firms, but is also winning business from bigger law firms in the country. These are law firms with far bigger marketing budgets as well as more resources at their disposal. However, McKenna & Co’s exceptional customer service has resulted in so many referrals from happy clients that the firm’s conveyancing solicitors are constantly busy. Building a legacy of excellence As the founder of the firm and a practising notary public and solicitor herself, Lisa wears two hats. Approximately 60% of her time is spent running the law firm from an operational point and 40% of her time is spent in her role as a solicitor. Therefore, Lisa’s ability to assemble a team of highly skilled professionals who share her values and passion for the law has played a vital role in solidifying McKenna & Co Solicitors’ reputation. Through her leadership, she has fostered a culture of collaboration, professionalism, and continuous growth within the firm. Lisa’s ability to adapt to evolving industry trends and leverage technology has also played a crucial role in keeping McKenna & Co Solicitors at the forefront of the legal landscape. Empowering others Beyond her professional accomplishments, Lisa McKenna is also a champion of empowering women and nurturing future leaders. Throughout her career, she has actively engaged with various organisations and networks dedicated to supporting women in business. Lisa believes in the power of mentorship and has mentored numerous aspiring entrepreneurs, sharing her expertise and insights to help them succeed. By leveraging her own experiences, Lisa has become a role model for aspiring businesswomen, inspiring them to overcome obstacles and achieve their goals. Furthermore, McKenna & Co Solicitors also funds a bursary and offers an internship as a way of contributing to making law a more equitable field. The recognition of Lisa McKenna as the Established Businesswoman of the Year is a well-deserved honour that celebrates both her achievements and those of the firm. Many delighted clients will attest to the peace of mind McKenna & Co Solicitors have delivered for them. As we celebrate Lisa’s accomplishments, let us be inspired by her journey and embrace the limitless possibilities that lie ahead for women in business.
Gender Pay Gap case won by McKenna and Co Solicitors
Woman in same job as male counterparts on lower pay scale Earlier this year, we successfully represented a female client in her action against her employers for discriminating on her on the basis of gender. Our client worked alongside two men, who were paid significantly more than her, despite them all being on the same level. Our client was made aware of this discrepancy by these two colleagues. The claim was brought to the Workplace Relations Commission, where we successfully argued that she should be awarded the same and paid retrospectively for the salaries and bonuses she had missed out on. The Defendants in the case accepted the outcome and opted not to appeal it. Although the legal profession is narrowing the gap in terms of gender representation, it is clear other industries aren’t faring so well. As Lisa McKenna, principal solicitor of McKenna and Co Solicitors said “This case was very important to me as gender discrimination is still evident across many areas of life. We’re delighted that our client will now get paid what she deserves, which is a step towards gender equality.” Image by Claim Accident Services from Pixabay In contentious business a solicitor may not calculate fees or other charges as a percentage or proportion of any award or settlement.
McKenna and Co win two awards at Network Ireland Dublin awards
Lisa McKenna wins Emerging New Business and is Highly Commended for Power Within Lisa McKenna of McKenna and Co Solicitors, 4 Upper Pembroke Street, Dublin 2 was recently awarded the Emerging New Business Award 2020 of the Dublin Network Ireland awards. Lisa also came Highly Commended in the new ‘Power Within’ Category, which recognised the resilience of entrepreneurs during the Covid-19 pandemic. In response to her awards, Lisa said: “I am humbled to have won the award tonight for emerging new business and highly commended for the award of Power Within.” She also thanked the sponsors of the award, the Hair Café Salon and Annutri, the Judges and her team at McKenna & Co. The awards were due to take place in the Westin Hotel on August 20th, but instead took place over a video platform. Hosted by Network Ireland, the awards recognise the achievements, business acumen and innovation of business women across Ireland. The national awards will take place in October, where Lisa will compete against other regional businesswoman winners. McKenna and Co Solicitors is a law firm dealing with litigation, commercial law, wills and probate, and specialising in property. It was established in November 2017, making Lisa one of the youngest female solicitors to go into solo practice.
