Breaking Barriers: Aedamar Comiskey - Journey to Senior Partner

It's a very good question, Erica. I honestly didn't have a plan. Some people asked if I always wanted to be senior partner of Linklaters, and the honest answer is I hadn't given it much thought until 2015 when a colleague suggested I run. I thought it was funny at first, but I wrote a manifesto and if I agreed with it, I'd run. I ran the first time and didn't succeed; Charlie Jacobs became senior partner. That's partly why I ran again in 2021—because I hadn't made it. I learned that being afraid to do something is not a reason not to try. The worst that can happen is you're no worse off than if you didn't try. That was a good learning for me.

I guess a little bit. Going back to when I was younger, being one of the younger siblings in a big family, you have to put yourself out of your comfort zone. I learned that the worst thing that can happen is you don't get what you want, but life goes on. I always try to think, what's the worst that could happen? I won't be any worse off, so I may as well give it a go.

It was difficult for a couple of days because if you go all in and put a lot of effort into something, you feel disappointed when it doesn't come good. But I was able to rationalize it quickly because I knew it was a long shot. I wanted to run because I felt it was important that women run for these roles. I was glad I ran, and while initially disappointed, I got over it. I kept telling myself I said I'd be all right if I didn't get it, so I needed to be all right. And I was fine.

No, I didn't, Erica. I wasn't sure what I wanted to do when I left school. I went to a school where they encouraged you to do medicine if you got good grades. Two of my siblings are doctors. I put medicine down as my first choice, but after staying with my sisters who were junior doctors, I realized I didn't want to be a doctor. I called my father and said I didn't want to do medicine, and he said that's fine, you can change it. I asked for his advice, and he said it doesn't matter what degree you do, it's just a discipline—do something you think you might like. At the time I thought that wasn't helpful, but looking back, it was visionary. I was still left to decide, so I went to a fortune teller, who told me I should be a lawyer. So I put law down, and that's how I ended up here. She also told me I'd have a son who'd be a famous concert pianist, but I have three boys and none play the piano, so that wasn't right. But she was right about law.

No, I'm glad I didn't become a doctor. I loved university—I did law at University College Dublin. I wish I'd done economics or something more business as well, but you can pick that up as an M&A lawyer. I discovered I enjoy the commercial side. That took me a while to realize.

A big advantage of talking to a coach is giving yourself head space to step back and think. I remember when my boys were young (they're now 21, 18, 15, but then they were 7, 4, and 1), I was struggling because I felt I wasn't doing anything well—60% at work, 60% as a mother, 60% in my personal life. I told my coach I used to do things at 90% and now I'm at 60% everything. She asked, 'Are you doing your best?' I said absolutely, I have nothing left. She said, 'Then cut yourself some slack because you can't do better than your best.' That was simple but very helpful. I calmed down and thought, it's fine, I'm doing my best.

I think it's important to be honest that sometimes it's very hard. People often look like they're coping but they're struggling. It's helpful to talk openly so you realize you're not alone. Having colleagues who cover for each other is important. I regretted leaving my mom's 80th birthday early for work. So having a support network makes it more bearable.

I feel much better when I exercise a couple of times a week. I notice I have less energy when I don't. I eat healthily but I'm not a good sleeper, which I think is a problem. If I could sleep better, things look better in the morning. I'm always trying to read books on sleeping better.

I was delighted that there was a woman in that position, and delighted to be that woman. It's important for younger women to see role models. I believe in diversity of all sorts—gender, race, LGBT+, social mobility—because different perspectives help solve complex issues. It makes the workplace better and more enjoyable. I feel privileged to be in a position where I can bring positive change.

It's a good point. Law firms often take a good lawyer and expect them to be a good manager of a big business, but that's a different skill. There should be more training in people skills, business development, and management. We need to improve all parts of the package that make us good at our job.

People need an open mind and be prepared to change. With AI and technology, there will be lots of change but also opportunities. We'll have more time for interesting parts of the job. Lawyers should get out there, talk to clients, and be responsive. Being flexible and seeing change as a learning opportunity will be key. Embrace change, don't feel stressed by it.

First, don't be afraid to do things. The worst that can happen is it doesn't work out, but you learn more from failure. Second, seize opportunities and don't put things off—there's never a right time. Third, ask for help. I used to assume people would think I don't know what I'm doing, but usually people are happy to help. Also, don't make assumptions. Ask rather than assume. That can delay progress and be unfair.

As you get older, you realize other people don't know what they're doing either. You get more comfortable saying you don't understand. And people are happy to explain.

No, thank you very much, Erica. Lovely talking to you too.