Abstract
This study explored the mental models of successful female legal practitioners. This research emerged as a response to the low percentage of women in senior positions and/or male-dominated industries. The legal industry was elected as it was found that in South Africa, the legal field is deemed to be male-dominated. By means of a qualitative research paradigm, I aimed to identify how women in the legal industry view success, their perception of their own career success, the drivers of their success and factors that may have hindered their success. Semi- structured interviews were used to explore the lived experiences of seven women who practiced as an attorney, advocate, notary, or conveyancer were interviewed. A thematic analysis revealed success to be objective and subjective. The objective factors of success are external or extrinsic and associated with professional reputation, the title, client satisfaction, income, and promotion. The subjective factors of success represent feelings and attitudes associated with success, namely; a sense of perseverance, internal locus of control, work-life balance, sense of self-sacrifice, and financial independence. Included in the mental models of successful female legal practitioners is the positive effect of external and internal influences. Lastly, the study explored the final theme of obstacles to success which included law as a maledominated industry and self-doubt...
M.Com. (Industrial Psychology)