Sarah Finnan As the CEO and Principal Solicitor of Dublin-based McKenna & Co, she is intent on disrupting systematic challenges and diversifying the industry. In this article, in collaboration with The Currency, she speaks to Sarah Kiely Lavelle about experiencing gender pay disparity and misogyny, hiring for attitude and the future of the firm.
I was the only one in my class who came from a farming background and it was difficult to be among those people as they had a different perception of life.” McKenna experienced this firsthand when she discovered a male colleague was being paid more than she was, despite the fact that she was hitting more targets and that she had more experience. “When you see that type of prejudice, that’s when you know you can only go about making change yourself by going out on your own,’’ she explains.In 2017, she set up McKenna & Co with zero clients. Today the company has more than 4,500 clients.
“My main principle is treating everyone as human. Targets and the bottom line aren’t everything; it’s about caring and nurturing your team to ensure they’re supported. You’ll always get the best out of your team when you do your best for them,’’ she says.In many of Ireland’s top law firms, it is common that only partners and associates receive pensions and health benefits, but McKenna ensures all staff members receive this regardless of their status in the company.