G&K attorneys Melissa Benson and Eleanor Shaffer are featured in the inaugural issue of Attorney at Law Magazine's "Women in Law". Joining women in law from across the country, Melissa and Ellie are recognized for their outstanding contributions to the legal profession and commitment to excellence. This national issue celebrates an inspiring group of women from across the legal field—each with diverse specialties, experiences, and career paths.
Melissa Benson, Shareholder and Family Law Practice Leader
Q: Please share about a mentor who supported you or a time in which you felt supported and encouraged in the practice of law.
After my first jury trial, nerves still bussing, Scully came to my office to propose lunch. Over pizza, he asked me, “What did you do well?” I lit up and discussed the fact that without my victim, the jury still deliberated for over three hours. “And what would you have done differently?” was Scully’s next question. I admitted that my nerves had made me hesitant and that I should have ensured that my victim came even with Probation looking to arrest her.
He responded, “It’s all part of the journey. Do you want to do it again?” At that point, I knew I could not wait to do it again. This supportive conversation fueled my passion, making me eager for the next trial. It was a turning point in my career.
Q: Share about some of the ongoing challenges you believe still exist in the practice of law for women and how some firms/careers could better address those challenges.
Women in law can face challenges like implicit or explicit gender bias, unequal opportunities for advancement, and work-life balance struggles. Many still encounter stereotypes that undermine their authority or capabilities. Law firms can address these challenges by implementing mentorship programs, promoting female leadership, and fostering an inclusive culture that values diverse perspectives. Actively supporting women’s professional development can also help create a more equitable environment and ensure their voices are heard and respected in the legal field.
Eleanor Shaffer, Personal Injury Associate
Q: Please share about a mentor who supported you or a time in which you felt supported and encouraged in the practice of law.
Many women have helped me get to where I am today. In law school, Professor Inga Laurent would frequently talk to me about my long-term goals and what actions I could take to use my power as an attorney to help others. When I felt discouraged, she filled me with the energy to keep going. Professor Kiser also encouraged me and pushed me to get my law review article published. She told me to put my work out into the world, showing me how, which led to even more opportunities for me.
Early in my career, a handful of women in New York took the time to help me build my courtroom skills. Even now, I have a network of strong female attorneys who discuss cases and lean on each other when in need. Women in law look out for each other, and I don’t know of a single female attorney who does not have a helping hand or a word of encouragement from another female attorney, and I certainly hope that tradition continues. We understand the challenges of being professional women, and we know that we are stronger when we help each other. It is something I am so grateful for.
Q: Share about a time in which you may have felt isolated or discouraged as a woman in law.
As a new mom, balancing what life looks like after maternity leave is always hard. I have three children under four years old, so I am no stranger to the difficulties that come with returning to work with a newborn at home and still breastfeeding. Emotionally, there is always a pull to have more time to be home with my newborn, but I am so lucky because I have a strong support system both at home and at work. My husband will bring my babies to me at least once a day to the office to allow me to continue to breastfeed, and my work provides me with significant breaks to facilitate time with my children throughout the work day. I think about the women who have to return to work much sooner and are not provided those same benefits, and it amazes me at the resiliency and strength women possess. The ability to balance complex emotions, a family life, the physical energy of breastfeeding, and the mental load of being back into the flow of handling cases is no breeze, but I watch so many women do it with such grace and power. I often hear that discussing these topics could make a woman appear weak or that less time is given to cases, but I disagree wholeheartedly.
I know the value of my time, and so does every mother. We don’t waste it, and we use all of our energy to make sure not only our cases are successful but that they are the most successful they can be. We have so much that we are working for, and we never lose sight of that.
Q: Share another anecdote that you think would be relevant to women lawyers.
I believe that women are so powerful, resilient, and brilliant. Our experiences as mothers, sisters, and daughters give us insight that men can only witness but not live. Our empathy helps us to convey cases in a light that most men would struggle with. We are the best asset, and the confidence to be proud of that will only lead to more women taking over fields of law that have been dominated by men for so long. The teams I see thriving are the ones that now include women at the table. Men being allies to women in understanding and supporting our uniqueness and strengths is so valuable. I have a male mentor who takes the time to encourage my practice because he sees the value I bring, and I am so grateful to have him. I hope more women feel supported like that, too.
Click here to read more about some of the country's amazing Women in Law.
about our attorneys
Leading the firm’s Family Law Practice, Melissa Benson represents families and individuals in all types of domestic relations and disputes. She is a dedicated advocate, providing compassionate and concierge-style service to resolve her client’s most personal disputes.
Melissa also brings over 17 years of experience working in Arizona’s criminal justice system as a victim advocate, probation officer, and sex crimes and domestic violence prosecutor. This courtroom experience and her mediation training enable Melissa to present the best case for her clients, often resolving disputes before trial.
Eleanor “Ellie” Shaffer is a plaintiff's attorney representing injured victims and their families in catastrophic injury and wrongful death cases, with a particular emphasis on injuries arising from motor vehicle accidents, defective products, medical malpractice, and premises liability. A fierce client advocate both in pre-litigation and during trial, Ellie has obtained millions of dollars in compensation for her clients. Check out some of her results.