Pinsent Masons senior lawyer Catherine Burns argues that supporting women at the midpoint of their careers is essential to Northern Ireland's clean energy ambitions, ahead of the Women in Renewables conference on Tuesday 15 September in Belfast.

Writing in the run-up to the all-female event, Burns – a Managing Senior Associate and construction specialist in Pinsent Masons' Energy team – reflects on the realities of progressing in a fast-evolving sector. After nearly a decade in London, she returned to Northern Ireland to advise on renewable energy and infrastructure projects across Ireland, the UK and Europe, bringing first-hand insight into establishing credibility, changing direction and stepping up.

She says Northern Ireland's smaller market can be a strength, with close-knit, collaborative networks that help build meaningful professional relationships quickly. Yet long-standing connections can make visibility and advancement harder for emerging leaders, particularly mid-career women trying to create space for themselves.

Burns stresses that the "middle" matters as projects grow in scale and complexity and as policy and industry expectations shift. Addressing the sector's skills challenge means not just attracting women into entry roles but showing a clear route to senior leadership and long-term careers.

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"We also need to encourage more women to join the sector from adjacent industries. Career changes often happen during those mid-career years, and renewable energy offers opportunities for experienced professionals to bring valuable expertise and fresh perspectives into our industry."

The Women in the Middle format, she notes, is designed for candid discussion rather than formal presentations – a chance to step back from deadlines and targets and speak openly about progression. For many, being "in the middle" means having expertise while still feeling the need to prove yourself; leading teams and mentoring juniors while continuing to seek guidance; and balancing ambition with responsibilities outside work.

Mid-career women already wield significant influence, Burns argues, shaping workplace culture, developing future talent, championing new ideas and contributing to key decisions – even if they are not the most senior people in the room.

Career paths are rarely linear, she adds, and progress typically combines hard work, resilience and active support from others. Sponsorship from senior leaders, strong networks and personal visibility are central to unlocking leadership opportunities and ensuring diverse voices are heard.

Looking ahead, Burns says the goal is a supportive environment where women learn from one another, build lasting connections and help steer a more inclusive and sustainable sector. Networks such as Women in Renewables – and its annual conference – play a vital role in making that happen.

Burns will join the all-female panel at this year's Belfast event on Tuesday 15 September. Based in the city, she advises clients across Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland on the legal and commercial issues that shape major energy developments.

The event lists SONI as an Event Partner and Pinsent Masons as Event Sponsor. Tickets are on sale at £70 for RenewableNI members, £90 for non-members and £22.50 for a limited number of student places (proof required).