Celebrating 100 years of Women Solicitors in England & Wales

EVENTS

The return of in-person events meant that the centenary of women entering the profession was celebrated at Macfarlanes law firm. The photos above are from Legal Women’s own event, held with the support of Macfarlanes. Lubna Shuja spoke about the challenges that faced women over the last 100 years and how things have changed. There was also an event at The Law Society of England and Wales which Serena Reynell attended and reports on here:

The event welcomed a wide range of guests and speakers, including the Law Society President, Lubna Shuja, attorney General Victoria Prentis KC MP, and Dana Denis-Smith, founder of the first 100 years project.

We listened to the stories of women who have blazed a trail in our profession over the years. But also discussed the sobering reality of how much more work needs to be done to achieve true parity. Currently, despite over 60% of the profession being women, only 35% of law firm partners are women. Which is just a 0.3% advance in a decade.

The first women lawyers faced unimaginable obstacles for simply demanding their human right to practice as equals. And despite it being 100 years since Carrie Morrison’s admission, we still shockingly witness terrible examples of inequality across the world, particularly in countries like Afghanistan, and Iran, where equality is going backwards. To achieve global and sustained change, western lawyers, law firms and all those working in legal practice must do all they can to support women’s causes around the world.

Dana Denis-Smith highlighted the importance of understanding the historic context of the rise of women in law, as critical to our future success. Mentors and role models for the next generations are also more critical than ever. Speakers celebrated those who continue to support young lawyers, including male champions for change, who are also crucial to the fight. Practical changes and policies need to be introduced and followed up within law firms to ensure tangible results.

To achieve equality, we must continue paving the way and holding the torch for the women behind us, as sadly, it is still estimated to take at least 100 years to achieve gender parity. But equality benefits us all; unequal societies are less cohesive, have higher rates of anti-social behaviour and violence. Whereas countries with greater gender equality are more connected, people are healthier, have better wellbeing and increased GDP. Utilising the networks we have available, through organisations like the Law Society, Bar Council, law firms and charities, we can team up globally and continue to mark important events to raise awareness, and ultimately stop the rule of law from declining and ensure gender equality is top of the agenda for all.

Serena Reynell. ■