Law Soc celebrates International Women’s Day

To mark 100 years of International Women's Day on 8 March, the Law Society is holding a roundtable discussion followed by a networking event. Speakers include: Christl Hughes, chair of the Association of Women Solicitors; Camilla Palmer, partner at Leigh Day & Co; and Sandie Okoro, general counsel at Barings. They will recount their personal experiences and discuss how major changes in the profession will affect women solicitors.

Third female president of the Law Society, Linda Lee, says the society is continually making strides to promote equality and equal practice in the legal profession: "We offer guidance and assistance to firms who wish to develop flexible working policies and through our diversity and inclusion charter, invite employers to commit to its terms.  However, fewer women than men will reach partner level - 21.5% compared to 41.9% of male solicitors in private practice - and the Law Society aims to explore and address reasons behind the disparity."

Women now account for 45.2% of solicitors and the number of women holding practicing certificates has nearly doubled since 1999.

For more on the advancement of female solicitors, see "AWS recognises outstanding woman lawyer".