Law Society advises against ‘Dear Sirs’ in new guidance

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The Law Society of England and Wales updated its official guidance on diversity and inclusion language, encouraging the use of alternatives to ‘Dear Sirs’ at the start of legal correspondence – a greeting often used when a recipient’s name is unknown. This use is widely regarded as antiquated, originating from a time when the profession was predominantly male. The Law Society stated: “This gendered greeting perpetuates the assumption that the recipients of correspondence are by default men”.

The Law Society encouraged neutral terms that better reflect the diversity of the legal profession, with alternatives suggested such as “Dear colleagues”, “Dear all”, “To whom it may concern”, or simply “greetings” or “good morning”. The Law Society highlighted the importance of using terminology that can “account for and represent the broad scope of recipients, including women and individuals with other gender identities, including non-binary”.

The guidance states: “These alternatives maintain professionalism while ensuring your communication is respective of all gender identities. If you know the person’s name, always use it. If not, keep it simple and neutral rather than overly formal”. The Law Society also explains: “Gender-inclusive (or neutral) greetings aim to address this outdated and obsolete practice by using respectful language. These greetings avoid gender-specific terms.”

Campaigner Ellie Rees, founder and director at estate agency Brickworks, worked alongside the Law Society and the Solicitors Regulation Authority on this issue. Rees stated: “This small but symbolic change means women are finally seen – and heard – in legal correspondence”. Her fellow campaigner, solicitor and HiveRisk CEO Kate Burt, echoed a similar sentiment, referring to this move as a “welcome step towards closing the gender authority gap.”

A number of firms have already responded to this change publicly, swiftly removing gendered language from communication, including Withers LLP, Clifford Chance and Freshfields LLP.

For more information about the importance of inclusive language and modernisation within the legal sector, read this previous Commercial Question.