Celebrating women in law

International Women’s Day (IWD) is a time to celebrate the achievements of women across all industries, including law. The first International Women’s Day was held in March 1911, at a time when women were still barred from qualifying as lawyers. Women were not permitted to enter the legal profession until the enactment of the Sex Disqualification (Removal) Act 1919. Over a century later, women have made significant progress in law, yet barriers to access and career progression remain.

At Blaser Mills, we are committed to fostering an inclusive workplace where diverse talent is valued and supported.

The importance of intersectionality in law

Intersectionality refers to the way different aspects of a person’s identity such as gender, ethnicity, sexual orientation, and socio-economic background—interact and create unique experiences. Recognising this is essential for building a truly inclusive legal profession.

Women in law face challenges, but these are often heightened for those from ethnic minority backgrounds, state school educations, or non-traditional career paths. As a newly qualified solicitor who was the first in my family to attend a university (non-Russell Group), educated in a state school, and from an ethnic minority and working-class background, I understand how multiple factors can shape career progression.

#AccelerateAction

This IWD, with the theme #AccelerateAction, is a reminder that while progress has been made, more must be done to ensure true equality in the legal profession. By mentoring, supporting, and championing women in law, we can continue breaking down barriers for future generations.

Mentoring the next generation

As an alumnus of City, University of London, I am currently mentoring a law student from my former university through the EmpowHER programme, which supports aspiring female lawyers. Giving back to the next generation is important to me, and I am passionate about helping women, especially those from underrepresented backgrounds like me, navigate the challenges of entering the legal profession.

Our commitment to diversity and inclusion

At Blaser Mills, we do not just talk about diversity—we live it. By focusing on hiring great people regardless of background, we have cultivated a firm full of talented individuals, each bringing unique perspectives to the business.

Our diversity initiatives include:

• Gender Equality: 50% of our partners are female.
• Work-Life Balance: Over 25% of our team work part-time or have flexible arrangements.
• Inclusion Forum: We have our own employee-led Inclusion Forum, where the members of the Forum engage in discussions and initiatives aimed at raising awareness, improving policies, and fostering a workplace where everyone feels valued.

As we look to the future, our focus remains on accelerating positive change. This means continuing to support the next generation of legal professionals through mentorship, advancing policies that promote equality, and ensuring that diverse voices are represented and heard in every aspect of our work.

On this International Women’s Day, let us reaffirm our commitment to driving change within the legal profession.

Happy International Women’s Day!