*/
By Sally Penni
Independently published (March 2020), ISBN 979-8603267661, Paperback (295 pages)
Reviewed by David Wurtzel
2019 was the centenary of women being admitted to the legal profession. But even as we celebrated, we understood that the goal of equality on the bench and with practitioners is more than a numbers game. It requires a change in attitudes and work practices to allow men and women to be true equals in the law. This book comes from Women in the Law UK, a networking organisation which aims to encourage, inspire and support women in the legal profession.
Introduced by Dr Helen Pankhurst CBE, most of the book consists of a series of interview questions answered by dozens of women – and men – who range from a pupil to the former President of the Supreme Court. Some of these are barristers, but most are not. They cover the range of all the areas where women contribute to the law – solicitors with a number of specialisms and who are in-house lawyers or in firms, managing clerks, trainers, the first black President of the Law Society, and both partners and sole practitioners.
The respondents talk about their working lives, how they got to where they are, how they have worked to be where they can contribute most, and also their personal lives. The latter have been balanced with work, but not always in the same way. Finally, they are asked for their inspirational tips. There are a lot of these but there is no attempt to draw them together. This is wise. Readers will come to this book from different angles, but they should all find something which chimes with the challenges they individually face. It is noteworthy how many of the contributors came from backgrounds which a few decades ago one would not have associated with ‘lawyer’.
Anyone who has thought that they suffer from imposter syndrome should read this because the truth is that they really do belong in the profession.
2019 was the centenary of women being admitted to the legal profession. But even as we celebrated, we understood that the goal of equality on the bench and with practitioners is more than a numbers game. It requires a change in attitudes and work practices to allow men and women to be true equals in the law. This book comes from Women in the Law UK, a networking organisation which aims to encourage, inspire and support women in the legal profession.
Introduced by Dr Helen Pankhurst CBE, most of the book consists of a series of interview questions answered by dozens of women – and men – who range from a pupil to the former President of the Supreme Court. Some of these are barristers, but most are not. They cover the range of all the areas where women contribute to the law – solicitors with a number of specialisms and who are in-house lawyers or in firms, managing clerks, trainers, the first black President of the Law Society, and both partners and sole practitioners.
The respondents talk about their working lives, how they got to where they are, how they have worked to be where they can contribute most, and also their personal lives. The latter have been balanced with work, but not always in the same way. Finally, they are asked for their inspirational tips. There are a lot of these but there is no attempt to draw them together. This is wise. Readers will come to this book from different angles, but they should all find something which chimes with the challenges they individually face. It is noteworthy how many of the contributors came from backgrounds which a few decades ago one would not have associated with ‘lawyer’.
Anyone who has thought that they suffer from imposter syndrome should read this because the truth is that they really do belong in the profession.
By Sally Penni
Independently published (March 2020), ISBN 979-8603267661, Paperback (295 pages)
Reviewed by David Wurtzel
Chair of the Bar sets out a busy calendar for the rest of the year
AlphaBiolabs has announced its latest Giving Back donation to RAY Ceredigion, a grassroots West Wales charity that provides play, learning and community opportunities for families across Ceredigion County
Rachel Davenport, Co-founder and Director at AlphaBiolabs, outlines why barristers, solicitors, judges, social workers and local authorities across the UK trust AlphaBiolabs for court-admissible testing
A £500 donation from AlphaBiolabs is helping to support women and children affected by domestic abuse, thanks to the company’s unique charity initiative that empowers legal professionals to give back to community causes
Casey Randall of AlphaBiolabs discusses the benefits of Non-Invasive Prenatal Paternity testing for the Family Court
Philip N Bristow explains how to unlock your aged debt to fund your tax in one easy step
Come in with your eyes open, but don’t let fear cloud the prospect. A view from practice by John Dove
Timothy James Dutton CBE KC was known across the profession as an outstanding advocate, a dedicated public servant and a man of the utmost integrity. He was also a loyal and loving friend to many of us
Lana Murphy and Francesca Perera started their careers at the Crown Prosecution Service before joining chambers. They discuss why they made the move and the practicalities of setting up self-employed practice as qualified juniors
As threats and attacks against lawyers continue to rise, a new international treaty offers a much-needed safeguard. Sarah Kavanagh reports on the landmark convention defending the independence of lawyers and rule of law
Author: Charlotte Proudman Reviewer: Stephanie Hayward