International Women’s Day has taken place annually for well over a century and this year the central theme is ‘Choose to Challenge’.

Tughans is marking the occasion by inviting our female lawyers to share their thoughts and experience and to celebrate women in law. Our contributors represent women at all stages of their legal career, from Trainee to Partner.

Part 4  is from Ellen Forester. Ellen is an Associate Director and a member of the Dispute Resolution Team.

100 Years of Women in Law

2019 marked the centenary of the Sex Disqualification (Removal) Act that paved the way for women in the UK and Ireland to become lawyers for the first time. Over the past 100 years, talented female lawyers chose to challenge gender inequality, paving the way for me to pursue a career in law without hesitation. I, and many others, have also benefited from strong female mentors who have, and continue to, encourage us throughout our careers.

However, even with the rise in females entering the profession, there is still progress to be made. It is important that women in the profession are empowered by their colleagues to speak up, promote change, challenge inequality, pursue leadership roles, and boost female representation in both the boardroom and the Courtroom.

International Women’s Day is a reminder to all lawyers, that we must continue the work of generations before us to create an equal future for all women pursuing a career in law.

Ellen Forester, Associate Director, Dispute Resolution

 

Read Pt 1 from trainee solicitor, Kate Loughran

Read Pt 2 from NQ, Orla Drayne

Read Pt 3 from Associate Solicitor, Lydia Heffron

 

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