Women in Law – what needs to change

In the second part of DAS Law’s look at women in law, Senior Solicitor Kerry Blomerus talks about what needs to change.

This section, to mark the centenary of the Sex Disqualification (Removal) Act 1919 that paved the way for women to enter into the legal profession, asks contributors “as a ‘Woman in Law’, what would you change about the profession, the industry, the system etc.?”

Kerry commented: “In general I would like to see more women in the judiciary and senior management, and for this to be celebrated throughout the industry. The fact that in 2018 we had our first female President of The Supreme Court, the wonderful Lady Hale, is a reflection of how far the profession has come since its first female was called to the English Bar in 1922, but it’s clear that we are still some way from becoming a gender equal profession.

“In my 12 years of working within the legal industry I have seen change in female leadership and the confidence in women speaking up about gender bias and wanting a change. I would like to see the industry becoming more transparent in pay between men and women, and, for the industry to be a reflection of people within society. Not just that of women, but also, ethnicity, social background and sexual orientation.

As lawyers we need to be able to sympathise with our clients and understand their needs by expanding the diversity throughout the industry and by making it more accessible for everyone to come into the profession. This will provide a more rounded industry.”

You can read the full Women in Law – what needs to change article here.