he Association of Women Solicitors, London (AWSL) is an independent organisation providing an independent voice for women lawyers in all walks of legal life, as well as a community to support each other in our careers.
Founded in 1992 AWSL is now recognised by all the major government and regulatory bodies and liaises with the Solicitors Regulation Authority, the Judicial Appointments Commission, the Legal Services Board, etc, as well as offering social and educational events and opportunities for young female solicitors to meet with more senior ladies outside their own firm. We also comment on issues affecting female solicitors in the media and respond to consultations.
AWSL succeeded in nominating a room at The Law Society, Chancery Lane, in memory of family law solicitor Joan Rubenstein and has successfully nominated solicitor members for Honorary QC status.
Membership is open on payment of the annual subscription to all women solicitors, paralegals, legal executives, lawyers qualified in other jurisdictions, barristers, other legal professionals and students of the law.
The Association’s current objectives are:
1.1.1. To represent, support and develop the interests of women solicitors.
1.1.2. To provide professional, business and social activities for women solicitors.
1.1.3. To offer educational courses, lectures and seminars designed to benefit the standing of, and to improve opportunities for, women solicitors.
Being involved in this organisation during the pandemic presented both challenges and opportunities. With the advent of working from home ‘presenteeism’ may now be on the decline (or will it?).
AWSL celebrates its 30th anniversary this year. Since 1992 there has been progress but issues remain. There is no longer a barrier to women becoming solicitors – since 2017 more women than men have been admitted every year and in 2020 women accounted for 64.2% of trainees and 52% of solicitors holding practising certificates. Issues remain however on retention, pay and promotion particularly in the private sector. In 2020 only 32.9% of partners were female.
Read the full article
https://www.lawgazette.co.uk/women-in-the-law/women-solicitors-association-is-30/5112971.article
