In a world which seems to move without pause at a continuously fast pace, it is important to sometimes draw breath and recognise individuals who make a difference to the lives of others.
For more than a century now, International Women’s Day on 8 March has given a focused opportunity to commemorate the many achievements of women across the globe.
It is true that a greater focus on diversity over the course of recent decades has undoubtedly provided more opportunities for women.
Within the last week, for example, data published by the House of Commons’ Library has illustrated the impact which women now have in business.
It showed that 46 per cent of entrepreneurs in the UK are female – up from one-third in 2019.
Furthermore, just over one-quarter of women in employment work in professional occupations, such as engineering, the health and financial services, and the law.
That last sector is, of course, of interest to myself and my colleagues at Hall Brown Family Law.
We are well aware of research by the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA) showing that women now take up 53 per cent of all legal jobs – a rise of five per cent in eight years – and account for 47 per cent of Partners at law firms in England and Wales.
Whilst that amounts to progress, Hall Brown is genuinely committed not only to offering an opportunity but supporting women who want to substantially develop their careers.
It is one reason why we are so committed to the Inspiring Women Awards.
For more than 30 years, the Awards have celebrated the accomplishments of women in business, culture, politics and society in the North West region, the wider UK and, more recently, worldwide.
Hall Brown has sponsored one category – the Inspiring Young Woman Award – since 2019 and, this year, I have had the immense pleasure of being on the judging panel for the first time, considering nominations for the awards.
Those submissions have once more outlined to me the depth of talent, ingenuity and enterprise around.
The Inspiring Young Woman Award is of particular personal interest to me as Hall Brown’s Head of Lawyer Development.
It is my job to help those who join our firm reach their full potential, a task which is no small responsibility.
Ever since Hall Brown first opened its doors 10 years ago, we have been utterly convinced that being a truly equal opportunities employer is a fundamental part of delivering excellence to colleagues and clients alike.
We believe not just in attracting established, experienced family lawyers and support staff but identifying and nurturing the capabilities of young professionals.
Importantly, progress is purely based on merit rather than being an exercise in positive discrimination.
It is worth noting, therefore, that the vast majority of our staff (76 individuals out of a total roster of 84 people) are female.
Five out of our six offices across the country are led by women. Ten out of our 16 partners and partner-consultants are women. All 12 of our Senior Associates are women too.
As we have grown, Hall Brown has also presented openings for individuals who have not just followed a traditional route into the law after a university degree either but have shown great promise after entering into the profession as legal executives and paralegals.
All in all, we count ourselves as having been fortunate enough to attract staff who represent the very best which family law has to offer now and in the future.
Our emphasis on recruiting and then investing in tremendously skilled individuals who do their utmost to help clients through some of the most challenging experiences of their lives is perhaps why we have once more been named among the Sunday Times’ Best Places to Work.
In addition, the UK’s premier legal rankings all regard Hall Brown as one of the country’s very best family law firms each year.
I think that Hall Brown’s staff are its strongest recruitment tools. Women wanting to pursue a career in family law appreciate that ours is a firm which promises them a genuine chance to do so.
