“It's something that needs to be done all year round”: law, human rights and tackling gender barriers
I’d always been drawn to working in legal aid and promoting access to justice. I did an internship during my second year of university at the Women’s Legal Centre in South Africa. Many cases were pro bono, supporting women through life-changing events such as fleeing domestic violence. That sparked my desire to push for change.
Today, as a human rights solicitor advocate, my specialism is mainly helping clients with homelessness, social welfare, community care and public law issues.
The women I support within my client group might be fleeing domestic violence, or they might be homeless single mothers who need somewhere safe for their children and them to stay.
The UN’s theme for this year’s International Women’s Day for this year’s International Women’s Day on 8 March is ‘Rights. Justice. Action. For ALL women and girls.’
The aims include the creation and promotion of more inclusive and equitable legal systems, as well as the elimination of discriminatory laws and policies. The emphasis on ‘all’ is important to me – considering intersectionality, and making sure no one is left out.
Working towards those aims, tackling structural barriers and safeguarding access to justice for everyone is what I do on a day-to-day basis at work. And it's something that needs to be done all year round.
Helping women be heard
As a human rights solicitor, you really can make an impact on the lives of women and girls. I recently supported a young woman who had been in and out of care during her teenage years and needed support to find accommodation. When I picked up her case, she was having suicidal thoughts and told me she felt really unheard.
I had to be very alert to helping her feel safe, and to make sure her safeguarding needs were protected. One of my priorities was to support her transition into adulthood. I was able to secure her accommodation and ensure she was recognised as a care leaver by the local authority.
She’s studying now. It shows what a difference it can make when someone intervenes. You’re changing the trajectory of a young person’s life, and giving them the tools to stand on their own two feet.
Tackling barriers in the legal profession
One of my favourite quotes is from civil rights activist and American writer Maya Angelou: “Each time a woman stands up for herself without knowing it, possibly, without claiming it, she stands up for all women”. It inspires me every day.
One of the reasons I joined the Law Society’s Women Solicitors Network (WSN) Committee was to connect with likeminded women who share a connected ethos. It provides a space where women can share their experiences tackling barriers they’ve faced in their own careers.
I wanted to support women of colour in the profession, disabled women, women returning to work after maternity leave or illness, women who wouldn't otherwise get opportunities to climb up the career ladder.
The WSN Committee supports the Law Society’s work with the Women in Law Pledge, which encourages clear plans and targets around gender equality and diversity for an organisation.
Around two thirds of newly qualified solicitors are women – but women are much less likely than men to stay in the profession. It’s even less likely if you’re a woman of colour.
Changing that narrative and empowering women to come together has been great. The WSN is for everyone – from aspiring women solicitors to retirees. We want to get as many people involved in our events as possible, including our allies.
When I first joined in 2021, I voiced how passionate I was about human rights. I was then picked to speak on behalf of the WSN at a joint event about women’s protection and safety in public spaces from the Law Society and the Institute for African Women in Law, on the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women.
It was incredible to get to talk in that setting about a topic that’s so important to me. And from a personal and professional perspective, it developed my interest for public speaking and advocacy.
Gender equality and the Law Society’s new EDI Strategy
“Women continue to highlight persistent barriers to progression, particularly at senior levels, despite making up 53% of practising solicitors,” says Samantha McLeish, equality, diversity and inclusion (EDI) manager at the Law Society.“Progress is happening, but not fast enough: women hold just 32% of full equity partner roles and take nearly a year longer than men to reach partner. A lack of transparency in promotion pathways continues to unintentionally exclude underrepresented groups. Gender pay gaps persist, and intersectional challenges compound these experiences.”
“The profession isn’t broken – but it was built for a different time, for different people. We are committed to building a more inclusive profession, because when we do, everyone benefits. The Law Society’s new member-facing EDI Strategy (2025 to 2028) is about turning our ambition into action.”
Career pathways
A recent report found that just two in 10 law firm leaders are women. I believe all women should have a supportive work environment that allows them to reach their career goals – including career development plans to reach leadership level.
What’s my message for allies? Have open conversations. Self-reflect and look inwards, too. It’s about understanding and appreciating everybody's nuances, and that they can complement each other. They don't need to divide.
I’ve really pushed for conversations about diversity within our senior management team at Release, the UK's centre of expertise on drugs and drug laws.
Release is a very open-minded organisation that wants to combat racism. But other women in legal leadership may not have as positive an experience as me. It is important that through open conversations we break down barriers that may divide us, and focus on unity instead.
Paying it forward
I have a keen interest in inspiring the next generation into qualifying as social welfare lawyers and exploring leadership opportunities. It’s like passing the torch on. I know that approaching someone senior for advice can be quite daunting if you’re a junior.
Having mentors throughout my career has been incredibly valuable – on so many levels. It’s one of the reasons I myself got into mentoring, supporting university students on their own journeys.
During my training contract, my supervisor, Savita Sukul, used to tell me to believe in myself – and it’s never left me.
More recently, Justice Margaret Obi took me under her wing during her time on the WSN committee. Even since becoming a judge, she has still made time to support my career development. In a short period, she’s helped me see what I need to do to meet my career goals.
Thanks to her encouragement, I’ve been exploring new career challenges and opportunities. She saw I was determined, and told me: “I am looking forward to seeing you step into the power you already have”.
How we’re helping to tackle gender barriers in law
“Under our member facing EDI Strategy, the Law Society has three focus areas, including strengthening diversity in senior leadership and improving workplace cultures,” explains Samantha.
“Our work includes launching taskforces of senior leaders to address progression barriers, conducting hard-hitting research to inform targeted action, and producing best practice guidance for organisations.”
The Women in Law Pledge has increased organisational accountability and secured senior leadership support for signatory organisations, Samantha adds. Signatories are reporting improved gender representation and stronger internal commitments.
We also have a range of resources to help firms and in-house teams address the obstacles facing women solicitors. “We have produced menopause guidance, and gender pay gap guidance to help organisations to build a clearer picture and action plan from their workforce data.
“Our Diversity and Inclusion Framework helps organisations embed long term systematic action, and our Practical Toolkit for Women in Law provides strategies, templates and guidance for women’s progression.
“Our recharge programme also offers returners free monthly online classrooms designed to support solicitors back into law, recognising their untapped potential.”
Samatha’s message for organisations is to work with us to drive meaningful change. “We know that targeted action works. But we can’t do it alone. We want to keep working with law firms, in-house teams, and legal professionals at all levels to build on the progress made and ensure equity, diversity, and inclusion become the foundation of the profession’s future.”
Find out more about the Women Solicitors Network.