Personal Injury Lawyer Anita Jewitt Recognised By ‘First 100 Years’ Project

A Partner in Irwin Mitchell’s London office, Anita Jewitt, last week (26 October) won the ‘Inspirational Women In Law’ award, an event organised through the  ‘First 100 Years’ project which celebrates the progression of women in law throughout modern history.

The award, launched in 2016, was formed by First 100 Years in the run-up to the 100^th anniversary of the Sex Disqualification (Removal) Act 1919, which first allowed women to enter the legal profession.

Anita, who was promoted to partner at the national law firm just seven years after qualifying as a solicitor and while on maternity leave with her first child, now continues to work full time while raising three young children.

While acknowledging the number of women now entering the legal profession, Anita is keen to see more female representation in senior roles across the industry.   As part of her winning submission Anita said: 

Expert Opinion

“In 2017, we have a significant (and majority) pool of female graduates entering the profession. The trend continues to the point of qualification, with 62% of newly qualified solicitors being women, up from 53% in 2000/2001.

“However, the difference between proportions of men and women represented at partner level in private practice remains substantial: 41.7% of men versus 18.8% of women. Although huge strides have been made, female partner levels remain unacceptably low.

“Ultimately, women can shape the future of the legal industry if they lead by example – being role models, encouraging and supporting their peers, being innovative and pushing boundaries within their firms to act as a catalyst for change.” Anita Jewitt - Partner

As a firm, Irwin Mitchell is committed to promoting issues around gender equality, diversity and inclusion in the workplace. The firm’s internal networking and support group, IM Powered, supports women in their career progression, provides  mentoring and runs regular guest speaker slots to help address these issues.

Alison Eddy, Head of IMPowered and Managing Partner in our London office, nominated Anita for the award, and said:

Expert Opinion

”We’re all exceptionally proud of Anita, who can rightly be seen as a great role model for women at all levels of the legal profession including those aspiring to enter the industry..

“Although there’s always more work to be done, Anita’s fantastic success demonstrates how far we’ve come as a profession in recent decades.

“As a Business, and through IMPowered and Irwin Mitchell’s Diversity Board, we are committed to ensuring that all individuals are recognised for their talents and abilities, regardless of gender, disability, sexual orientation, race or age.” Alison Eddy - Partner

Anita's award-winning submission to First 100 Years can be read in full here.