Latest In Talking Law Series Marks 100 Years Of Women In Law

A podcast highlighting the importance of shared parental leave, mentors and career paths is being launched in December ahead of a unique event in Manchester to mark 100 years of women in law.

The podcast by Ros Bever, regional managing partner of Irwin Mitchell in Manchester is part of ‘Talking Law’, a regular series, featuring interviews with senior leaders and influencers in the legal profession. The podcasts cover law, business, wellbeing and career development; Ros went into detail about the vital need for gender equality to be addressed by shared parental leave.

It comes ahead of a Women In The Law UK event at the Manchester office of Irwin Mitchell on 4 December, supporting the next generation of female lawyers and encouraging their career progression.

Chaired by Women In The Law UK founder, Sally Penni, attendees will be able to consult a panel of key women in law, while a networking session will allow women at various career stages to speak with senior women and men in detail about the legal profession.

The podcast and the event are part of several initiatives organised by Irwin Mitchell to mark 100 years of women in law. These included live streaming of the Fiona Woolf lecture in September and the development of a timeline on the progression of women in the firm since 1912.

Sally Penni, founder of Women In The Law and vice chair of the Association of Women Barristers, said, “The feedback we receive about our speakers is hugely positive, so we are looking forward to the 4 December event and the Talking Law series is a great introduction.

“The podcasts allow us to reach a wider audience and provide a lasting library of guidance and advice for men and women to draw on, from the most influential figures in the legal sector.

“As a format that can be accessed anytime, anywhere, the podcasts are a fantastic resource and serve as the perfect introduction to our live events. It’s been a privilege to interview senior figures like Ros for the series and I’m sure people will find the podcast and the event very worthwhile.”

A partner in the firm’s London and Manchester offices, Ros is national head of the Irwin Mitchell Family Law team and was the only divorce lawyer outside London to make The Lawyer’s Hot 100 list in 2016. Ros was also on Citiwealth’s Top 50 Powerwomen list for 2017-18.

Expert Opinion

“For women starting on their legal career, the chance to take and share advice makes a big difference. The Talking Law podcasts allow people to seek advice online and I’m delighted to be taking part in a conversational series offering female lawyers the support they need to reach their potential.

I also thought it was important to address the growing need for parental leave to help balance gender equality in the law and the wider workplace, with many more of our male lawyers taking equal parental leave with their partners.

“It is thanks to these conversations that we have come as far as we have in recent years and as such the podcast and the event are fitting ways to mark 100 years of women in law.” Ros Bever - Partner

Irwin Mitchell boasts one of the most diverse and inclusive workforces in the UK legal sector. Women make up 30% of the executive board, 44% of partners and 62% of associates. The firm had the 7th lowest gender pay gap out of 109 law firms in 2018.

Hosted by Sally Penni, the series is produced by BBC Radio5Live presenter, Sam Walker - Subscribe to the Talking Law series, (available from Apple and Spotify)