Five Nominations for Irwin Mitchell at 2020 Women in Law Awards

National law firm Irwin Mitchell has further underlined its diversity credentials, with five women nominated in the inaugural Women In Law Awards 2020. Winners will be announced at then Bankside, London on 2 June.

The five nominated are Chrissie Wolfe and Michelle Chapman from the Birmingham office, plus Leena Savjani and Samantha Leung from London. Paula Myers, the firm’s national head of Tax, Trusts and Estates in the Leeds office, is up for Woman of the Year.

Launched to honour the achievements of women across all areas of legal practice, the awards intend to frame the discussion on how diversity can be improved. By showcasing forward-thinking initiatives and celebrating achievement, the hope is to establish equality across the profession.

Irwin Mitchell is at the forefront of improving diversity in the legal profession and boasts one of the most inclusive workforces in the UK legal sector. With 65% of lawyers female, the firm ranked number one for lawyer diversity in the 2019 UK200 top 100 survey.

Women make up 30% of the executive board, 44% of partners and 62% of associates, while the firm had the 7th lowest gender pay gap out of 109 law firms in 2018.

Expert Opinion

“Irwin Mitchell has made real advances in improving diversity, so it is welcome to see five colleagues nominated in awards recognising the achievements of women in law.

While large firms tend to employ fewer women, Irwin Mitchell is proof this doesn’t have to be the case. Embracing diversity and promoting on merit, improves client service and remains a key factor in our success. It’s great to start a new decade with more to celebrate on the journey to greater equality and wish Chrissie, Leena, Michelle, Samantha and Paula the very best of luck for the awards in June.” Andrew Tucker - CEO

The news caps an amazing start to 2020 for Irwin Mitchell, with eight colleagues also shortlisted in six categories at the Manchester Legal Awards, due to be announced in March.>