Erin Sawyer’s Two-Year Term A Job Share, In Step Forwards For Flexible Working

An Irwin Mitchell Family Law partner has been appointed the prestigious role of co-president of the Bristol Law Society, in a new move for the organisation.

Bristol-based Family Law partner Erin Sawyer, who was previously senior vice president of the Bristol Law Society, is a specialist in a wide range of family law areas including high-net-worth and complex financial divorce matters and cohabitation issues. She was promoted to partner at Irwin Mitchell in 2021.

Erin, who is going on maternity leave at the start of 2022, will share the presidency for two years with new father Edward Thompson, a property litigator based in the South West region.

This is the first time the Bristol Law Society has appointed two co-presidents, in a big step towards committing to more flexibility for its members and senior leadership team. The move makes a statement that new parents are supported and at the forefront of the organisation.

Expert Opinion

“I’m absolutely thrilled to have been appointed co-president of the Bristol Law Society with Edward, someone I respect very much as a lawyer and as a contributor to the Bristol legal community

“Edward and I are both going to be new parents by the start of next year, so putting a co-presidency in place was the obvious step forward that allows us to achieve professional and personal milestones with the support of our Council members.

“It’s great to be a part of a progressive and modern organisation that allows for new parents to progress their careers, something Irwin Mitchell has already committed to with its flexible working policy.

“Our combined leadership will also allow enhanced collaboration so we can best make sure the Bristol Law Society is at the top of its game for the benefit of the South West legal sector and its clients.

“I’m looking forward to getting started and hope our two-year tenure inspires other companies and organisations to find new ways to encourage and support new parent colleagues in their professional endeavours.” Erin Sawyer - Partner