Lucy Scott-Moncrieff charts the rise of female lawyers
There was a time, not all too long ago, when women could not be lawyers. Societal attitudes forbade it, as did the legal establishment. Women were even told in the Court of Appeal that they were not “persons” within the meaning of the Solicitors Act, which regulated access to the profession.
Almost a century ago
Ninety-nine years have now passed since this court ruling that epitomises discrimination and bias against women lawyers. Luckily, it did not take long for times to change.
In 1919, the Sex Disqualification Act forbade discrimination based on gender and allowed women to be admitted as solicitors. 1922 saw the first four women pass the Law Society examinations. To determine who should go down in history as the first woman solicitor, the four raced along Chancery Lane.
The race of women to enter law has continued to this day. Women are now entering the profession in record numbers, with over 60% of new traineeships going to women.
Women account for nearly half of solicitors in practice. Although the whole profession has grown,
