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18 May 2022
Categories: Legal News , Profession , Diversity
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Judiciary celebrates 100 years of women at the Bar

Royal Courts of Justice to display The First 100 years exhibition

A new exhibition created by charity The First 100 Years is currently on display at the Royal Courts of Justice in London.

The Ivy Williams Centenary Exhibit, which can be found in the Main Hall, features judges and other women pioneers in the legal profession from the past 100 years.

In 1922, at the age of 42, Ivy Williams was the first woman called to the bar. Williams went on to have an impressive academic career in law and she is still viewed as an inspiration to this day.

Speaking at an event to launch the exhibition, Lord Burnett Maldon, the Lord Chief Justice said: 'I am pleased to be able to mark this important centenary. Ivy Williams was the first in a long line of distinguished women to be called to the Bar and she opened the door for those women who came after her. Many of them who went on to become judges are recognised in this exhibition.'

The First 100 Years founder Dana Denis-Smith said: 'It has been a privilege to rediscover and share the stories of trailblazing women in law.

'I hope all those who pass through this important building will learn more about the contribution of women to the legal profession—history teaches us a lot about obstacles but also where opportunities can be found'.

The exhibition will also be displayed in courts around the country, starting in Oxford where Ivy Williams lived and studied.

Categories: Legal News , Profession , Diversity
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