Celebrating 75 Years of Women in Law: Reflections and Future Challenges

A piece by WiFL founder Hannah Markham KC
On Monday, 30th September, the eve of the new legal year, the Royal Courts of Justice in London hosted a gathering like no other. In the grand entrance hall, over 350 women came together to celebrate a significant milestone: 75 years since the first woman was appointed to His Majesty’s Council.

Since then, numerous women have joined the ranks, receiving letters patent from His and later Her Majesty, until 2022 when we all once again became King’s Counsel (KC).

The Power of Connection

The noise in the room was electric—a beautiful hum of women reconnecting with old friends, mentors, colleagues, and, for some, meeting for the first time in person after knowing each other only by reputation. One tradition stood out: the ‘list.’ This remarkable creation by Eleanor Platt KC features every woman appointed as a silk, listed by seniority. Every year, Eleanor updates the list and sends it to newly appointed barristers, welcoming them to this prestigious group.

Personally, receiving that list was a moment of awe—seeing the ranks I had joined, and receiving letters of congratulations from eminent silks such as Cherie Booth KC and Mrs Justice Cheema-Grubb. Their kind words were a reminder of the dedication and sacrifices involved in earning that appointment, especially as a mother balancing family life with the demands of the profession.

Reflecting on the Journey and Paying it Forward

The evening reached its pinnacle when the first Lady Chief Judge addressed us all, a fitting tribute to the progress women have made in law. But the celebration didn’t end there. The next day, I attended an event at 3 Paper Buildings hosted by the brilliant Vanessa Meachin KC under the banner of Women in Family Law. Here, I met younger women at the start of their careers, reminding me of the importance of those who have “made it” supporting those who are just beginning their journey.

The event shifted focus to an urgent and often overlooked issue: coercive control. Led by expert Martin Lakeman, the discussion was a sobering reminder of how much more we need to learn about supporting victims of abuse—whether they are men or women—and ensuring that the legal profession doesn’t inadvertently re-victimise them through ill-informed judgments, orders, or statements.

Progress and Possibilities

The evening highlighted a powerful contrast: 75 years of progress for women in law, but a continuing struggle to understand and address the deep-seated issues of control, abuse, and violence that pervade so many lives.

While there is much work still to be done, it’s vital to relish the victories we’ve achieved and embrace the possibilities ahead. Long may we continue to listen, learn, and lead the way in making the legal profession—and society as a whole—better for all.

An extraordinary evening at the Royal Courts of Justice to celebrate 75 years of women silks (King’s Counsel). The Lady Chief Justice Baroness Carr congratulated over 350 women KCs from the most senior #16 HHJ Shirley Anwyl KC to the most recently appointed #641 Clea Topolski KC. pic.twitter.com/Som3D9cNpH

— The Bar Council (@thebarcouncil) September 30, 2024

Post by Hannah Markham, KC. and founder of Women in Family Law. Learn more about Women in Family Law membership here.