On International Women’s Day this year, a group of lawyers from the regions solicitors’ firms and barristers’ chambers, along with professionals from allied industries gathered to celebrate. This year’s theme being “embrace equity”. It was the launch of “Legally Flushed” the brainchild of Imogen Robins a barrister at Pump Court Chambers. The event was held in the beautiful environs of Winchester Cathedral, hosted by Pump Court and its senior clerk, Tony Atkins, supported by his team.

The speakers included Danielle Taylor an associate at Paris Smith and Jennifer Williamson a partner at Blake Morgan, who shared their insights into the legal profession. Joy Ogeh-Hutfield, of JTIL Academy, a transformation and leadership coach gave a motivational speech to inspire all to keep going, in what can be a tough profession.

The aim of Legally Flushed is to connect women working in the legal industry to ensure they lead happy and productive lives, but also have the rewards that flow from working in law. Progress is being made to equity, but it has been painfully slow at times. For example, recent reports by the Bar Standards Board and Chancery Bar Association show that there are “shocking discrepancies” and that female barristers are “likely to earn less than male barristers”.

Legally Flushed hopes to connect women to share best practice to find innovative ways to ensure that women have a fair chance to reach equity partnership and the top of the barristers’ profession and judiciary.

There is much to be done, in terms of ensuring adequate childcare so that women may enjoy a profitable and rewarding career. Many women still undertake the bulk of the childcare and inadequate provision in the early years can be a barrier to progression.

It was encouraging that so many from diverse backgrounds attended the event, both men and women of varying ages and stages in the profession. Imogen hopes that by providing connection and resources, the next generation of women lawyers can thrive and prosper in what is a very rewarding career. As the saying goes, when women come together to support one another magic happens. If you would like to know more about Legally Flushed, please contact Imogen Robins at Pump Court Chambers.

The launch of Legally Flushed has been covered by the Hampshire Chronicle.