On 1st March 2018, members of chambers attended the launch of ‘Women in Criminal Law’ (WICL) at The Law Society. 5SAH are proud to be a founding sponsor of this organisation.

The sold-out evening was well attended despite the snow, the dress code having been extended to include snow shoes, thermals and scarfs. Women and men working in all areas of criminal law, from paralegals to Judges, were there to support the unveiling of this new organisation in a year that celebrates some women achieving the right to vote 100 years ago.

A whole host of inspirational female speakers had been lined up for the event, with addresses from:

  • Katy Thorne QC: Founder, Women in Criminal Law
  • The Rt Hon. Lady Justice Heather Hallett: Patron  
  • Alison Saunders: Director of Public Prosecutions
  • Angela Rafferty QC: Chair, CBA
  • Christina Blacklaws: Vice President, The Law Society

Speaking in this centenary year, the addresses contained supportive messages, empowering stories and advice.

Overall the theme was clear, that this is an organisation to support, encourage and celebrate female achievement in criminal law.

As the founder of this initiative Katy Thorne QC put it:

"Behind every successful woman is another whole load of other successful women."

5SAH is thrilled to be a founding sponsor of WICL.  5SAH believes in supporting and promoting women at the Criminal Bar and those involved in all avenues of the Criminal Justice System.  5SAH is an advocate of promoting equality and diversity across the professional and wider.

Click here to view the Times article following the launch event last week, 1 March 2018.