About the AWS
Objectives
The AWS aims to be the essential national network helping to promote the
potential and success of each women solicitor at every stage of her career.
The AWS strives to:
- articulate and represent the views of women solicitors;
- promote women’s interests in the profession;
- campaign on issues important to women solicitors; and
- actively oppose discrimination against women solicitors.
How the AWS started
The first woman to become a solicitor, Carrie Morrison, qualified in 1923.
It had taken the passing of the Sex Disqualification (Removal) Act 1919 for
women to be permitted to become solicitors or barristers at all. Initially
the AWS was an informal grouping of young female articled clerks who met
in the early 1920s in vacant classrooms after lectures. 1923 is generally
regarded as being the AWS’s founding year. The Association’s
first public function was the entertaining of a group of American women lawyers
in July 1930 and its first Annual Dinner was held in 1934.
Over 18,000 women solicitors are members of the AWS, which has a strong
network of Regional Groups in different parts of England and Wales.
What the AWS offers women solicitors
- organises CPD-accredited professional events and conferences - past topics
include:
- how to achieve promotion and career progression,
- judicial appointment,
- soft skills,
- pro bono,
- management in the law;
- changing career path or specialism,
- flexible working,
events are followed by a drinks reception which provides a good opportunity
to network and build up contacts,
- operates a mentoring scheme to assist women solicitors with career development;
- runs a maternity helpline;
- runs a week-long Returners Course every year at Lucy Cavendish College,
Cambridge for men and women seeking to return to the profession after a
career break;
- publishes the quarterly magazine LINK with a readership of circa 30,000;
- is involved in publications geared to helping women in the legal profession
such as the following written by past AWS Chairwomen:
- Women in the Law: Strategic Career Management by Elizabeth
Cruickshank; and
- Sisters in Law: Career Choices for Nigerian Women Lawyers
by Boma Ozobia and Elizabeth Cruickshank;
- responds to consultation papers on behalf of women solicitors;
- has a seat on the Law Society Council to champion the cause of women
in the profession;
- represents women solicitors at working parties and at national and international
conferences;
- works closely with other professional groups and women’s organisations;
- deals with the press on issues relevant to women in the law;
- has an archives project to record the history and experiences of women
in the profession; and
- the AWS Regional Groups have a full programme of CPD events and social
activities including lunches, balls, wine tasting evenings, theatre trips,
spa days and other outings.
AWS National membership is free although reasonable charges may be made
for events.
Men are most welcome at our CPD seminars/conferences and at our social events.
