First woman solicitor honoured by the Law Society

Posted on30 June 2020

The first woman admitted to the solicitors’ roll – nearly 100 years ago - is to have a room renamed in her honour at the Law Society’s historic HQ in Chancery Lane.

The room, currently known as the Old Bookshop, will bear the trailblazing solicitor’s name – Carrie Morrison.

Law Society of England and Wales president Simon Davis said: “I am delighted that our governing council have given Carrie Morrison’s name to one of the most prominent rooms at 113 Chancery Lane as a way to celebrate her achievements.

“In 1922, following the Sex Disqualification (Removal) Act 1919, Carrie Morrison, along with Mary Pickup, Mary Sykes and Maud Crofts, were finally able to qualify and while the journey to gender equality is still a significant challenge, particularly in leadership positions, the talent and persistence of these remarkable women paved the way for the many talented solicitors that have followed.”

The position has changed dramatically since 1922.In the year to 31 July 2019, 63.1% of new admissions were women.

Posted: 29 June 2020

Burges Salmon has been an enthusiastic supporter of BLS for many years. BLS provides a valuable role in uniting and promoting the whole of the legal sector across Bristol to benefit both its members and the city. It facilitates collaboration across the sector to ensure that we can all make a difference. Whether that is driving important initiatives in, for example, Equality, Diversity and Inclusion and the use of new technologies, liaising with stakeholders and charities in our wider community or providing training to generations of lawyers, the service and support provided by BLS is invaluable. More recently BLS has taken a lead on promoting Bristol’s legal brand, encouraging legal and business services talent to come to the city, which in turn attracts clients and inward investment to our thriving and vibrant commercial community. BLS breaks down barriers and brings those in the profession together for the greater good. We are proud of our long-standing association with BLS.
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Matthew Baker - Financial Lines Group, Howden Insurance Brokers Ltd
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Nicholas Lee- Managing Director of Paragon Costs Solutions and Past President of BLS