An event was organised by Keele’s School of Law recently to celebrate 100 years of women working in the legal profession.

Marking a century since the 1919 Sex Disqualification (Removal) Act, which allowed women in the UK to enter the legal profession for the first time, the ‘Women in the Law: Reflections’ event was hosted at Keele Hall by members of the law school, with a number of guests delivering special addresses.

Celebrating the contributions and influence of women working in the law, the keynote presentation was delivered by Christina Blacklaws, in which she explored the power of gender equality to transform the business of law.

The event was also held to commemorate the achievements of women at Keele’s School of Law itself, with contributions from Professor Fiona Cownie, Principal Fellow of the Higher Education Academy, and Dr Jane Krishnadas, founder of the Community Legal Outreach Collaboration, Keele (CLOCK). Closing remarks from Professor Susan Bruce, Keele’s Institutional Lead for Gender Equality, highlighted Keele’s commitment to advance equality in this area.

Professor Alison Brammer, Head of the School of Law, said: “The evening was organised to mark the centenary of women’s entry to the legal profession.

“However, it was also an opportunity for a broader celebration of the contributions and influence of women in the law within legal professions and academia, and indeed the impact of those contributions for women experiencing the law.

“It was a privilege to be joined by Christina Blacklaws who until recently, and during this centenary year, was President of the Law Society of England and Wales.”