Foreword

Autumn 2023

We shared a love of Scotland – Elizabeth was born there, whilst my parents moved there when I was a teenager. We were both passionate about education of ourselves and others, particularly those whom the system fails. Elizabeth had been a teacher in Surrey (whereas I had taught in Sudan). She was a mother, a solicitor, a historical researcher, publisher of the magazine for the Association of Women Solicitors and an excellent golfer. I even liked her elegant clothes! In summary, she was someone I could admire and relate to; we could meet in Peter Jones for a cup of tea and discuss everyday things as well as writing projects.

I first met Elizabeth when I submitted an article for the LINK magazine she edited and again later she spoke at AWS events about her research into female lawyers. She was painstakingly thorough, having read every single Law Society Gazette since its inception in 1903 (looking for any mentions of women so she could piece together who they were and what they were doing). For female lawyers of my generation, LINK* was a hard copy magazine sent by The Law Society of England and Wales to all those who wanted it. I vividly remember reading it in the middle of the night when my six-month-old son had woken the whole house –a reassuring read about what I might do later in my life. It gave me ideas of how people were juggling things and about other ways I could use my law qualifications and skills. I aspire to continue this in Legal Women

One particular legacy for me which I cherish, was Elizabeth gently suggesting that each of us invite a junior lawyer, as our personal guests to a legal dinner. This is such an elegant way of showing someone they are appreciated and giving them an insight or introductions in an unobtrusive way. As Elizabeth said, ‘What young person doesn’t like a free dinner?!’ ■

Coral Hill Founder & Editor-in-Chief

*LINK was in the pre-digital era but all back copies of LINK are held by the Women's Library and The Law Society of England and Wales Library.

Elizabeth Cruickshank

1944 - 2023

Obituary: Elizabeth Cruickshank | Profile | Law Gazette

Tributes to Elizabeth Cruickshank | Feature - NIR News - UK

Elizabeth Cruickshank - First 100 Years

LW magazine is for everyone; lawyers, solicitors, barristers, advocates, judges, legal executives and those working as paralegals, legal secretaries, advisers or recruiters, the list is endless. We welcome the many male champions as readers and contributors.

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