Foreword

Introduction

Foreword

AUGUST 2022

I am one of the many of us sweltering in the heatwaves of 2022, and if you are suffering you can read our latest post it aint half hot (legalwomen.org.uk), but that didn’t deter me from an in-person meeting with the next Law Society President, Lubna Shuja. I only had to take the underground, whereas Lubna had travelled from her home in Birmingham, which she does regularly for Law Society business. Lubna is gearing up for her full-time role and looking forward to meeting many more of us in the profession as well as stakeholders. She represents the changing face of the profession by assuming this role and it is wonderful to see this progression from our current exemplary President, Stephanie Boyce. Stephanie is of course our first black President (sixth woman) followed by our first Asian and first Muslim President (seventh woman), both of whom are fantastic, highly visible role models for us all.

Dressing for the heat is a struggle while maintaining a professional look. This edition includes our new section, Smart Working, which here looks at work clothing but in future editions will also include how to perfect your social media photo, increase engagement and other tips on working smarter not harder.

It’s great to see the increasing number of universities and college libraries subscribing to the magazine and I am delighted to introduce more articles aimed at students – on this occasion different legal training systems but LW will also look at study techniques, how to get work experience, mentors and much more.

I want to include articles for all, whatever your career in law and whatever stage you have reached. I have noticed the preponderance of ideas from junior and senior lawyers and so am delighted to publish ‘The Missing Middle’ where Laura Uberoi, a senior associate, suggests how to ensure those in the midst of their careers (and often lives) can stay engaged. Helen Broadbridge’s article also tackles the critical early to mid-career choices on partners, children and work.

There are always developments in law, many of which are beyond the mission of this magazine, but we have made an exception for ‘no-fault divorce’. This has been a long-demanded change and Molly Bellamy discusses how it is linked to the changing perceptions in society of the family unit, marriage and blame when a relationship breaks down. The rules differ between the three UK jurisdictions, and this is a clear example of where important changes can be made by using laws already passed in another legal system.

On Roe v Wade I simply offer the comments from Michelle Obama in our international pages. ■

Coral Hill

Coral Hill

Founder & Editor-in-Chief

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.

Our mission is to:

■ Provide clear information on gender parity

■ Inspire practical initiatives to create real change

■ Promote innovation in leadership and practice