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INNER TEMPLE
The Temple Women’s Forum
Master Deborah Taylor reviews the aims and work of the Temple Women’s Forum.
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n 2011, the Temple Women’s Forum was founded by Middle Temple to encourage and support women throughout their careers, so as to increase retention within the profession. Master Hallett gave the inaugural speech to a full Middle Temple Hall in March 2012, endorsing the need for role models and encouragement which had not been available to her and others at the Criminal Bar. The event was so well received that it was followed in October 2012 by a similarly successful evening when Master Gloster spoke of her experience at the Commercial Bar. In April 2013, Frances Oldham QC’s subject was life for women practitioners at the publicly-funded Bar, and Master Sumption spoke about judicial diversity. It was clear that Inner Temple, having provided such distinguished speakers, should become involved. And so we did. For the last two years I have co-chaired the forum with Rachel Langdale QC of Middle Temple. The Inn, and in particular Henrietta Amodio, has provided unstinting support and flawless organisation. There have been two main events and a number of workshops. Although aimed at women practitioners, men are certainly not excluded. At the April forum this year, two male barristers independently told me that it was the best career development event they had
attended. One said “men would not be so generous and honest”. Harsh, perhaps, but it has undoubtedly been the candid contributions and quality of the range of speakers and panellists taking part which have made these events successful. In 2014, at the Crossing Boundaries forum, we heard from those who had taken paths away from the Bar. Mrs Justice Vivien Rose spoke of her experiences of leaving the Bar for the Government Legal Service, advising in increasingly complex areas of law, and then returning to the Bench in the Chancery Division via the Competition Tribunal. A varied panel from outside the Bar included Nicky Oppenheimer, a legal headhunter and Margaret Caseley-Hayford, previously a planning barrister, solicitor and then head of legal at John Lewis plc. All had practical and encouraging advice for those who either wanted to, or were compelled by circumstance to leave the Bar, leaving open the possibility of return or later judicial appointment. Last year’s workshop on Taking Silk had not only a panel of recently appointed women silks who talked with great honesty and generosity about their own experiences, but helpful advice from Lord Carlile from QC Appointments and a psychologist who encouraged women to be more confident and apply, like men, when 60% sure
Left to right: The Rt Hon The Baroness Hale of Richmond. Master Taylor and Master Foster with The Rt Hon The Lord Thomas of Cwmgiedd. Rachel Langdale QC
THE TEMPLE WOMEN'S FORUM INNER TEMPLE YEARBOOK 2015–2016
“ …it has undoubtedly been the candid contributions and quality of the range of speakers and panellists taking part which have made these events successful.” of success, rather than 90%, as research shows women do. At this year’s April forum A Survivor’s Guide to Staying at the Bar, the Lord Chief Justice, Lord Thomas, spoke about improving diversity at the Bar and in the Judiciary, before a distinguished panel of women barristers from different areas of practice. They provided invaluable advice on coping with the ups and downs of a long career, in some cases balancing illness and family problems. The forum continues to innovate. The Temple North Women’s Forum was set up in 2013 in Leeds by Dr Iyiola Solanke, Academic Fellow of the Inn. On 8 June, we held the first Cross-Profession Networking Party, when over 400 women solicitors, academics, barristers and judges met in the Inner Temple Garden, providing a unique opportunity for women in all areas of the law to meet. Baroness Hale gave a
typically uplifting welcome before the rain came. Undeterred, and thanks to the smoothest of transfers by the Inn’s staff, the party continued in the Hall. It was so successful that it will be repeated next year, rain or shine. Preferably shine. In addition, next year’s spring forum will provide practical advice about problems currently affecting retention and progression, such as self-confidence, cash flow, harassment and discrimination. Economics plays a significant part in the exodus of women, and cuts in fees at the publicly funded Bar impact on the high percentage of women practising in these areas. It may not be possible to alter economic realities, but the aim of the Temple Women’s Forum is to provide advice and support on how to deal with them… and another party. Come to both in pursuit of work-life balance.
Master Taylor
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