International Women’s Day 2024 #InspireInclusion
XXIV Old Buildings is dedicated to supporting and encouraging the inclusion and advancement of women in Chambers in all roles.
As part of our commitment to supporting women in the workplace at every stage of their career, we are proud to have a newly created menopause policy in place, and training on the subject available to our members and staff. This year we also became proud signatories of the Equal Representation in Arbitration Pledge.
This International Women’s Day we are taking the opportunity to highlight four women within Chambers who reflect on their career at XXIV Old Buildings, their commentary underscoring Chambers value to #InspireInclusion.
Elspeth Talbot Rice KC – Head of Chambers
Lyndsey de Mestre KC – Barrister, Arbitrator and Mediator
Kathryn Paterson – Chief Operating Officer
#IWD2024 #InspireInclusion
International Women’s Day 2024 #InspireInclusion – Elspeth Talbot Rice KC
Both as head of chambers and personally I am passionate about inclusion: I firmly believe that everyone (of whatever gender, cultural background, sexual orientation or indeed anything else) should feel comfortable and included in every environment in which they find themselves, including in the work place.
I have been fortunate throughout my career not ever to have felt that I was being discriminated against and I am pleased to see an increased, and increasing, awareness of the way in which a thoughtless throw away comment can have an undesirable impact on others.
Being now rather more senior than I ever care to admit, I hope that other women who are starting out in their careers can see from my career that everything which they want to achieve is possible with hard work and determination and a bit of luck. Noone should ever think “I can’t do that because there are no women who have done it” and no-one should ever be made to feel excluded or out of place in any environment.
International Women’s Day 2024 #InspireInclusion – Lyndsey de Mestre KC
The introduction of a menopause[1] policy in Chambers not only clearly signposts internal routes for seeking support or becoming better educated, but also sends out an important message of inclusivity and respect for women[2].
It is, of course, possible to cover some aspects of menopause support (e.g. those which may be addressed through reasonable adjustments, flexible working, respect and tolerance) under the umbrella of other existing policies. But supporting talented women, inspiring inclusion and ensuring that they are in a position to give their best to clients at all stages of their career is a priority at XXIV Old Buildings and as such we have taken the view that a policy specifically tailored to respectful recognition of menopause as a distinct, natural and temporary phase of life, during which women particularly benefit from the ability to communicate openly and without prejudice, aligns most strongly with our values. It shows our explicit commitment to inclusion, signals that members and staff are open to conversations about what is required, and highlights the engagement of Chambers at all levels.
The importance of providing better care for women in the workplace has been brought even further into focus by the Equality and Human Rights Commission’s recent guidelines on menopause in the workplace, published in February 2024, part of a picture of response to the news that one in ten women leave their jobs as a result of menopause symptoms[3]. Our menopause policy reflects the pressing need to address this and retain experienced barristers and employees at the top of their game.
More important than the policy is its nuanced implementation and in that we also recognise that there is no one-size-fits-all approach. Experiences of menopause are wholly individual, with some women severely affected whilst others are not adversely impacted at all, or only in a way which is easily managed. Above all, XXIV Old Buildings seeks to support all women in pursuing their own career arc in the way that works best for them and maintains excellence for our clients. Within that focus on individual experience, the ambition of inspiring inclusion, supporting women to thrive, and of destigmatising discussion and educating colleagues, is one that XXIV Old Buildings actively embraces.
[1] ‘Menopause’ is used in this article as shorthand to cover three distinct phases (perimenopause, menopause and post-menopause).
[2] This article focuses predominantly on women. The impact of menopause also arises for trans, non-binary and gender nonconforming people and may have added complexity. XXIV is inclusive and extends support and flexibility in the workplace and an appreciation that additional complexities may arise to all those impacted by menopause.
[3] Fawcett Society and Channel 4 national survey 2022.
International Women’s Day 2024 #InspireInclusion – Niamh Davis
During my mini-pupillage at XXIV Old Buildings, I received a piece of advice which has stuck with me to this day, “always look at how a chambers treats its female barristers.”
Being a bright-eyed second year undergraduate student at the time, I wasn’t aware of the gender disparity at the Bar and hadn’t considered how such inequality could impact my future career. Throughout my university experience I was encouraged to pursue my ambitions and follow whatever path I set my mind to. The focus was always on working hard and achieving, without an awareness of the potential impact my gender could have on my success.
I kept the advice I had received at the forefront of my mind when attending further mini pupillages and especially when I was applying for pupillage. I wanted to ensure that I joined a Chambers where I felt that I belonged and where I would be treated as a valued and respected member, irrespective of gender.
I became a tenant at XXIV Old Buildings in October 2023 and fortunately, throughout my pupillage and now as a junior barrister, I have felt supported, respected, and encouraged by Chambers. I have never felt that being female has held me back from opportunities or experiences and I am grateful to have so many exceptional female role models at XXIV Old Buildings to work with and learn from.
I am grateful for the advice I received, and I would urge any aspiring barrister to pay attention to how a Chambers seeks to #InspireInclusion. Ultimately, however, I sincerely hope that one day gender, or any other innate characteristic, will not play a role in career decisions at the Bar and such advice will be made redundant.
International Women’s Day 2024 #InspireInclusion – Kathryn Paterson
As we approach IWD I find myself reflecting on the progress we’ve made and the journey that lies ahead, particularly in the legal profession. As the Chief Operating Officer of a commercial Chambers I am proud to be part of an organisation that values and champions the empowerment of women in the legal profession.
From female members of Chambers to dedicated members of the practice management and administration teams, women play pivotal roles at every level and in my role I am lucky to have witnessed first hand the remarkable contributions of these women within our Chambers. However the progression of women in Chambers to the pinnacles of their respective careers #InspireInclusion among all.
XXIV Old Buildings’ commitment to gender equality extends beyond mere words. One thing that stands out to me is the sense of camaraderie and support among women in our workplace. I think we are particularly brilliant at supporting and encouraging each other quite effortlessly.
On a personal level Chambers made every effort to support me throughout my pregnancy and return to work after parental leave. From flexible working arrangements to accommodating colleagues, I have never felt that my career was compromised because of motherhood. This unwavering support not only allowed me to maintain a fulfilling career but also served as a testament to our dedication to fostering an inclusive and supportive work environment for women.
The progress we’ve made wouldn’t have been possible without the collective efforts of all our colleagues, regardless of gender. I am fortunate to work alongside individuals who recognise the importance of diversity and inclusion in driving success. Whether it’s advocating for gender-neutral policies or actively promoting diversity in recruitment and advancement, the members and staff are committed to creating an environment where everyone feels valued and respected.
International Women’s Day reminds us of the progress we’ve made and the work that remains to be done. While we have made significant strides towards gender equality in the legal profession, there’s still much work to be done. Women continue to face barriers and biases, from unequal pay to underrepresentation in leadership positions. As a COO I am committed to advocating for policies and initiatives that promote gender diversity and inclusion within our Chambers and the broader legal community.