An all-female leadership team has helped Sinclair Law cement its position as Cheshire’s leading family law practice.
On International Women’s Day the practice – where 12 of 13 solicitors and staff are women – is celebrating some of their achievements while also recognising the challenges facing women in law.
Sinclair Law Director Lucy Hart said: “I think the ladies of Sinclair Law are some of the best solicitors in the area – and they’ve been the key to our success in recent years.
“I would hate for people to think we’re a ‘Girls Club’ in the same way that other firms were seen as ‘Boys Clubs’ in decades past.
“We’ve got a culture of dignity and respect for everyone and I would never dream of excluding a colleague based on their gender.”
Lucy has overseen a period of rapid growth at Wilmslow-based Sinclair Law.
Under her stewardship, the practice has grown its client base, taken on several new solicitors and, through the acquisition of Nicola J Tiernan Solicitors, expanded into Bramhall.
Lucy attributes much of the firm’s success to a caring and compassionate culture.
“I think that being a good lawyer is just as much about understanding a client’s emotional needs as well as their legal needs.
“Having a diverse firm allows us to see things from different perspectives and helps us make better decisions. That’s why I’m incredibly proud of our track record in recruiting, training and mentoring solicitors from lots of different backgrounds.”
Where are law’s female leaders?
Considering the fact that women were only allowed to enter the legal profession for the first time in 1919, a lot has changed in little more than a century.
According to the Law Society, 60% of new entrants into the legal profession are women.
Today, there are actually more practicing female solicitors than there are male, but this same parity doesn’t exist at leadership level.
Law Society figures also show that of approximately 30,000 partners in private practice 72% are men and 28% are women.
Suzanne Moore, Family Solicitor and Partner at Sinclair Law, said: “In the time I have practised law, some of the barriers facing women have come down, but others are still there.
“The main issues are to do with work-life balance. Most mothers are still primary carers and many women see their legal careers stall when they have children.
“Some of the big law firms are hesitant to promote women with families, but this definitely isn’t the case at Sinclair Law.
“Sandra Sinclair is a trailblazer for female solicitors in leadership positions. Before starting Sinclair Law, Sandra led one of the biggest law firms in the area at a time when most big firms were still run by men.
“Sandra was definitely an inspiration to lots of young female lawyers – myself included. Sinclair Law wouldn’t be in the position it is today without her grit and determination.”
What advice would you give to young female law graduate or someone interested in pursing a career in law?
Lucy Hart said: If you’re looking for your first law firm, choose one where you can see there are women in management positions. A lot of firms say they’re interested in equal opportunities, but this will prove it.
Suzanne Moore said: Don’t let yourself be pigeonholed. Women are overrepresented in some areas of law and underrepresented in others – but you shouldn’t let this influence your decision. What’s most important is you choose the are of law that you’re most passionate about.
Sandra Sinclair said: A good mentor can do wonders for your career at an early stage. Don’t be afraid to reach out to someone who inspires you.
Sinclair Law is actively recruiting for a Private Client Solicitor and a Family Law Solicitor. To learn more about the firm and apply, visit: https://www.sinclairlaw.co.uk/careers-at-sinclair-law/