HOMS Assist Celebrates Women in Law on International Women’s Day 2023
International Women’s Day (IWD) 2023 takes place on 8 March, celebrating “the social, economic, cultural, and political achievements of women”. The theme of this year’s IWD is #EmbraceEquity, “to get the world talking about why equal opportunities aren't enough. People start from different places, so true inclusion and belonging require equitable action”. First celebrated in 1911, the gathering has become global with events taking place in communities all over the world — from Dublin to Dubai and beyond.
Marking 100 Years of Women in Law
This year is extra special to the legal community, as it also marks the centenary of the first admission of women to the Roll of Solicitors. Among them was County Down-born Mary Dorothea Heron whose name appeared on the roll on 17 April 1923. Another early pioneer in the field was Dubliner Helena Mary Early, who became the first woman to apply for a solicitor practising certificate in the newly formed Saorstát Éireann.
Since then, women have risen through the ranks to become not only solicitors, but also barristers, professors, judges, Law Society presidents and ministers of justice. What’s even more remarkable is that in just 100 short years, women solicitors have grown to outnumber their male counterparts, now making up 53% of the profession in Ireland.
Recognising Trailblazers in Our Profession
The Law Society of Ireland is hosting a special event to celebrate the occasion and highlight the “importance of representation for the trailblazers in our profession, past, present and future”. Although advance registration is required, the event is free of charge and open to all Law Society members, trainees and stakeholders.
The event details are:
- Theme: ‘Reflecting on the past 100 years, navigating the next 100’.
- Date: Wednesday 8 March 2023
- Time: 6-8pm
- Venue: Law Society of Ireland, Blackhall Place, Dublin 7
Organised in collaboration with the Irish Women Lawyers Association, the event will feature a number of well-known speakers, including:
- Maura Derivan, President of the Law Society of Ireland
- Aoife McNicholl, Chair of the Irish Women Lawyers Association
- The Hon. Ms. Justice Eileen Roberts, High Court Judge
- Michele O'Boyle, past President of the Law Society
- Jade Bakare, Real Estate Associate at Dentons and Law Society Law School Ambassador
Celebrating the Past and Championing the Future
At HOMS Assist, we share in this passion for celebrating past achievements while championing future endeavours. On 8 March, we’ll be holding International Women’s Day events for our teams throughout our offices in Dublin, Limerick and Cork. In the evening, a number of our solicitors will travel to Blackhall Place to attend the Law Society’s exciting event.
This is just the latest in decades of efforts to recognise and promote change and equality in our profession. HOMS Assist is a signatory of the Law Society of Ireland’s Gender Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Charter and is proud to have many of Ireland’s leading solicitors — male and female — on our staff. Equality benefits everyone, especially our diverse clients, who can be sure of expert advice, valuable experience and a helpful ear when they need it most.
If you have any legal needs you’d like to discuss with a member of our team, call us today on 1800 207 207 or contact us online.