Staff at Ellis Jones embrace equity for International Women’s Day
A ‘lunch and learn’ session was held by regional law firm Ellis Jones Solicitors to mark International Women’s Day.
The 30 attending and others tuning in online heard from partners Lauren Day, Kate Brooks and Victoria Riddleston.
They spoke about the success of the business whose workforce is 75 per cent women, with 70 per cent of its senior associates female.
Other subjects covered included the history of women in law, and how to achieve equality and equity in the workplace.
The lunch at the company’s Charminster office in Bournemouth proved inspiring and motivational, especially as speakers Kate and Lauren joined as trainees and Victoria is the youngest partner in the business.
Kate, Head of Employment/HR Services, said: “Law is traditionally seen as a male-dominated sector but it is changing and Ellis Jones is at the vanguard of that change.
“Recruiting women and promoting them to partner is proof of our commitment to equality, and International Women’s Day gives us an opportunity to celebrate it.
“The lunch was an opportunity to discuss what International Women’s Day means to us.’’
Lauren Day, Head of Dispute Resolution, added: “Many businesses are finding that increasing their numbers of female staff improves performance.
“Women bring new ideas and often different approaches to problem solving that can make big differences.”
Ellis Jones recognises the importance in balancing work and family life to ensure the wellbeing of its female staff, both inside and outside of work.
This is demonstrated by offering flexible and bespoke working hours both during and after maternity – for example working from home.
Partner Kate Brooks was promoted to Senior Associate in 2016 during her maternity leave after giving birth to her daughter.
Ellis Jones is a proud advocate of women in the workforce, and supports the Wimborne Women in Business group as well as hosting events for women such as the Royal Ascot Ladies Day Lunch.
This month it is proud sponsors of the STEAM challenge, run by the charity Soroptimist International.
Soroptimist International is a worldwide organisation of women who inspire action, transform lives and strive to educate, empower and enable women and girls to achieve their potential.
It is nationally and internationally recognised that there is a shortage of girls choosing science, technology, architecture, engineering and maths (STEAM) subjects.
This event aims to encourage girls to pursue these subjects and overcome barriers.
It is something that Ellis Jones is very passionate about and was why it sponsored the challenge.
The company has also been shortlisted in the Wellbeing category at the tenth annual LexisNexis Legal Awards 2023 for its commitment to its staff.
