INTERVIEW
Women in leadership: in numbers
transparent,” she says. “It’s a big step – not just professionally but personally too. You become a business owner, not just a lawyer. It’s exhilarating, but it can be scary if you’re not ready.” For those women who do become partners, she speaks warmly of the support network among her peers. “There’s solidarity. On the bad days, you need someone who just gets it – who can say, ‘I feel that too’, and remind you that it’s okay to wobble.” Industry-wide impact While Baker is proud of Birketts’ progress towards gender parity, she’s under no illusion that the job is done. Nationally, the Solicitors Regulation Authority reports that women made up 62% of solicitors in 2023, yet only 32% of full-equity partners across UK law firms were female. At Birketts, the upward trend is outpacing the industry – but the firm isn’t complacent about its achievements. Not least because it’s good for business. “If you look at our client base now, we are dealing with senior women at other firms,” she points out. “They want to see the equivalent of themselves. If they’re asking a law firm to pitch for a job and they see a group of people that don’t look like their own senior leadership team, they won’t think the firm is progressive.” She also believes a culture of openness, respect and sustainability makes Birketts more attractive to future talent. “Applicants now ask about diversity, sustainability and governance. They’re not just looking for salary or prestige – they want values alignment. “I always say to anyone who’s qualifying as a lawyer; get to know your firm’s culture.
Don’t stay if that isn’t right – particularly if you have your eye on becoming a partner. Figure out where you want to be a partner and make sure their values align with yours.” Building a legacy As Baker reflects on her own role, she’s motivated not just by present impact but future legacy. “This isn’t about Birketts,” she says. “It’s about my daughters. I want to demonstrate that they can achieve anything they set their minds to. By excelling in my career and advocating for greater female representation in law, I hope to pave the way for them and other young women to follow their dreams with confidence and determination. It’s about creating a legacy of empowerment and equality that will benefit not only my daughters, but future generations of women in the legal profession and beyond.” As she looks ahead, she sees reason for optimism. “The workplace has changed dramatically since I qualified. Hybrid working, shared parental leave, flexible hours – it’s all transformed what’s possible.” But it’s the mindset shift that excites her most. “The women who are coming through now – they don’t wait to be invited to the table. They speak up. They pivot. They design careers that fit them and their needs, not the other way around. “Having more women in leadership positions within the legal profession helps to challenge and change the systemic barriers that have historically limited women’s advancement. It creates a more inclusive and equitable environment where talent and hard work are recognised and rewarded, regardless of gender.”
of Birketts’ partners are female 42%
FTSE 350 women leaders:
35.3%
Sources: sra.org.uk, birketts.co.uk, gov.uk
10 | BUSINESS EDITION | ISSUE 1
Powered by FlippingBook