In the ‘old judges’ dining room’ at Sessions House, once the UK’s largest courthouse, Her Counsel London brought together women from across the legal profession for an evening of conversation, connection, and reflection. It was a chance to step away from day-to-day pressures and spend time with peers navigating similar questions of leadership, ambition, and change.
Leadership, community, and self-trust
The evening was anchored by a keynote from Laurie-Anne Power KC, a leading human-rights barrister known for her work holding the state to account in some of the UK’s most complex and sensitive inquests. Laurie-Anne spoke about coming to the bar as a black woman and single mum, and the role community has played in shaping her career.
She reflected on the people who supported her, challenged her thinking, and helped her progress, and on the importance of trusting yourself along the way. Backing your judgement, your voice, and your instincts. Leadership, she suggested, is shaped by those around you, but sustained by confidence in your own path.
Why it matters now
Her Counsel was created to carve out intentional space for women to come together across all areas of law and at every stage of their careers.
In the UK, women now account for around 53% of solicitors and 40% of barristers, yet they remain significantly underrepresented in senior leadership roles, only making up between 20 -25%. This pattern is reflected globally: women enter the profession in comparable numbers, but are still less visible at the highest levels of influence.
Progress is real, but representation alone is not enough. Turning presence into leadership requires time, support, and spaces designed for honest exchange.
What comes next
Through Her Counsel, we bring women in law together to share perspectives, exchange insight, and strengthen the connections that underpin leadership in practice.
London marks the next chapter in a series that began in Stockholm, New York, and Madrid, with further events planned throughout 2026.
If you’d like to be part of the conversation we’re building, register your interest below.
