Rix & Kay Celebrates International Women’s Day 2025

International Women’s Day (IWD) is celebrated annually on 8 March as a global movement toward a gender-equal world, free from bias, stereotypes, and discrimination. Sponsored by the UN since 1975, IWD highlights the need for meaningful action to drive progress

For 2025, the theme of International Women’s Day is #AccelerateAction, which calls for urgent and decisive steps to achieve gender equality. At the current rate of progress, full gender parity won’t be reached until 2158 — a staggering five generations from now — according to the World Economic Forum. This stark reality underscores the importance of removing systemic barriers and biases that women continue to face, both in personal and professional spheres.

This is no different within the Law industry. Below are some key statistics which show that progress is needed within the legal space:

Women in Law: Progress and Challenges

The Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA) recently updated its diversity report, revealing both advancements and persistent challenges in the legal industry:

• The proportion of women in law firms has increased from 48% in 2015 to 53% in 2023.
• The seniority gap has narrowed slightly, but disparities remain:
  • 32% of full-equity partners (the most senior roles) are women.
  • 47% of salaried partners are women.
  • 62% of solicitors are women.

The Seniority Gap and Firm Size Disparities

Women remain underrepresented in leadership positions, particularly in larger law firms (50+ partners), where:

• Only 34% of all partners are women.
• Only 28% of full-equity partners are women.

These figures highlight the ongoing need for firms to actively support and promote women into senior roles, ensuring they have equal opportunities for career advancement.

At Rix & Kay, women make up 75% of our workforce, with over half of our department leadership team being women. The firm has always recognised that a diverse and inclusive workplace drives innovation and creates a supportive environment for all colleagues.

As we approach International Women’s Day, we’ll be sharing stories from some of Rix & Kay’s female colleagues, about their journeys into law, what International Women’s Day means to them, and their perspectives on advancing gender equality. We also spoke with some of Rix & Kay’s male colleagues to hear their thoughts on the significance of the day and how they believe men can help accelerate gender equality.

Read insights from Rix & Kay People

Rebecca Jones, Partner in the Family law team

Faye Iqbal, Trainee Solicitor in the Corporate team

Emma Walker-D’Cruze, Solicitor in the Residential Property team

Jordan Ismail, Trainee Solicitor, & Charles Hinks, Conveyancing Assistant

Kathryn Paisley, Rix & Kay Equity Partner

Angela Arnold, Partner and Head of the Residential Property team

Janet Raeburn, Partner and Head of the Family law team

Sarah Rebello, Solicitor in the Dispute Resolution team