Q&A with the Women of Rix & Kay – Sarah Rebello
- Making law easy for you -
Rix & Kay proudly celebrates International Women’s Day (8 March 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.
To gain insight into gender equality in the legal industry, we spoke with Sarah Rebello, a Solicitor at Rix & Kay. She shares her thoughts on International Women’s Day, her experiences as a woman in law, and the key changes needed to drive progress in the profession.
Q&A with Sarah Rebello: Breaking Barriers in Law
Sarah is a member of our Dispute Resolution team. Previously a nursery assistant, Sarah embarked on a career change when her son turned 11 years old. After completing an Access course, she graduated with a degree in Law from the University of Sussex, which involved studying for a year abroad at Maastricht University in the Netherlands.
In total it took me 9 years to qualify but it was the best decision I made and I love working in the law. I did a study year abroad in the Netherlands and elected to do a module on Women’s Human Rights. My final project on my Access Course we specifically in relation to Women’s Human Rights so it has always been an area that I have wanted to learn more about and the challenges specifically faced by women. I also had a paper published on my year aboard which was a very proud moment.
What does IWD mean to you?
It is so important to remember to take time to celebrate and support women and recognise their achievements. By supporting colleagues we empower women and can foster an environment that challenges bias and stereotypes.
Since you started in the legal field, have you noticed any significant changes in how women are perceived or treated in the workplace? Are there areas that still need significant improvement?
I have certainly seen a shift in more women in the profession and especially in leadership roles. I have seen women appointed as Directors and many female head of departments. I have been incredibly inspired by the women that I have met and also those I have seen progress.
The legal sector is still heavily male dominated – How do you think women can succeed in a male dominated environment?
From my personal experience having women in leadership roles that support development of other women is essential. I am a firm believer in you can’t be what you can’t see. On the other hand, it is also important to have men who support women to achieve progression also. Having a mentor or someone you can speak to about progression is vital and making sure that you put yourself out there and try to take on responsibilities and new challenges.
#AccelerateAction is the theme for this year’s International Women’s Day. How do you think we, can contribute to accelerating gender equality in the workplace?
Making women visible and ensuring they have the same opportunities as men to progress and develop their careers. Challenging stereotypes and attitudes is also fundamental to changing the landscape in which women are working. Firms need to have Policies in place to support womens progression and it is not seen as a tick box exercise but it is implemented to foster real change.
What advice would you give to young women entering the legal profession today? How can they prepare for and navigate potential challenges?
Don’t be afraid of speaking up. I think there are still lots of barriers and assumptions made about women, especially successful women in influential roles. Ask for assistance or advice from those with experience.
How do you balance the demands of your career with your personal life, and what can law firms do to better support women in achieving this balance?
I am very lucky that I have a very good work life balance as I do not have any particular personal responsibilities at this time outside of work that I need to regularly attend to. I am in awe of female colleagues that balance work with children and caring responsibilities.
What would you change about the assumptions made by men of women?
I still think there are stereotypes that persist and one I have personally heard and experienced before my career in the law is in regards to women’s greater obligation for caring responsibilities. I have also heard comments about women being too emotional! I think these are two quite limiting assumptions and appear to perpetuate despite many women debunking these myths.
What can men do to help to achieve equality?
Men in Leadership roles could mentor junior members of staff and model behaviors that challenge attitudes and more importantly speak up when they witness unacceptable comments or attitudes.
Sarah Rebello will be part of Herstory IV, joining this year’s powerhouse panel to offer her legal expertise & insights as a woman in law alongside some of the region’s most inspiring businesswomen.
