We’re clearing barriers to women joining the Bar

EARLIER this month, the Faculty of Advocates marked the 115th anniversary of International Women’s Day (IWD) – and took time to reflect on the progress women have made and the inequalities that persist. This year’s UN theme, “Rights. Justice. Action. For all women and girls”, resonated deeply within the legal community. Around the world, events highlighted the ongoing challenges women face while celebrating their achievements.

Faculty members joined colleagues from across the legal profession to hear an address by the Lord Advocate, the Rt Hon Dorothy Bain KC, to mark IWD.

Her speech was powerful and direct – noting the progress made in the judicial system and society to address violence against women and girls but underlining that much still needs to be done.

She expressed her hope that the recent landmark conviction of a man for culpable homicide following his wife’s suicide will deepen the understanding of domestic abuse in Scotland.

Since her appointment in 2021, Dorothy Bain has demonstrated remarkable, principled leadership and a commitment to public service – advising the Scottish government on complex constitutional issues, appearing before the UK Supreme Court, and championing reform in areas including sexual offences, victims’ rights and drug policy. Her example continues to inspire many at the Bar.

Faculty’s commitment to diversity and widening access to the Bar is reflected in the return of our annual Women at the Scottish Bar Careers Clinic. The clinic gives women considering a career as an Advocate an opportunity to speak confidentially with a female member at Faculty.

These conversations explore routes to the Bar, working life, the realities of practice, and the support available to them. Held virtually and outwith working hours, the clinic ensures accessibility for all who wish to attend. I am delighted it is returning this year – not only because it supports aspiring female Advocates, but because it allows us to learn from those keen to join our ranks to better understand what more Faculty can do to promote genuine inclusion.

However, our efforts extend well beyond this initiative. Applications will soon open again for Faculty’s scholarship programmes, which recognise excellence and commitment to the justice system. The programmes mitigate the financial barriers to joining the Scottish Bar and play a crucial role in supporting “devils” in their nine-month training period.

One of our programmes, the Lord Hope Scholarships, has a particular focus on those in financial need or from under-represented groups. We have seen steady growth in the number of women applying for these scholarships and embarking on the training required to become Advocates.

While we should acknowledge progress, we cannot ignore the reality that gender parity at the Bar remains some way off. Parity in the number of female devils – and, importantly, sustained support for them once in practice – remains a priority. Our active Equality and Diversity Committee pursues several initiatives in this regard, and we are committed to a fair instruction policy.

Our justice system is at its strongest when everyone with the talent and ambition to serve is able to do so. Ensuring women are fully represented, supported and empowered is not simply desirable; it is essential to the integrity of our profession and the fairness of our society.

This piece first appeared in The Scotsman.