Photo credit: Diana Adams-Fuller

On Monday 6th October 2025, young people from across London, Liverpool and Sussex gathered at Gray’s Inn for The Girls’ Network third annual Women in Law Conference, hosted in partnership with Iona Gallagher of Pump Court, CMS, Coram Law and Gray’s Inn. The day aimed to give girls and young women from across our network a clearer picture of legal careers and help them to see themselves in those roles.

The event opened with breakfast, introductions and a session on the roles of solicitors and barristers, before students tackled a fictional case under the Protection from Harassment Act 1997. They analysed evidence, debated in groups and presented their arguments.

The debate and sentencing tasks were interesting and engaging.

All of the tasks were fun and informative.

I liked how interactive it was. It wasn’t just sitting and listening.

After lunch and a tour of Gray’s Inn - complete with trying on wigs and gowns - students heard from Christina Christodoulou about scholarships and financial support.

It was helpful to hear about scholarships and financial support.

Next came a criminal sentencing task, where participants decided fair outcomes using real legal principles.

The day concluded with a judges’ panel where speakers shared personal journeys into law and the challenges they faced.

I really enjoyed hearing how the judges got to their current positions.

The judges were relatable and open. It’s good to know everyone has a different journey.

Meeting real barristers and judges was so valuable.

I learnt a lot about the different career paths and routes into law.

The event made me feel like I belonged in the law industry.

It was a very insightful and inspiring experience.

Here Dame Justice Maura McGowan who joined us for the event shares why she thinks these events are so important:

To hear more about the tangible difference these events can make for the young women who attend, read ambassador Fateha's blog post here.

---

A huge thank you to our former mentor, Iona Gallagher, for her continued support in making these events possible, and to all the incredible women who attended, along with the firms who supported them to be there. Your time, expertise and encouragement make a lasting difference to the young people in our network.