3PB celebrates 75 years of women silks

4th October 2024

Four women silks - Liz McGrath KCElizabeth McGrath KCCall: 1987Silk: 2014, June Venters KCJune Venters KCCall: 2017Silk: 2006, Vanessa Meachin KCVanessa Meachin KCCall: 1990Silk: 2018 and Lucy Hendry KCLucy Hendry KCCall: 1988Silk: 2021 - from 3PB's 80-strong family law team  yesterday attended the 75th anniversary celebration (see attached photo) of the appointment of the first women silks.

The commemorative event was held at the Royal Courts of Justice and was hosted by three High Court judges, McGowan, Theis and Morgan JJ. The Lady Chief Justice Baroness Carr of Walton-on-the-Hill paid tribute to the trailblazers of the past and sought to mark the ongoing progress in gender equality within the legal profession.

In 1949, Helena Normanton and Rose Heilbron made history as the first women to be appointed to silk. Over the last 75 years, a total of 639 women have followed in their footsteps, furthering the representation of women at the highest levels of the Bar.

Liz McGrath KC, who took silk in 2014 and recently became the first female head of 3PB, expressed her gratitude to those who organised the event and her pride in attending with her fellow silks: “It was a joyful gathering and a pleasure to be part of. We were delighted for June Venters KC, who - as the first female solicitor appointed to silk - was named by the Lady Chief Justice in her address to the illustrious gathering. Many thanks to all who helped to organise the event, which will provide inspiration to other excellent women who have yet to apply. At 3PB we are committed to working practices that facilitate and encourage women to forge ahead with their careers.”

Notes: the photograph credit is Jam Pond Photography.