NSC celebrates IWD 2024 and Women’s History Month

March 8, 2024 | News

Chambers celebrates the achievements of women worldwide today, as we commemorate International Women’s Day on Friday 8 March, marking the beginning of Women’s History Month.

We reflect on another strong year at New Square Chambers, reaffirming our commitment to cultivating an inclusive culture that champions Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) principles in all aspects of our work. We extend our gratitude to our dedicated members of Chambers, as well as our diligent clerking team and staff, for their ongoing contributions.

NSC x IWD 2024 Podcast

In a special podcast episode for International Women’s Day 2024, Millie Rai and pupil barrister Chloe Rixon shine a light on the challenges and triumphs experienced by women at the commercial chancery Bar.

Listen to the podcast here

Article: Inclusivity in Practice

Millie was also featured in Counsel Magazine for IWD 2024: Inclusivity in Practice, where she shares insights into her experience as a young female barrister and offers perspectives on fostering inclusivity within the legal profession.

Read the article here

DEI Initiatives & Recognition

In recent years, we have developed and implemented numerous diversity and inclusion initiatives, including an annual gender and race pay gap review, an enhanced parental and long-term leave policy, social mobility mini-pupillage, and our Stephen Lawrence Day and disability awareness essay competitions. New Square Chambers have demonstrated a sincere and substantiated commitment to addressing diversity and inclusion issues.

Jessica Powers has played a key role in spearheading our DEI initiatives, leading to multiple nominations and awards. Most recently we have been named finalists in this year’s Legal 500 ESG UK Awards, earning recognition in the ‘Governance: Initiative/Team of the Year’ category. Late last year, Jessica was awarded in the ‘Diversity & Inclusion: Future Leader’ category at Chambers UK Bar Awards, with New Square Chambers also named as finalist in the ‘Diversity & Inclusion: Outstanding Set’ category. Additionally, Jessica was recognised as ‘Barrister of the Year’ at the Inspirational Women in Law Awards. Furthermore, we were honoured to receive the ‘ESG Programme of the Year’ award at the Legal Business Awards 2023.

See more about our recognition and awards here

Through our initiatives, we aim to attract a diverse pool of applicants and maintain gender balance within our staff and barristers. We are also proud to note that we have an equal number of male and female staff members supporting the set, reflecting our commitment to gender equality and diversity.

Today, we honour the achievements of women across all industries, with a special acknowledgement of the invaluable contributions made by women in the legal profession, as we commence Women’s History Month.

Women’s History Month 2024

Keep an eye out for a special feature on our female barristers and staff members on our social media platforms over the coming weeks. They’ll also be added below so you don’t miss them.