This year marks the centenary of the Sex Disqualification (Removal) Act 1919, and to celebrate the journey of women in law since 1919, the Faculty of Advocates is holding an afternoon seminar of speakers who have made an impact for women in the profession.

The event will be preceded by a light lunch and registration, which will be from 12.30pm in Parliament House.

Speakers are as follows:

Ash Denham MSP

The Right Honourable Baroness Hale of Richmond DBE PC, President of the Supreme Court of the United Kingdom, will speak on the theme of “looking forwards towards the next 100 years” – in particular about the limited number of women appearing as counsel in UKSC.

The Right Honourable Lady Cosgrove CBE QC will speak on the theme of her experience as the first female senator – including anecdotes from her career and breakthrough experience.

The Right Honourable Lady Dorrian, Lord Justice Clerk, will provide a Scottish perspective – in particular about being the first female prosecutor in the High Court and Lord Justice Clerk, with reflections about the bar and why so few of the current silks are female.

The Honourable Lady Wolffe, Frances McMenamin QC, Nicola Gilchrist, Advocate, and Ann MacNeill, Advocate – speaking about their own experiences at the bar as women, potentially juggling childcare and other commitments etc.,and some perspective on the once very male dominated criminal bar.

To be followed by a drinks reception from 5pm

The Faculty of Advocates host the Centenary of Women in Law Event