The Inns of Court Alliance for Women (ICAW)
The Inns of Court Alliance for Women exists to encourage and support women throughout their careers, and to increase retention and diversity within the profession. The ICAW recognises the challenges and barriers to career progression and wellbeing faced by women in the law, and the intersectional disadvantage faced by women from non-white ethnic backgrounds and by women with disabilities.
An entity between the four Inns of Court, the ICAW exists to support and encourage women who work in the profession, and increase diversity and retention. Male and other allies are welcome and encouraged to support and participate in initiatives organised by the ICAW.
It will do this by committing to the following:
- Providing a safe forum where issues facing women in the profession can be discussed to foster a culture of mutual support
- Supporting the Inns’ commitment to equality, diversity, inclusion, and social mobility
- Taking an intersectional approach to talks and events to ensure the voices of women facing inequality are heard
- Promoting initiatives across the four Inns to support access, retention, and progression of women in the profession
ICAW Co-Convenors:
- The Hon Mrs Justice Lieven DBE (Gray’s Inn)
- Leigh-Ann Mulcahy KC (Inner Temple)
- Ruth Kirby KC (Middle Temple)
- Brie Stevens-Hoare KC (Lincoln’s Inn)
History
Originally established in 2011 by Professor Dawn Oliver, then Treasurer of Middle Temple, and subsequently developed into a joint initiative as The Temple Women’s Forum by Middle Temple and The Inner Temple in 2012/2013, with Co-Convenors Her Honour Judge Deborah Taylor and Rachel Langdale KC. The forum worked to identify key issues contributing to the decision by many women to leave the profession in the prime of their careers. In December 2021, to coincide with the 100th anniversary of the first woman to be called to the Bar, Ivy Williams, it was agreed between the Inns of Court that the forum should become an entity of the four Inns under the new title of The Inns of Court Alliance for Women (ICAW).
