As part of the celebrations we speak with some of our fantastic female Solicitors finally we speak with Nicola Bennell Head of Property at Richard Reed.
What inspired you to pursue a career in law?
I actually fell into the area by chance and was hungry to increase my knowledge
What was your route from school to head of department?
Trained as a legal executive then completed legal practice course at Northumbria University then qualified as a Solicitor in 2004.
What advice what you give your 18 year old self from a career perspective?
Believe in yourself
What is the most important lesson you’ve learnt in your career to date?
Treat others like you would like to be treated
Do you think we have now reached a position of equality amongst the sexes in the legal profession?
no
What excites you about your job?
No day is the same and the job satisfaction when a matter completes.
Who inspires you?
My son
A study conducted by the SRA in August 2017 found that women make up 48% of all lawyers in law firms, however, within larger law firms (with 50 plus partners) women make up only 29% of partners. What can be done to change this?
To educate the younger generation
Would you say there has been an attitude change in terms of equality since you started your career?
Very little as spent the majority of my legal career in a large firm
What does International Women’s Day mean to you?
A day to celebrate being a woman and to increase awareness.
