We often hear about excellence at the Bar — landmark cases, high-profile verdicts, and the intellectual thrill of advocacy. But less often do we talk about the quiet, daily labour of those who are balancing life outside the courtroom with the demands of building a legal career.
The reality? Many women in law are raising children, caring for relatives, managing health conditions, or navigating personal challenges while showing up in court, chambers, and classrooms with relentless dedication.
This isn’t just admirable. It’s heroic.
We had the pleasure of speaking to some incredible women within the Bar who shared their experiences of:
- Studying for the BPTC while breastfeeding
- Drafting skeleton arguments during nap time
- Returning to court after maternity leave with your identity reshaped
- Applying for pupillage while managing care responsibilities at home
These stories aren’t rare, but they’re rarely told.
Legal culture hasn’t always made space for complexity. Long hours, unpredictable hearings, unpaid internships, and London-centric demands can make the Bar feel incompatible with caregiving or life outside the courtroom.
But women across the profession are proving otherwise.
They’re creating new rhythms, setting boundaries, and pushing for flexible, inclusive systems that make it possible to thrive without sacrificing everything else that matters.
What’s Helped You Make It Work?
We want to hear your strategies — the tips and reminders that help you stay grounded, even on the busiest days. Whether it’s caring hacks, flexible working arrangements, supportive mentors, or moments of grace you’ve given yourself along the way — your story might be exactly what someone else needs to hear.
And if this story resonated with you, let us know. What you're doing it nothing short of remarkable, and we’re honoured to dress you.