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.
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The Inns of Court Alliance for Women (ICAW)
The Inns of Court Alliance for Women (ICAW) Co-Convenors are:
The Hon Mrs Justice Lieven DBE (Gray’s Inn)
Leigh-Ann Mulcahy KC (The Inner Temple)
Her Honour Judge Khatun Sapnara (Middle Temple)
Brie Stevens-Hoare KC (Lincoln’s Inn)
The ICAW commits to:
- 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
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). Male allies are welcomed and encouraged to support and participate in initiatives organised by the ICAW.
Upcoming Event
ICAW: Menopause Workshop
On 19 Nov at Middle Temple. Speakers: Lyndsey de Mestre KC, Mrs Justice Kelyn Bacon, Dr Louise Newson and Lynda Bailey
Find out moreICAW: Menopause Workshop
On 19 Nov at Middle Temple. Speakers: Lyndsey de Mestre KC, Mrs Justice Kelyn Bacon, Dr Louise Newson and Lynda Bailey
Find out moreThe ICAW 2022 Project
Summary of research relating to gender equality and the experiences of women barristers at the Bar of England and Wales.
Past Events
Tackling the Gender Pay Gap
Panel discussion looking at constructive and practical solutions from those organisations who have taken steps
Find out moreBlack Women Barristers: The Challenges Faced & A Fairer Future
Recording of discussion about the challenges posed by structural discrimination impacting upon entry to the Bar
Find out moreICAW Tackling Judicial Bullying
Recording of event by the Inns of Court Alliance for Women. Held at Gray’s Inn on 21 March 2023
Find out moreTemple Women's Forum Autumn Networking Event
Recording of speaker Harry Matovu QC on 27 September 2021
Find out moreTemple Women's Forum: Planned Breaks and Return to the Bar
Recording and sildes from 4 March 2020
Find out moreVideo: How Far Have We Come?
Temple Women's Forum panel discussion on 28 February 2019
Find out moreTackling the Gender Pay Gap
Panel discussion looking at constructive and practical solutions from those organisations who have taken steps
Find out moreBlack Women Barristers: The Challenges Faced & A Fairer Future
Recording of discussion about the challenges posed by structural discrimination impacting upon entry to the Bar
Find out moreICAW Tackling Judicial Bullying
Recording of event by the Inns of Court Alliance for Women. Held at Gray’s Inn on 21 March 2023
Find out moreTemple Women's Forum Autumn Networking Event
Recording of speaker Harry Matovu QC on 27 September 2021
Find out moreTemple Women's Forum: Planned Breaks and Return to the Bar
Recording and sildes from 4 March 2020
Find out moreVideo: How Far Have We Come?
Temple Women's Forum panel discussion on 28 February 2019
Find out moreRelated News & Events
Sign up to receive emails about ICAW events
Sign UpTemple North Women's Forum
Temple Women's Forum North was created in 2013, in Leeds, by Taryn Lee QC and Professor Iyiola Solanke, both Masters of the Bench of The Inner Temple, to extend the aims of the Temple Women's Forum to legal professionals in the North.
Resources
Work Distribution Toolkit Part 1: Sex
Toolkit to assist chambers in using income data to identify and address disparities in distribution of work
Find out moreWork Distribution Toolkit Part 2: Race
Toolkit to assist chambers in using income data to identify and address disparities in distribution of work
Find out moreAssociation of Women Barristers
Monitoring and representing the interests of women at the Bar
Find out moreHer Bar
A Hub for aspiring and practising women barristers, for entering, building and progressing their career at the Bar
Find out more🔗 Practical Toolkit for Women in Law
Providing an important insight into the experiences of women in the law and what needs to be done to achieve greater equ
Find out moreUK Association of Women Judges
Members comprise of holders of posts at all levels of the judiciary
Find out moreWestern Circuit Women's Forum
...better representation and advancement of women barristers on the Western Circuit
Find out moreWomen in Criminal Law
Setting out to connect and promote professional women across the criminal justice sector
Find out moreWork Distribution Toolkit Part 1: Sex
Toolkit to assist chambers in using income data to identify and address disparities in distribution of work
Find out moreWork Distribution Toolkit Part 2: Race
Toolkit to assist chambers in using income data to identify and address disparities in distribution of work
Find out moreAssociation of Women Barristers
Monitoring and representing the interests of women at the Bar
Find out moreHer Bar
A Hub for aspiring and practising women barristers, for entering, building and progressing their career at the Bar
Find out more🔗 Practical Toolkit for Women in Law
Providing an important insight into the experiences of women in the law and what needs to be done to achieve greater equ
Find out moreUK Association of Women Judges
Members comprise of holders of posts at all levels of the judiciary
Find out moreWestern Circuit Women's Forum
...better representation and advancement of women barristers on the Western Circuit
Find out moreWomen in Criminal Law
Setting out to connect and promote professional women across the criminal justice sector
Find out morePress
Read this article in Counsel Magazine about the work of the Temple Women’s Forum (November 2015)
Read Master Taylor's article about the Temple Women's Forum from the 2015/16 Inner Temple Yearbook
BSB - Women at the Bar Report
Click here