International Women’s Day talk on First 100 Years

This year on International Women’s Day Dana Denis-Smith, Founder of First 100 Years, will be talking to employees and friends of Withers Worldwide about our groundbreaking digital project.

Withers has played a vital role in the story of women’s entry into the legal profession. Withers acted for Gwyneth Bebb, who along with others took on The Law Society in 1913 to demand that women should be allowed to sit the exams that would allow them to qualify as solicitors. The court ruled against her, but the publicity achieved with the case helped the campaign that led to the Sex Disqualification (Removal) Act 1919.

Diana Parker was also the first woman to be appointed Senior Partner of a City firm, and Elaine Aarons was one of the first partners to establish flexible working in 1989. Because of this, Withers is a supporter of First 100 Years.