In the footsteps of Carrie Morrison and still breaking the bias

Daisy Waldren and Caroline Watkins are both partners at EMW Law’s Gatwick office. They share their views on progress and explain why EMW is leading the way for women.

Daisy says: “Another year and another International Women’s Day. Last year marked 100 years since Carrie Morrison was admitted as the first woman solicitor in England and Wales. 

“Carrie broke the bias by entering into what was a ‘man’s world’ profession and paved the way for us women. 

“EMW Law LLP is leading the way in readdressing this balance. There are four partners at EMW’s Gatwick office and two of them are women, Caroline Watkins and myself. We both have families, lead our practices and make it work in the legal property industry, so we are breaking that bias. 

“I become a partner at just 30 years of age and since then have gone on to have a family and now head up the real estate finance team here at EMW. Whilst, it isn’t easy, what is in life if you want to live life to the full?

“In the real estate finance world, it has traditionally been a very male-dominated landscape, but over the last few years I am seeing women breaking this mould. More and more, I am working with female valuers, bankers and brokers who, like me, are paving the way for women and trying to ‘have it all’, the career and the family life. This does involve flexibility from both the employer and the employee but, while the challenges of the last few years cannot be underestimated, I am pleased to see that there continues to be positive steps taken for women, both in law and in our wider society. 

“EMW prides itself on its flexible working arrangements for staff which all staff can take advantage of without any detriment to our clients. This is a real cultural change and isn’t affecting career progression for women. 

We are a finalist in the Gatwick Diamond Business Awards for the ‘best flexible working practice’. In our Gatwick office we will be holding a ladies’ event later this year for our many connections so please do get in touch with Jayne Bryant if you would like to come along – Jayne.bryant@emwllp.com“

Caroline says: “I have been the Head of Non-Contentious Construction at EMW since January 2020 and have been practising construction law since 2008. I’m proud to be in a leadership team that is entirely gender-balanced. Our firm is headed by a female CEO and a male Chairman – we are far from the stereotypical male, pale and stale legal outfit.  

“I’ve been lucky enough to dip my toe into a number of different property-related industries in my career, from the long-established, institutional professional indemnity insurance world to the unique and innovative water industry. What has become clear is that everyone seems to be pulling in the direction of unlocking the skills gap by closing the gender gap – but in some industries in particular, there is a lot of catching up to do.    

“The larger the organisation, the greater the challenge for management to ensure equality. What is required is more than a nod to a flexible working policy – real change comes from attention to culture.  This is a hallmark of the EMW way and our focus on preserving and improving our unique culture is something that leads our decision making, commercial and administrative.  

“At EMW, we actively engage with leaders and staff to ensure that our employees feel heard, seen and trusted. This involves feedback surveys, Diversity and Inclusion groups led by representatives recruited from all areas of the business, soliciting the help of external advisors to educate and enlighten our leaders and recruiting partners and department heads that actively represent the firm’s community.   

“Locally, we are seeing greater representation in the property industry in the form of planning consultants, construction consultants, surveyors and agents making senior-level female appointments. This is really encouraging to see. We are also finding that business development has a more female-friendly flavour; the golf days and football are still there (and enjoyed immensely by the women that attend!) but some strong networkers in the region are also devising events targeted at women, such as fashion shows and ladies’ day at the races.  

“For my part, well, I like a spot of rugby and am currently captaining the first ever Sussex Vets squad for WoodenSpoon, the national children’s charity. Via the support of EMW (sponsorship and involvement from our wonderful team) we helped raise £12,000 from a standing start last year to be spent in Sussex on projects helping disabled and disadvantaged children. Change comes in many forms!”