Rix & Kay Solicitors: pioneering gender equality in leadership

At Rix & Kay, women aren’t just part of the team, they are leading it. With more than 50% of the firm’s leadership team being women, Rix & Kay is setting a new standard in an industry where leadership remains predominantly male. A recent diversity report revealed that only 34% of law firm partners are women, and only 28% hold equity partner positions.

The women of Rix & Kay are shaping the future of business, proving that leadership isn’t about where you work, but how you lead.

One such leader is Kathryn Paisley, head of the corporate team. She joined the firm nearly a decade ago on a part-time basis, balancing her career with family life. Through Rix & Kay’s commitment to flexibility and career progression, she has risen to become an equity partner and a key member of its strategic board. Her journey is a testament to the fact that with the right support, women can excel and lead at the highest levels of business.

She said: “Law firms need to acknowledge that everyone has a life outside of work, regardless of gender. The more understanding and flexibility a firm demonstrates, the more loyalty and dedication it will receive in return. Work has to be a team effort—both sides must give and take to achieve the best results.”

Rix & Kay champions flexible and hybrid working, ensuring that talent defines success. Whether working from home or in offices local to them, this approach empowers women who may not fit into the constraints of a traditional Monday-to-Friday, 9-to-5 routine.

Kathryn adds: “Rix & Kay has always supported me in being who I am. Whether I was a part-time employee returning to work after a career break or now as an equity partner and member of the strategic board.”

Another leader paving the way for diversity in the legal profession is Angela Arnold, head of Rix & Kay’s residential property team. Joining Rix & Kay the same year as Kathryn, Angela is the only black woman to hold a partner position among Sussex’s many law firms. Her leadership journey has been one of perseverance and recognition.

She said: “I came to Rix & Kay as a seasoned locum, and the leadership recognised my experience, efforts, and strengths. I’ve never pushed on doors, but have acted as a ‘positive disruptor’ pushing collaborative propositions, as a strategy to enable our forward-thinking objectives. I’m incredibly proud to be elected as Vice-President of Sussex Law Society — as the first woman of Jamaican heritage to hold this position. It was overwhelming at first, but I’ve always wanted to leave a legacy and inspire underrepresented professionals and women in the legal field.”

Also among Rix & Kay’s department heads is Janet Raeburn, Partner and leader of the firm’s family team. Starting at the firm in 2018, Janet has become a renowned figure in the South East family law field.

Janet said: “Success comes from focusing on your chosen career path and not feeling the need to change who you are. Support other women, and if you witness unacceptable behaviour, challenge it where possible. If you cannot challenge it directly, raise it with your line manager.”

Rebecca Jones, another Partner in the family law team, offers her insight to aspiring legal leaders: “Success comes from knowing your value, seeking out mentors and allies, and challenging outdated norms when necessary. However, the responsibility shouldn’t fall solely on women to adapt. Firms and leadership teams must foster environments where talent is recognised based on merit, and where everyone, regardless of gender, can thrive. A strong legal profession isn’t built on one specific leadership style, but on a variety of approaches to problem-solving, decision-making, and leadership.”

Rix & Kay’s commitment to equality, diversity, and inclusion extends beyond the workplace. The firm is a vocal supporter of International Women’s Day and ran an extensive IWD campaign this year to promote the core theme of #AccelerateAction. The firm also actively participates in empowering events, including Herstory, an annual event featuring workshops and panel discussions with some of Sussex’s most inspiring businesswomen. Among the panel speakers for 2025 was Sarah Rebello, Solicitor in Rix & Kay’s dispute resolution team, who shared her legal expertise and personal journey into law. As a law firm redefining leadership in the legal sector, it is proving that talent, dedication, and a supportive environment can create a workplace where everyone has the opportunity to excel. Rix & Kay is paving the way for the next generation of female leaders and shaping the future of the legal sector.

Rix & Kay is a full-service law firm with offices in Brighton & Hove, Uckfield and West Kent. The firm retains a strong regional presence across Sussex, Kent, Surrey and London and works with business owners, entrepreneurs and individuals, providing expert legal advice across a wide range of legal services.

Visit rixandkay.co.uk for expert legal advice today.