Partner Ambassador for Inclusion and former London Managing Partner for Irwin Mitchell, a multi-disciplinary law firm with 23 offices across the UK.Since opening the London office in 1995, I established and, until recently, led the medical negligence team in London. I’m recognised as a leading medical negligence and complex personal injury lawyer.Throughout my career as a medical negligence lawyer, I’ve been a passionate advocate for patient safety and for safe, compassionate healthcare for women. I am committed to raising awareness of inequalities in healthcare, particularly in maternity services.Championing diversity, inclusion and social mobility within the legal profession is central to my work. I recognise that the playing field isn’t level and believe it’s our job to lift others as we climb. In 2008 I helped set up our Diversity & Inclusion Board and led our Gender Equality Group for many years. Today, Irwin Mitchell is the only top 50 UK law firm where over 50% of our partners are women. I’ve widely shared our journey and how we achieved this, which included running a series of round tables to understand and break down the barriers to career advancement for women. I co- lead our new initiative, ‘The Female Voice’, which empowers and inspires women across our networks to connect, collaborate and share ideas.Giving back is important to me. I’m fortunate to serve as a Trustee for Group B Strep Support and as a Business Ambassador for Meningitis Now. Additionally, I mentor people both within the firm and externally, participating in the Female Counsel Mentorship Programme.Recognitions include being featured in The Lawyer’s Hot 100 in 2012, being awarded Champion of the Year at The First 100 Years' Inspirational Women in Law Awards in 2019, and receiving the Legal 500 UK Insurance Individual of the Year (London) Award in 2020, where I was also a Women, Influence & Power in Law Honouree. Most recently, in 2024, I was delighted to be honoured with the Legal 500 ESG Lifetime Achievement Award for Women in Law.