Better Business / Member news
Bristol law firm launches ‘Return to Law’ to support women back into profession
The award-winning law firm Barcan+Kirby has launched a new initiative aimed at helping women return to the legal profession after taking time away from their careers.
The “Return to Law – Giving Opportunity, Gaining Talent” programme was announced to coincide with International Women’s Day and is designed to support women who want to re-enter the legal sector but are unsure where to begin.
Although women now make up around 62 per cent of solicitors, they remain underrepresented in senior roles, with only 32 per cent progressing to full equity partner positions.
Many step away from the profession due to challenges such as limited work–life balance after having children, a lack of flexible working options, heavy workloads and caring responsibilities.
The programme has been shaped by Anna Wilson, managing partner at Barcan+Kirby – photo: Barcan+Kirby
The programme has been shaped by Anna Wilson, managing partner at Barcan+Kirby, who says her own experience of navigating these barriers informed the firm’s approach.
She said: “We are so excited to be launching this programme, which we hope will give talented women the confidence, support and practical insight they need to return to a career they once loved.
“Having navigated many of these challenges myself, I know how daunting it can feel to step back into the profession and I also know how much value returning women bring to our teams and our clients.
“This initiative is about opening doors, rebuilding confidence, and showing that there is absolutely a place for them in today’s legal world.”
The five-day, in-person programme will run from June 15 to 19 at the firm’s Bishopston office on Gloucester Road – photo: Milan Perera
The five-day, in-person programme will run from June 15 to 19 at the firm’s Bishopston office on Gloucester Road in Bristol.
Running daily from 10am to 2.30pm, the course will include practical workshops aimed at helping participants understand today’s legal landscape.
Topics will include what working as a lawyer looks like in 2026, the role of flexible working, tackling imposter syndrome, and developing commercial awareness and professional visibility.
Barcan+Kirby says the initiative is open to lawyers who have stepped away from the profession for a range of reasons, including raising children, caring for relatives or supporting a partner’s career.
The firm hopes the programme will help returning professionals rebuild confidence and gain the skills needed to successfully re-enter the legal sector.
Individuals interested in applying for this programme can complete the online form at www.barcankirby.co.uk/join-us/return-to-law-programme
For more information, contact 0117 325 2929 or fill the inquiry form at www.barcankirby.co.uk/contact
Main photo: Barcan+Kirby
Barcan+Kirby are member of the Bristol24/7 Better Business network, an initiative to help businesses thrive while creating a positive impact on Bristol and the people who live here. As part of their membership, businesses can publish member news stories like this. For more information, visit my.bristol247.com/better-business
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