Cardiff University’s Women in Law Society was founded in 2022 and aims to increase equality in the legal field for women and non-binary individuals, in Cardiff and across the world. Since its establishment, the society has arguably succeeded in these aims, creating a welcoming sisterhood and network where current and former students can support each other.
In terms of events, this year’s committee has aimed to respect the balance between the academic, more serious events calendar and the fun, wellbeing–based events. An example of how Women in Law has done so this academic year can be seen in the first term’s events. In December, Women in Law Society hosted a Networking Event allowing its members to mingle with brand representatives, placement year students and trainee solicitors. This event was a privilege for all attendees, as it provided them with the opportunity to share advice and opinions, and to meet people they may not have otherwise come across.
Additionally, Women in Law Society had its first ever YOLO social in November, which was a vast difference from the networking event!
The Society also publishes a monthly newsletter accessed exclusively by its members, which gives application and study tips, commercial updates, reminds members of upcoming society events, as well as application deadlines, and highlights a “Woman of the Month”. Contributions to the newsletter are made largely by the Society’s editor, Isabella McNulty, as well as this year’s Ambassadors—a group of students who volunteered to promote events, campaign for causes and have input in the events organised throughout the year. January’s “Woman of the Month” was Helena Kennedy, an advocate and researcher of gender-based bias and disparity in the legal field. Highlighting a “Woman of the Month” is vital for the society and its members as it provides examples of inspirational women, and how female law students can strive to be as successful as them.
Finally, Women in Law aims to remain as affordable for students as possible. For this reason, the annual membership fee is only £2 and has remained the same since it was established in 2022, despite the cost-of-living crisis and the rise in inflation. All events are also managed carefully and subsidised as far as possible to ensure that there are no financial bars to them being accessed and enjoyed by students. As a society that promotes equality and diversity in the legal profession, being affordable and breaking down financial barriers to increasing employability is a vital principle.
Memberships are still available and open to everyone on the Students’ Union website and will give purchasers access to the newsletter mentioned above, discounted tickets to upcoming events and the chance to nominate themselves for the upcoming elections for the 2025/26 committee.