I completely agree with Bill Jackson's letter (see [2005] Gazette, 14 July, 18) on the persistent difficulty that women solicitors face in progressing within the legal profession.

Although I have had my eye on securing partnership within my firm, at my last appraisal an equity partner looked me in the eye and told me quite seriously that I will not make partnership because I have a 'life outside of the office' (that is, I have a family) and that I have made my choice as to where my priorities lie.


Faced with such alarming and demoralising words, and realising that a sex discrimination claim does not do wonders for one's career prospects, there is little one can do in such circumstances except wonder what sort of profession it is I have joined.


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