Law firm Royds Withy King welcomed Bath MP Wera Hobhouse to its head office in the city for an inspirational talk ahead of International Women’s Day.
Speaking to staff during the lunchtime event, Ms Hobhouse shared her journey from artist to local councillor and then MP, revealing some of the challenges along the way.
She then answered questions on subjects ranging from Brexit to women in leadership roles, parental leave and standing for the Liberal Democrat party leadership.
She also highlighted her Private Members’ Bill on upskirting, which was passed last year and received widespread acclaim in the national press.
Ms Hobhouse, who this week put forward a new Private Members’ Bill to recognise misogyny as a hate crime – taking into account that gender-based violence and discrimination disproportionately impacts women – said after the talk: “I really enjoyed visiting Royds Withy King to talk about women’s achievements, diversity and how we can all make sure society, businesses and institutions become more diverse and inclusive.”
The event came at the end of a week-long diversity campaign by Royds Withy King, which was spearheaded by its equality, diversity and inclusion (ED&I) steering group.
The group is led by real estate partner and head of its retail sector team Bharat Nahar, who was appointed as the firm’s first ED&I board partner last autumn.
The group is working to ensure that equal opportunities and inclusivity are embedded in the organisation’s culture and reflect the make-up of its communities.
The event with Ms Hobhouse was organised by ED&I steering group member solicitor Charlotte Webb, who is in the firm’s Bath-based personal injury team.
She said: “It was a real pleasure to host Wera at our event. Her stories and insight, particularly as a women’s advocate, inspired everyone who attended and it was a very valuable opportunity for many of our people to hear from such an interesting, informed and passionate speaker.”
Royds Withy King employs 520 people in its offices network, which stretches along the M4 from Bristol to London. It provides a comprehensive range of legal services from corporate and commercial to family and private client.
Last year the Managing Partners’ Forum ‘Best Managed Firm’ award and was ranked by The Times as one of the best UK law firms.
Pictured: Wera Hobhouse MP, centre, with staff from the Bath office of Royds Withy King at their International Women’s Day lunch
