Lamb Chambers are proud to celebrate International Women’s Day on 8th March 2024, a global awareness campaign that aims to celebrate the achievement of women all over the world, bring awareness to gender equality, and take a stand against gender bias.
This year the International Women’s Day theme is ‘Inspire Inclusion – When we inspire others to understand and value women’s inclusion, we forge a better world. When women themselves are inspired to be included, there’s a sense of belonging, relevance, and empowerment.’
Throughout the week, Lamb Chambers are pleased to be highlighting female barristers from our set who will share their insights in how they pursued a career in law.
Our first female member highlight for IWD 2024 is Antonia Halker.
Antonia specialises in property law and is listed in the Legal 500 2023, Legal 500 2022 and Legal 500 2021 as a leading junior for property litigation.
What made you decide to pursue a career in Law?
“A barrister came to speak to us at school in a careers lesson when I was 11 and I thought it seemed like a really cool job at the time. From then on I set my heart on becoming a barrister.”
What area of law were you drawn to?
“As an 11 year old I wanted to do Criminal Law (not sure I knew much else existed). As time went on I realised I was better suited to a career in Civil Law.”
How did your career begin?
“My first legal job involved working as a County Court Advocate attending basic hearings like mortgage possessions.”
How has working in the legal services field changed?
“Looking back I realise how little use was made of technology when I was first practising. We went everywhere with a blue book and I remember asking permission from a Judge to use a laptop once. Now it would be unusual to see Counsel in a court room without a computer!”
What advice would you give females who wish to embark on a legal career?
“Gain as much experience as you can, work out exactly what you want to do within the legal profession. If you really want it, fight for it!”
Who are some of your role models?
“Women like Helena Normanton, who made it at the Bar as a woman in very different times. Fortunately it is a lot easier for a woman to have a successful career at the Bar now!”
