Celebrating International Women’s Day, 2024 – Spotlight on Victoria Willson
To celebrate International Women’s Day on Friday 8 March, Simkins will be taking a moment each day this week to honour some of our leading female partners.
Today we shine a spotlight on Victoria Willson, an employment partner at Simkins who is an inspiring role model for women in the legal industry.
Victoria's interest in law was sparked during work experience at a criminal law firm whilst she was still at school, but it was not until she was undertaking her training contract that she discovered employment law and her passion developed when she moved on qualification. “I liked the broadness of the practice area” she says, “it’s the huge variety of clients you meet and the issues they face that is intellectually stimulating and really motivates me.”
In her career, Victoria feels she hasn’t faced any particular challenges as a result of being a woman. However, like most women, she has witnessed and experienced sexual harassment of one sort or another. “I have always tried to call out the perpetrators, though” she says. “It is important for all of us to speak up when we see discriminatory behaviour, and for us all to create environments where it is easy to speak up. In my work I have seen all too often the terrible consequences where discriminatory behaviour is allowed to flourish unchecked.”
The SRA recently published data showing that 53% of solicitors are women, but only 32% of full-equity partners (the most senior level in law firms) are women. Victoria wants to see more women remaining in the industry and making it to partner. “I’m pleased to say that being a woman at Simkins is certainly not a barrier at any level!”
In the legal profession, long working hours and traditional, office-based practices can present huge barriers to women who have caring responsibilities. “I am a huge advocate for home working and hope that it is here to stay.”
Victoria focuses heavily on encouraging and inspiring women to pursue legal careers and share their diverse perspectives and views, “I always welcome others’ opinions on matters, including trainees and others within the team. What makes employment law so interesting is that answers are rarely clear-cut; experience is important but so are fresh perspectives. Welcoming diversity of thought is crucial to becoming a great lawyer to your clients.”
Her advice for younger lawyers is simple: “Persevere. Work hard. Be resilient and don’t get in your own way – you are never too young or inexperienced to start building your network.”
In this week of International Women's Day, we not only celebrate Victoria's successes, but also the courage and determination of women like her who champion the cause of equality and pave the way for future generations. Her influence and leadership will continue to foster growth and inspire countless women to follow in her footsteps.
