First woman solicitor honoured by Law Society

The Law Society’s Old Bookshop at Chancery Lane is to be renamed in honour of the first woman ever to be admitted to the roll of solicitors.

Carrie Morrison was admitted to the roll in 1922 after she was able legally to qualify as a solicitor following the passing of the Sex Disqualification (Removal) Act 1919.

She held a first-class degree in mediaeval and modern languages from Cambridge University and undertook her articles at a firm in The Strand.

Carrie was 32 years old when she qualified and had already worked as a teacher, which she said she hated, as well as in other jobs before going into law.

Law Society president Simon Davis said: “I am delighted that our governing council have given Carrie Morrison’s name to one of the most prominent rooms at 113 Chancery Lane as a way to celebrate her achievements.”

He commented: “While the journey to gender equality is still a significant challenge, particularly in leadership positions, the talent and persistence of these remarkable women paved the way for the many talented solicitors that have followed.”

Today, well after half of solicitors are women.

In the year to 31 July 2019, 63.1 per cent of new admissions were women.