Celebrating the Women of Holmes & Hills Solicitors on International Women's Day

As International Women's Day approaches on March 8th, Holmes & Hills Solicitors proudly reflects on the remarkable contributions of the women who are instrumental to our firm’s success.

With over 200 employees, 80% of whom are women, our team spans ages 18 to 70, bringing diverse perspectives and experiences to our practice. Women are also well represented in leadership, making up 50% of our partners and 58% of our broader senior leadership team (including associates and senior associates).

While International Women’s Day is a moment to recognise the achievements of women, we also acknowledge that creating a truly inclusive and progressive workplace requires the commitment of all professionals. At Holmes & Hills, we believe that progress in the legal profession comes from ensuring that talent, ambition, and leadership are championed, regardless of gender.

Empowering Women in Law

Holmes & Hills has built a culture of mentorship, professional development, enhanced maternity cover, and career progression, ensuring that every individual has the opportunity to thrive. Our firm operates on a foundation of core values - professionalism, proactivity, accessibility, personability, and empathy - which contribute to a workplace where women feel valued, supported, and empowered to lead.

Women at Holmes & Hills: In their own words

To mark International Women’s Day, we asked some of the incredible women at Holmes & Hills what it means to work at a firm where women make up the majority of the workforce.

Here’s what they had to say:

“Working at a solicitor's firm where 80% of the team is female is both empowering and refreshing. Being part of a firm that champions women in leadership roles is extremely important to me. Additionally, our commitment to supporting colleagues returning from maternity leave, through flexible working arrangements and reintegration sessions, ensures a smooth transition back to work. This supportive culture not only fosters personal and professional growth but also enhances our ability to deliver exceptional legal services" - Rebecca Mason, Managing Partner.

“I don’t tend to think about the male-female split, but knowing that 80% of our workforce is female makes me proud—especially because it’s not by design, but simply a result of hiring the best people for the job. What truly sets this firm apart is its culture. There’s no toxicity, just a team of people who are genuinely happy to support one another. The partners are approachable, and collaboration is second nature here. It’s rare to find a workplace that fosters both personal and professional growth so naturally, and that’s what makes being part of this firm so rewarding” - Jen Rayner, Associate.

“As a professional woman in her early thirties, working at a firm where 80% of the workforce is female means I have a vast number of role models. I've had the opportunity to meet and work alongside women from different walks of life, who've chosen very different paths, and who have varying outlooks on life. This has allowed me to explore my own wants and desires, and the confidence to know that I'll be alright wherever life takes me!”  - Laura Gale, Senior Associate.

“At Holmes & Hills we have many amazing female lawyers including our Managing Partner, however what makes a good lawyer, in my opinion, is not determined by their sex but their skill, dedication and determination. We are lucky to have so many passionate lawyers and excellent support staff. There is a culture of teamwork and support and this has allowed me to progress in a career I love, whilst fulfilling my personal commitments to my family" - Carol Toulson, Partner.

“When I joined Holmes & Hills, I was only 17, and to come into a big office environment was quite daunting, especially as my understanding of law firms were that the Men were the Lawyers and women were the only ones in support level roles. My stereotype quickly changed when I joined Holmes & Hills as many of our leaders, fee-earners and support staff are women. Being a young female, I find it very inspiring to see that if you work hard in your career, you can make your way to the top. It’s great to have such a good support network at Holmes & Hills, and throughout the year we often do many activities which are predominantly females based such as Wreath Making, Paint & Prosecco and Dance Lessons, which I think helps build on that supportive and empowering culture that we have, and that I love" - Leah Bailey, HR & Payroll Administration Assistant.

Looking Ahead

This International Women’s Day, we celebrate the women who lead, innovate, and inspire at Holmes & Hills. We reaffirm our continued commitment to fostering a workplace where women continue to excel and where talent and dedication, not gender, define success.