Women in Law Panel – International Women’s Day 2025
For International Women’s Day 2025, the School of Law and Criminal Justice recently hosted their 4th Annual Women in Law Panel. This year’s event was co-organised by LLB (Hons) Law students Evelyn Philpott and Alice Wyborn.
International Women’s Day celebrates women’s achievements and raises awareness against bias, stereotypes, and discrimination. It promotes a world that is diverse, equitable and inclusive. It celebrates a world where difference can be valued and celebrated. This, alongside Edge Hill University’s long and proud history of advocating for women’s rights and equality, provides a fantastic opportunity for an event to celebrate women in law and their journeys to where they are today.
Evelyn and Alice spoke to use about the experience of organising this year’s event and the benefits of this opportunity.
“I came across this opportunity in my role as Head of Pro-Bono for the Edge Hill University Law Society. I thoroughly enjoyed organising this event, as it allowed me to communicate with various individuals. From emailing judges to promoting the event in lectures to students, I enjoyed the management required in preparing such an event. The speakers discussed their route to the bar and the phenomenal network of strong women the legal profession provides. This event was one of the best-attended law events organised by an undergraduate. This benefits me by increasing my confidence to organise other opportunities for students in the future.”
Alice Wyborn
LLB (Hons) Law
“Organising the event was an absolute privilege, having taken on the responsibility from the former president Megan Gough. As Vice President of Events, this panel was easily the highlight of my role in the Law Society. When reaching out to potential panellists, it was incredible to see how many women were interested in being part of the event. The speakers had a very varied background, showing the multitude of ways people can get into the legal field. It was incredibly beneficial having four incredible women talking about their experiences, and despite their differences, all of the panellists had to fight against prejudice for their positions. They gave advice on knowing one’s worth, standing up for yourself, and most importantly how vital it is to have a strong support system.”
Evelyn Philpott
LLB (Hons) Law
Meet the 2025 panellists
Lauren Lourens – Principal Solicitor, St Helens Borough Council
Lauren qualified as a solicitor in 2009, having completed her training contract at West Lancashire Borough Council. On qualification, Lauren joined St Helens Borough Council and is now Principal Solicitor of the Corporate Legal Team, responsible for licensing, employment and litigation matters. Prior to her training contract, Lauren previously worked as a paralegal at Pannone LLP and The General Medical Council. She has valuable experience of private practice, regulatory and local government legal work.
Eve Salter – Barrister at Exchange Chambers
Eve became a tenant of Exchange Chambers in October 2023 following successful completion of her pupillage under the supervision of Nicola Daley. Her busy case load has experience in all manner of Crown Court hearings. Eve’s experience spans a broad range of instructions (both prosecuting and defending) in the following areas:
- Dishonestly offences
- Motor and vehicle offences
- Drug offences
- Offences against the person
- Sexual offences
Eve prides herself on her client care skills and ability to approach matters with sensitivity and compassion. She has a good knowledge of police procedure and utilises it to advance her cases, whether that be as an advocate for the prosecution or defence.
Rebecca Wood – Solicitor at Forbes Solicitor
Rebecca graduated in 2019 with a First Class honours degree in LLB (Hons) Law from Edge Hill University. Rebecca began working at Simpson Millar in the call centre, then progressed to paralegal, and then onto become a trainee solicitor with experience in clinical negligence and qualified in November 2024. Rebecca is currently working as a defendant abuse and social care solicitor at Forbes.
HHJ Elizabeth Nicholls – Circuit Judge, Manchester Crown Court:
Elizabeth was called to the bar in 1984, and the Northern Circuit in 1985. She practised from Lincoln House Chambers until becoming a Judge in November 2015. Her practice at the bar was in Crime and Regulatory Work. As a Judge, Elizabeth sits on only criminal cases. In 2019 Elizabeth became a Bencher at Inner Temple.
An inspirational event
Chair of the event was Associate Head of School, Dr Jennifer Giblin who shares her pride in the success of these events.
“This event has become one of our most popular events during the academic year; it’s a wonderful opportunity for students to build their networks, gain invaluable insights into the legal profession and come away with advice and guidance on how they can navigate their own career journeys. The event highlights to students that there are a wealth of opportunities with a law degree and that with the right guidance and support networks (like those we offer at Edge Hill) there is nothing stopping them reaching their career goals.”
Dr Jennifer Giblin
Associate Head of School
And a final word from Alice and Evelyn on how the event inspired them.
“One of the most inspirational parts for me was hearing how much the law field has diversified. In such a short space of time women are not only welcomed into these fields but actively encouraged. Whilst prejudice is always present, there is growing support for women in law. Seeing the support from students at Edge Hill who were so engaged with the panellists had to be the most inspirational part; women supporting women.”
Evelyn Philpott
LLB (Hons) Law
“The event inspired me by highlighting the struggles women faced entering the profession, and how lucky we are to be entering a profession that welcomes women rather than discriminates.”
Alice Wyborn
LLB (Hons) Law
The event proved a huge success and is just one example of a number of opportunities students have to engage with professionals, build their networks and enhance their employability studying across our Law, Policing and Criminal Justice courses.
Discover Law at Edge Hill UniversityDiscover Policing and Criminal Justice at Edge Hill UniversityMarch 25, 2025
