Scullion LAW Champions Female Leadership Ahead of International Women’s Day

As we gear up for International Women’s Day (IWD) tomorrow, we are proud to shine a spotlight on the incredible women who drive our success. Their dedication, expertise, and commitment to justice are truly inspiring.

Celebrating Progress and Inclusion

International Women’s Day is a powerful reminder of the progress we’ve made and the work still to be done. We are committed to creating an inclusive environment where every voice is heard and valued.

Over half of our management team consists of talented, dedicated women. We believe diverse leadership leads to greater innovation, empathy, and success. This dedication to diversity and inclusion is reflected in the achievements of our female leaders across various departments.

This year’s theme for International Women’s Day is ‘Accelerate Action’, so we will share with you our leading ladies on their views and what they are doing to positively impact women’s advancement, and to support and elevate women in the workplace.

Voices of Leadership

Judith Higson, Executive Director and Head of Family Law had this to say: “International Women’s Day is a chance to celebrate the strides we’ve made and recognise the challenges that remain. In our team, we work hard to ensure everyone feels included and their voices are respected. This inclusivity fosters collaboration and innovation, leading to better outcomes for our clients and a more supportive work environment for our team. Together, we can achieve great things.”

With over 6 years at Scullion LAW, Judith is known for her compassionate approach to Family Law and has led numerous high-profile cases, achieving favourable outcomes for her clients. In 2024, Judith was recognised as runner-up for the prestigious Employer of Women Award at the Women’s Business Club Conference and Awards. This accolade honours organisations that have shown a strong commitment to creating roles for and supporting women in the workplace. Promoting a happy and motivated team by fostering an inclusive environment where women can thrive and advance in their careers.

Gemma Miller, Director and Head of Property Law shared: “International Women’s Day highlights the importance of diversity and inclusion in the workplace. We are committed to empowering women and ensuring equal opportunities for all. Our clients benefit from the diverse perspectives and innovative solutions that our team brings.”

Celebrating 23 years with us, Gemma has successfully overseen multi-million-pound property transactions and development projects, solidifying her expertise in Property Law. Gemma is fostering an inclusive workplace by supporting staff members like Associate Director Farrah Ali. Acknowledging and accommodating different working hours during Ramadan demonstrates a commitment to diversity and understanding the needs of our employees.

Strength and Resilience

Shanna McDiarmid, Director of Operations and Performance says: “International Women’s Day is a celebration of the strength and resilience of women. In the legal field, we face unique challenges, but we also have the opportunity to make a significant impact. At Scullion LAW, we are dedicated to supporting and uplifting each other as we work towards justice and equality.” With 19 years of dedicated service with us, Shanna has implemented innovative operational strategies that significantly improved our firm’s efficiency and client satisfaction.

Shanna also emphasises the importance of encouraging new ideas and bringing in technology and software to make everyone’s jobs easier. She believes in developing an environment where innovation thrives and where technology can be leveraged to streamline processes and enhance performance, while valuing each and every voice within the firm.

Charmaine Trainor, Executive Director said: “International Women’s Day is a powerful reminder of the importance of representation and advocacy. In our Client Care Team, we are committed to providing exceptional service and ensuring that every client feels heard and supported. Together, we can create a more just and fair society.”

With 12 years of delivering exceptional customer service to date, Charmaine has played a key role in transforming the firm’s client care processes, leading to numerous client service awards. Charmaine offers first-class training throughout the firm, regardless of age, gender, race, or background. She wants everyone to succeed and be the best they can be. Recently, she has helped several female staff members improve their client care service and develop their skills. This support has boosted their career development and confidence.

Compassionate Support

Ailidh Ballantyne, Head of Wills, Powers of Attorney, and Bereavement shares: “International Women’s Day is an opportunity to reflect on the progress we’ve made and the challenges that lie ahead. In our department, we strive to provide compassionate and comprehensive legal support to families during their most difficult times. We are dedicated to making a positive impact on our clients’ lives.”

Ailidh has been with us for 2 years and frequently conducts educational workshops on estate planning and Wills and Powers of Attorney, earning her a reputation for her empathetic approach.

Ailidh has achieved three promotions during her short tenure with us, first as a Senior Associate Director, as Acting Head of Department, and then becoming Head of Department in 2024. Talented and committed to helping others, Ailidh has supported her female team members in their career advancements, offering guidance to ensure the team hits their Key Performance Indicators (KPIs), setting them up for future success.

Upholding Justice and Integrity

Anna MacKay, Senior Associate Director within our Road Traffic and Criminal Law Team says: “International Women’s Day is a powerful reminder of the importance of representation and advocacy. Our team are committed to fighting for justice and ensuring that every individual receives fair treatment. Together, we can create a more just and impartial society.”

With 4 remarkable years as part of our team, Anna has successfully defended clients in numerous high-stakes criminal cases, earning a reputation for her tenacity and legal acumen. In 2024, Anna was honored with the Rising Star of the Year award at the prestigious Legal 500 Awards, further cementing her reputation in the legal community.

Anna has worked closely with her talented female colleagues who are still gaining experience on cases, whilst producing highly successful outcomes for clients. This not only helps build knowledge, experience, and confidence of other female team members but also offers them a chance to progress their careers in a supportive environment that promotes inclusion.

On this International Women’s Day, we honour the dedication and contributions of these outstanding women. Their leadership and commitment to justice continue to inspire us all.