Started in 2016, the awards champion the legacy of the first women admitted as barristers and solicitors in England & Wales, over 100 years ago in 1922 and those who are leading the way in improving equality and diversity today.  They recognise men and women “who are both excelling in their areas of practice and are working for the changes needed to ensure women working in the law are able to thrive”

The awards are run by First 100 Years, a project dedicated to achieving equality for women in law. They are focused on accelerating the pace of change by encouraging collaboration across the profession, improving the visibility of women in law and supporting women lawyers of the future. Its patron is the RT Hon The Baroness Hale of Richmond. 

The Awards are judged by a panel of experts from the legal industry. The winners will be announced at an awards event of 5 November 2024.
More information about the awards and First 100 Years can be found here.

Saira specialises in planning and related areas of law and is recognised as a leading silk by Chambers and Partners, the Legal 500 and Planning magazine.  She was nominated as Planning and Land Use Silk of the Year 2024 by the Legal 500 Bar Awards. In 2020 and 2021 she was names by The Planner as a Women of Influence.