Celebrating International Women’s Day 2025

Senior Women in Property Law – Career Journeys and Advice for the Next Generation

In honour of International Women’s Day 2025 and the theme #AccelerateAction, we celebrate the outstanding achievements of senior women in property law, particularly at Leading Property Lawyers (LPL), where over 50% of senior roles are held by women.

By speaking to Amy Orchard, Head of HR and Compliance and Solicitor; Stephanie Maydew, Head of Training and Quality and Licensed Conveyancer; and Sonia Bains, Head of Conveyancing and Solicitor, we gain insight into their career journeys. They also share key advice for young women entering the property law profession.

Amy Orchard – Head of HR & Compliance and Solicitor at LPL

With over 17 years of legal experience, Amy Orchard is not just the Head of HR and Compliance at LPL but a driving force behind LPL’s inclusive and supportive workplace.  Passionate about creating an environment where employees thrive, Amy focuses on recruitment, employee relations and ensuring the firm stays ahead of legal and regulatory standards.

This International Women’s Day, Amy shares her advice to women entering the legal profession:

1. Keep learning and adapting – “The legal world is always evolving, and the key to success is adaptability and continuous learning. Stay open to change, embrace new challenges, and keep expanding your knowledge.  Flexibility, resilience, and a willingness to learn will set you apart.”
2. Build relationships and networks – “Success in law isn’t just about what you know, it’s about the relationships you build. Surround yourself with mentors, colleagues, and allies who support and challenge you. Strong connections will open doors and help you thrive.”

Stephanie Maydew – Head of Training and Quality and Licensed Conveyancer at LPL

Stephanie Maydew has worked in conveyancing for over 15 years. As Head of Training and Quality at LPL, she makes sure the firm’s legal teams meet the highest standards while helping to train and develop the next generation of conveyancers. A dedicated mentor, Stephanie is passionate about guiding and supporting others in their legal careers.

Stephanie’s advice to young women entering property law:

1. Patience and persistence are key – “The journey in law is often long and challenging, but don’t rush. Focus on building a strong foundation and don’t be afraid to ask questions and seek support when needed. The more patience and persistence you have, the more successful you will be in the long run.”
2. Be proactive in seeking mentorship – “Having mentors who guide and challenge you is one of the most powerful ways to grow in your career. Don’t wait for opportunities to come to you; actively seek out mentors and use their knowledge to your advantage.”

Sonia Bains – Head of Conveyancing and Solicitor at LPL

Sonia Bains is the Head of Conveyancing at LPL and a highly experienced property solicitor. She has played a big role in the success of the conveyancing team, and her focus on client care has earned her a strong reputation. Sonia balances a busy career with personal responsibilities, showing resilience, empathy, and leadership—qualities that have been key to her success.

Sonia’s advice to young women entering property law:

1. Don’t let self-doubt hold you back – “It’s easy to get caught up in self-doubt, but you must trust in your abilities. The only limits to your success are the ones you set for yourself. Believe in your potential and keep pushing forward.”
2. Support other women in your journey – “The legal profession can be competitive, but that doesn’t mean we can’t support each other. Share advice, offer mentorship and be a source of encouragement for other women. By helping each other rise, we all succeed.”

Accelerating Gender Equity in Property Law #AccelerateAction

At LPL, the firm’s commitment to gender equity is clear, with over 50% of senior roles occupied by women and 61% of the employees being women. However, gender equity remains a key challenge for the legal profession as a whole. While women make up 51% of the legal workforce, they hold only 32% of senior positions. In property law, the disparity can be even greater.

To accelerate gender equity, firms must:

1. Promote equal opportunities for advancement: Firms need to actively support women’s leadership development, ensuring that they have the training and mentorship necessary to reach senior roles.
2. Implement flexible working policies: Offering flexible working arrangements can help women balance work and family responsibilities, making it easier for them to remain in the profession and advance their careers.

International Women’s Day – Conclusion

Amy Orchard, Stephanie Maydew and Sonia Bains are shining examples of leadership and resilience in property law. Their journeys remind us that success requires not only legal expertise but also the strength to overcome challenges and the commitment to support others along the way.

However, they are just three of the many talented and successful women at LPL.  The firm is committed to gender equity at all levels, with women equally represented in senior roles. This diverse leadership team is proof that when inclusion and empowerment are a priority, both individuals and the firm thrive.

As we mark International Women’s Day 2025, let’s take inspiration from these accomplished women and work toward a legal profession where gender equity is a reality, where women are empowered to rise to leadership positions, and where the next generation of female property lawyers can confidently lead the way forward.

For more information about careers at LPL visit our website careers page https://www.leadingpropertylawyers.co.uk/conveyancing-career/ or contact:

Amy Orchard, Head of HR & Compliance: aorchard@leadingpropertylawyers.co.uk

Strike the #AccelerateAction pose