International Women’s Day is an opportunity to celebrate achievements, reflect on progress, and recognise the women who continue to shape industries, communities, and workplaces.
At Barker Booth & Eastwood, the contributions of women across the firm are central to its culture and success. To mark International Women’s Day 2026 – themed “Give to Gain”, highlighting the power of mentoring and supporting others – several members of the team shared their experiences, inspirations and advice for the next generation of women in law.
Their responses reveal stories of resilience, determination, leadership and the importance of lifting others up along the way.
Proud Moments in Their Legal Careers
For many of the women at Barker Booth & Eastwood, proud career moments are not only about professional milestones but also about overcoming challenges and helping others.
Sharon Rigby reflected on her unconventional journey into the profession:
“I’m just a working-class girl from Leyland… I didn’t get to go to university or get Grade A school results. I started studying law at the grand old age of 28 on a part-time course whilst working full-time… I also had my first child just before my final legal exams. Timing! The studying was gruelling and at times overwhelming. But I got there, I passed my exams and I qualified as a Solicitor. That was a Mic Drop moment!”
Dawn Lamb explained that her proudest moments often come from helping people through difficult times:
“There are many, in general just being able to help people through emotional and traumatic periods of their lives.”
For Jill Hastings, a particularly memorable moment came during her professional qualification:
“Probably my actual CILEX graduation ceremony. I never anticipated when I was growing up that I would be the type posing in my cap and gown.”
Donna Amos, Director and Head of the Family Law Team, described both professional success and client impact as defining highlights:
“Becoming a Director and co-owner of Barker Booth & Eastwood has been a huge professional milestone. But beyond titles, my proudest moments are seeing clients come through incredibly difficult periods of their lives and knowing I’ve helped them move forward with dignity, clarity and confidence.”
For Joanne Barker, the journey itself has been the achievement:
“Honestly, the fact that I’m still here — nearly 20 years after starting at the firm — feels like an achievement in itself… I’m now in the final year of my Degree Apprenticeship and preparing to sit the SQE. It feels like a full-circle moment.”
And Clare Welsby highlighted a powerful personal milestone:
“My proudest moment was qualifying as a solicitor in 2024… I grew up in a single-parent, low-income household in Blackpool and became the first person in my family to attend university.”
Meanwhile Emily Murray finds pride in the impact she has on clients’ lives:
“My proudest moments tend to be at the conclusion of cases when final orders have been made and clients express sincere gratitude at the difference I have made to them and their new future.”
Advice for Young Women Considering a Career in Law
The team’s advice to aspiring lawyers is clear: resilience, confidence and perseverance matter more than a traditional pathway.
Dawn Lamb offered encouragement for those balancing responsibilities:
“The studying is hard, especially if you are having to fit it around work or family life, but the career is worthwhile and rewarding.”
Jill Hastings highlighted both the challenges and strengths women bring to the profession:
“As women we often juggle many roles… but the empathy and lived experience of being a woman can help develop strong client relationships and make the work incredibly meaningful.”
Donna Amos emphasised confidence and individuality:
“Believe that there is space for you — and that you don’t have to fit a single mould to succeed. Law can be demanding but also incredibly varied and fulfilling.”
Joanne Barker encouraged resilience and curiosity:
“Don’t let your starting point define your destination… Sometimes ‘no’ just means ‘not yet’. Resilience will take you further than perfection ever will.”
Clare Welsby echoed this message, particularly for women from non-traditional backgrounds:
“Your starting point does not determine your destination… The legal profession needs diverse voices and women who have overcome barriers.”
And Emily Murray reminded aspiring lawyers to protect their wellbeing:
“Be disciplined with your time and set boundaries… When you feel your best, your best shows up for your clients.”
What International Women’s Day Means to the Team
International Women’s Day carries different meanings for each individual, but a common theme is recognition and support.
For Dawn Lamb, the day is about celebrating achievements:
“It is great to see women from all walks of life celebrating their achievements.”
Jill Hastings added with humour:
“I will always think women are the superior sex so it is great that this is recognised at least one day a year!”
Donna Amos sees it as a moment of reflection and inspiration for the next generation:
“It’s about reflecting on how far women have come and the work still to be done… and setting an example for my children.”
For Joanne Barker, it represents opportunity:
“As a working mum building a legal career later in life, it represents opportunity — particularly the kind that didn’t always exist in traditional career structures.”
And Emily Murray highlighted the collective spirit behind the day:
“It’s women supporting women… celebrating achievements both big and small.”
Championing Women in the Workplace
Supporting other women is widely seen by the team as essential for progress.
Dawn Lamb highlighted the importance of understanding the pressures many women face:
“Very often women are the primary carer for the family so I know how hard it can be to juggle work and family life.”
Jill Hastings emphasised the cultural impact of female leadership:
“The whole infrastructure of a workplace feels different when there are women in positions of power.”
Donna Amos described championing women as vital:
“It’s about creating opportunities, recognising talent and advocating when it matters.”
Similarly, Joanne Barker believes success is not limited:
“There’s no limit on success… if one of us moves forward, it opens doors for others.”
Inspirational Women
When asked who inspires them, the team highlighted a wide range of role models.
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Sharon Rigby admires Olympic champion Dame Kelly Holmes for her perseverance and humility.
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Dawn Lamb highlighted Mary Berry for her supportive approach to mentoring others.
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Jill Hastings praised actors Emma Thompson and Kate Winslet for being unapologetically themselves.
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Donna Amos named Captain Sandy Yawn and former New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern for their calm and compassionate leadership.
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Joanne Barker admires Karen Brady for her authority and success in male-dominated environments.
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Emily Murray finds inspiration in the women around her — from her mother and daughters to friends and colleagues.
Moving Forward Together
The stories shared by the Barker Booth & Eastwood team demonstrate that there is no single path into law, and no single definition of success.
From career changes and apprenticeships to leadership roles and client advocacy, these women show how determination, support and mentorship can transform both careers and workplaces.
As the theme of International Women’s Day 2026 – “Give to Gain” reminds us, when women support and mentor each other, they create momentum that benefits everyone.
At Barker Booth & Eastwood, that spirit is clearly alive – in the achievements of today and the opportunities being created for tomorrow.
