Law and Community
Surprisingly, and despite the interests of many Plymouth suffrage activists in the law in action, evidenced by the numbers of Plymouth women who were amongst the first magistrates, there was not an early entry into the field of law in a formal sense. But in recent years, the contributions of Plymouth-based women in this area has been notable and has made important contributions to the community, including in areas of rehabilitation and support for family issues and mental health.
Miss Mary Ellen Conday The first woman solicitor in Plymouth. She became articled to Mr F Edgar Bowden, a partner in Foot, Bowden and passed her final law examination in April 1936. She was a member of the Plymouth Soroptomists. In September 1940, she married… Read More »Mary Ellen Conday
Jane Lister A solicitor, she was the first woman President of the Plymouth Law Society, elected in 1994. Jane was a partner in the old-established firm of Foot and Bowden now Foot Anstey where she was promoted to Senior Partner 2008-2012
Justice Louise O’Neill A member of the Western Circuit, she was appointed in 2016 to the Plymouth Combined Court and the Torquay and Newton Abbot County and Family Court.
Judge Miranda Robertshaw Her Honour Judge Robertshaw was appointed the Designated Family Judge for Devon 9 September 2014 hearing family law cases at the Plymouth Combined Court – High Court and County Court