Q&A with the Women of Rix & Kay – Emma Walker-D’Cruze
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International Women’s Day (IWD) is celebrated annually on 8 March as a global movement toward a gender-equal world, free from bias, stereotypes, and discrimination. Sponsored by the UN since 1975, IWD highlights the need for meaningful action to drive progress.
For 2025, the theme #AccelerateAction calls for urgent and decisive steps to achieve gender equality. At the current rate of progress, full gender parity won’t be reached until 2158—a staggering five generations from now—according to the World Economic Forum. This stark reality underscores the importance of removing systemic barriers and biases that women continue to face, both in personal and professional spheres.
To gain insight into gender equality in the legal industry, we spoke with Emma Walker-D’Cruze, a Solicitor at Rix & Kay. She shares her thoughts on International Women’s Day, her experiences as a woman in law, and the key changes needed to drive progress in the profession.
Q&A with Emma Walker-D’Cruze: Breaking Barriers in Law
Emma is a Solicitor in Rix & Kay’s Residential Property team, specialising in a wide range of property transactions. Born and bred in Brighton and part of a large family, she discovered her passion for residential property after completing her Legal Practice Course at The Guildford College of Law in 2015, qualifying as a Chartered Legal Executive in 2020 and later transitioning to Solicitor in January 2021.
I graduated from University in 2012 and started working in the legal sector in 2015, having completed my Legal Practice Course in Guildford. I jumped straight into residential property, being thrown into the deep end, and I loved it.
I initially wanted to be a solicitor via the usual training contract scheme but didn’t succeed! I was devastated. However, as they say, one door closes and another opens… I did my research and found that I could still qualify as a Legal Executive or Solicitor via other schemes. I funded the Legal Executive course myself and within two years was a qualified Legal Executive. I was thrilled, I did it!
This made me resilient and more confident, so it is certainly a defining moment in my legal career thus far!
What does IWD mean to you?
IWD to me is an exciting time of year when people pause to think and promote women in their business and personal lives. It is a chance to celebrate ourselves and one another for our achievements and even to reflect, together, on the difficulties or challenges we have faced!
Since you started in the legal field, have you noticed any significant changes in how women are perceived or treated in the workplace? Are there areas that still need significant improvement?
Fortunately, since being at Rix & Kay in June 2021, personally I haven’t noticed any areas that need improvement in our workplace, and I am so pleased that I can share this.
The legal sector is still heavily male-dominated. How do you think women can succeed in a male-dominated environment?
Just keep going and take every opportunity!
#AccelerateAction is the theme for this year’s International Women’s Day. How do you think we can contribute to accelerating gender equality in the workplace?
Let’s celebrate the little and big wins together – post them on social media and within the firm. Keep talking about us all being on the same playing field and not shying away if things don’t feel right – let’s talk.
What advice would you give to young women entering the legal profession today? How can they prepare for and navigate potential challenges?
Keep your goals in mind and know your ‘why’ (‘why are you an aspiring lawyer?’). You will see challenges whether it is within or outside the workplace, but don’t be afraid to question the doubts or if something doesn’t feel right – talk to someone…you are not alone.
How do you balance the demands of your career with your personal life, and what can law firms do to better support women in achieving this balance?
Personally, I have a (pretty much) set routine each week as to what days I am in the office and what days I work from home, and I manage tasks around this. I have a lovely little boy (1 year old) , and the option to work from home allows me to be close by to his nursery and collect him at a good time to get him home for dinner. Working from home is an absolute must! Also, having an approachable manager and team to talk to is unbeatable.
Do you think there are particular skills or qualities that women bring to the legal industry that should be celebrated more?
Legal technical ability is certainly one of them. Some of the most influential and brightest lawyers I know in the property sector are women. Women are also fantastic at networking and retaining business relationships.
What can men do to help achieve equality?
Promote women via social media and within team meetings and encourage promotions.
