The undersigned are concerned about The Garrick’s ongoing policy of refusing to accept female members.

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It is well known that The Garrick is a forum where senior members of the legal profession socialise and network with each other. Men are afforded an opportunity through their membership to form connections with senior legal practitioners and members of the judiciary to support their professional aspirations.  This is an opportunity expressly denied to women and contributes to the gross underrepresentation of women at the top of the legal profession.

When women are excluded without good reason or cast as ‘guests’ - good enough to be wined and dined but not to belong - in a forum in which professionally advantageous invisible connections are made, it undermines the position of women and feeds the conscious or unconscious bias of men. 

Whilst such a policy is in place, the undersigned believe that membership of the Garrick cannot be consistent with a commitment to equality and diversity. We urge the Garrick’s members to consider whether they would remain members of a club that excluded based on race, religion, or sexuality.

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We invite the members of the Garrick to behave ethically, to call a vote and to vote in favour of admitting women.

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All signatures are given in a personal capacity.

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Click the button if you wish to sign this Letter 

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