Giving to Gain at the Criminal Bar: YLAL Celebrates International Women’s Day

In line with International Women’s Day and this year’s theme of Giving to Gain, Co-Chair Priya Pandya had a conversation with HHJ Rosa Dean, Resident Judge at Snaresbrook Crown Court, to reflect on leadership, resilience and the evolving role of women at the Criminal Bar.

What first drew you to a career at the Criminal Bar, and did you ever envisage becoming a Resident Judge?

I never actually planned to practise crime. My pupillage was a mix of family and public law, and I assumed I might stay there. But once I began appearing in the criminal courts, I was hooked. The pace, the unpredictability, the human stories at the heart of every case, it was intellectually stretching and deeply real.

What really drew me in was the camaraderie. Criminal advocates share long days, difficult cases and intense responsibility. There is a sense that everyone understands the weight of the work. Over time, I realised that this was where I felt most at home.

As for becoming a judge, I did think about it. I liked the idea of being someone steady in the room, someone others could look to for direction and fairness. It was never a rigid plan, but it was certainly an aspiration.

Over the course of your career, have you seen meaningful progress in the representation of women at the Bar and on the Bench?

The change has been remarkable.

When I started, female advocates were not allowed to wear trousers. In some courts, there were no female judges at all. When I was appointed, there was only one full time female judge at that court. It was a very different environment culturally as well as structurally.

Now, female leadership is visible and normalised. There are women in silk, women leading chambers and many women on the Bench. That visibility matters enormously.

That said, International Women’s Day is a reminder that progress is something we nurture. We have come a long way, but we must continue broadening representation, particularly in terms of racial diversity and social background. You cannot take your eye off the ball.

What barriers still exist for women seeking silk or judicial appointment?

One barrier can simply be hesitation. I have seen incredibly capable women hold back from applying for silk because they feel they have not done enough of the “big” or traditionally macho cases. But excellence at that level is not just about the headline trials. It is about judgment, leadership, consistency and the ability to manage complexity.

In terms of the judiciary, the practical challenge is often family life. At the self-employed Bar, you have a degree of flexibility. You can shape your diary around school holidays or caring responsibilities. When you become a full-time judge, you lose some of that autonomy.

However, the system is increasingly aware of those pressures. Conversations about balance are far more open than they once were, which is a positive shift.

How important is visible female leadership within the criminal justice system?

It is absolutely vital. You have to see it to believe it.

I was fortunate to have strong female role models, including judges such as Philippa Whipple. Seeing women in senior judicial roles made the path feel tangible rather than theoretical.

There are now many female Resident Judges, including judges such as Lana Wood. We speak to one another, support each other and share experiences. That informal network is invaluable.

This speaks directly to the International Women’s Day theme of giving to gain. When women in leadership give their time, advice and visibility to others, the whole profession gains confidence and strength.

What qualities distinguish an outstanding junior advocate appearing before you?

Calmness is the first thing. Criminal courts can be pressurised environments, and the ability to remain composed is powerful.

Preparation is crucial. An outstanding junior knows the papers inside out and anticipates issues before they arise. They do not simply identify problems; they offer practical solutions.

And finally, they are persuasive in a measured way. They are in command of the courtroom without being overbearing. They understand that good advocacy is about assisting the court as much as advancing their client’s case.

Criminal practice is demanding and unpredictable. How can the profession better support women with caring responsibilities?

The most important thing is openness.

From a judicial perspective, judges want to help. If you need a short break, if you have been up all night with a child, if you genuinely cannot do a hearing properly because of circumstances at home, say so. That honesty allows the court to respond constructively.

Years ago, raising something like that might have felt uncomfortable. Now it is far more accepted. That cultural shift is significant.

Supporting one another in practical ways reflects the spirit of giving to gain. When we accommodate colleagues so they can perform at their best, the justice system functions better for everyone.

For young women from state school or non-traditional backgrounds who aspire to the Bar, what practical advice would you offer?

My first advice is simple: do it!

Seek out shadowing opportunities. Introduce yourself to practitioners. Apply even when you are not certain you will succeed. The Bar still rewards persistence and initiative.

There really are people who will support you. Find mentors. Build friendships within the profession. Have someone you can call after a tough day in court. Criminal practice can be emotionally demanding, and you need a support system.

Also, keep perspective. Maintain interests outside the law. Stay connected to non-lawyer friends. That grounding is essential in a career where the stakes are high.

I had four children during my career. I was fortunate to have strong support at home and within chambers. That support made it possible for me to give fully to my work and, in turn, to contribute meaningfully to the justice system. It reinforced for me how much collective encouragement enables individual success.

What does International Women’s Day mean to you?

It is a day to celebrate progress, resilience and the extraordinary contribution women make across the justice system. But it is also a reminder that progress continues because women support one another.

My message to aspiring female advocates is this: keep going. Support each other. Ask for help and offer help. There is no limit to what you can achieve when confidence is shared rather than guarded.

Criminal advocacy is a privilege. It requires resilience, empathy and courage. When women give their experience, encouragement and solidarity to others, we all gain a stronger, fairer and more compassionate profession.