The Power of Community in Law

^{By Claire Slade, Business Development Manager, OneSearch}

Claire Slade reflects on her conversation with Rebecca Bidwell and a new chapter for Ladies of Law.

A couple of weeks ago, I sat down with Rebecca Bidwell, the new CEO of Ladies of Law, for a podcast I’d been looking forward to for some time.

What started as a discussion about our partnership quickly became something much broader: a conversation about community, confidence and the role that supportive networks play in helping people thrive in the legal profession.

My own connection with Ladies of Law goes back to the early days of my time at OneSearch. One of my priorities after joining was building relationships across the Midlands legal community, and not long after, I attended my first Ladies of Law event.

What struck me wasn’t any one individual. It was the atmosphere in the room. There was a genuine willingness to support one another, share experiences and create opportunities for fellow professionals.

That’s something that’s stayed with me ever since.

A community built by its members

One of the most striking moments from my conversation with Bec came when she talked about launching the Ladies of Law ambassador programme.

Expecting a modest response, she opened applications and hoped a few members might put themselves forward. Instead, more than 200 women volunteered their time and experience to help support the community. The first cohort had to be capped at 50 people.

That level of engagement speaks volumes.

In a profession where confidence can sometimes lag behind capability, it’s a reminder that many people want to be part of something bigger than themselves. They want to share knowledge, champion others and help create pathways for the next generation.

As Bec put it: “They just want to support us, and in return, we just want to support them. So it works.”

Why this partnership makes sense

During the conversation, Bec turned the spotlight back onto me and asked what sets OneSearch apart. My answer was simple: when our clients need us, they speak to real people.

Yes, technology matters. Processes matter. Efficiency matters.

But relationships matter too.

The more we talked, the more I realised that this principle sits at the heart of both setups. Whether it’s a search provider supporting conveyancers or a professional network supporting women in law, success ultimately comes down to people showing up for one another.

That’s why this partnership feels so natural.

Looking ahead

We also discussed Bec’s vision for the future of Ladies of Law, including expanded events, educational opportunities and creating a central hub where members can connect, learn and share experiences openly.

With new events planned across Birmingham, London and Manchester, as well as the Ladies of Law Awards later this year, it’s clear the community is entering an exciting new chapter.

For me, the conversation was a reminder that professional success isn’t built in isolation. It’s built through relationships, shared experiences and communities that create space for people to grow.

I hope you enjoy the podcast as much as I did.

As part of our ongoing partnership, Ladies of Law members can also access a complimentary Local Authority Search, Drainage & Water Search and Environmental/Climate Change Report, worth up to £150.

You can find full details on the offer page here.