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.
When we announced our partnership with Ladies of Law on International Women’s Day 2024, it felt like the start of something genuinely meaningful.
Two years on, we’re proud to say it has been exactly that… and the best is still to come.
From Bristol to Birmingham: how the Ladies of Law partnership has evolved
What started as a shared commitment to championing women in the legal profession has grown into something we’re truly proud of. From a sold-out networking evening in Bristol, to a memorable night at the Jam House in Birmingham marking our one-year anniversary, the Ladies of Law community has shown time and again just how much appetite there is for connection, celebration and honest conversation within the legal profession.
As OneSearch Business Development Manager Claire Slade reflected after the Birmingham event, the room was full of professionals at every stage of their careers, leaving with new connections and renewed energy. That says everything about what Ladies of Law represents.
A new chapter for Ladies of Law
Communities like this are only as strong as the people who lead them, and Ladies of Law has always been built on passion and purpose. We’re delighted to welcome Rebecca Bidwell as the new owner of Ladies of Law, taking the reins from founder Ella Watts who gave so much of herself to building this community from the ground up.
We couldn’t be more excited about what this next chapter holds for the community and for our partnership.
“When we first partnered with Ladies of Law two years ago, we knew we were joining something special. What Ella built from the ground up, a genuine community where women in law can connect, support each other and grow; something the profession has really needed. We’re delighted to continue that partnership under a new CEO, and we look forward to everything this next chapter will bring. At OneSearch, we believe that a stronger, more inclusive legal profession is good for everyone, and Ladies of Law is helping make that a reality.”
– Elizabeth Jarvis, Managing Director, OneSearch
“Taking on Ladies of Law feels like both a privilege and a responsibility. Ella created something truly special here; a community built on warmth, openness and a genuine desire to see women in law succeed. I’m committed to building on that foundation and taking the community to new places. OneSearch has been an incredible supportive Partner from day one, and I’m really excited about what we’ll do together in the months ahead. Watch this space.”
– Rebecca Bidwell, CEO, Ladies of Law
An exclusive offer for Ladies of Law members
To mark this new chapter, we want to give something back to the community that has given us so much over the past two years. That’s why we’re offering all Ladies of Law members a complimentary property search pack – including a regulated local authority search, a drainage and water search, and an environmental or climate change report powered by our parent company, Landmark*.
It’s our way of saying thank you, and of introducing ourselves properly to any members who haven’t yet had the chance to work with us.
→ Claim your free search pack here
*Subject to terms and conditions.