Sunday, 8th March, marks International Women’s Day 2026. This year, the theme is ‘Give to Gain’, which emphasises the power of reciprocal support for women and girls. When people give, opportunities and support for women increase. From knowledge, resources, education and training to time and support, women thrive.
At RFB, we place women at the heart of our business. We currently have 10 female partners across our practice areas, who play a vital role in making RFB great. We also have more female employees than males as a firm, showing our commitment to allowing women to rise and succeed.
To commemorate this year’s celebrations and theme, we spoke to some of our employees.
Firstly, we spoke with Afsheen Nasr, our Managing partner.
Afsheen Nasr
Q: What is your name, job role, and how long have you been at RFB?
Afsheen Nasr, Managing Partner, 11 years. I started RFB in Feb 2015 as a 1-year PQE solicitor in Property. In June 2016, we opened the Manchester office, which I managed and grew to a team of approx 20 people. By 2018, I made Partner, and in April 2025, I became the Managing Partner.
Q: What made you want to pursue a career in law?
I knew from a very young age that I wanted to be a Solicitor. I thought I wanted to be a family lawyer and was lucky enough to get a paralegal position in this area soon after I graduated, and then trained for 1 year. The second seat of my training contract was in Property , and I knew immediately property was actually the one for me!
I never particularly aspired to become a Partner, but as time went on, my skillset and confidence grew and I really started to enjoy the leadership aspects of the job.
Q: What advice would you give to young women who are interested in a career in law?
I would say if you want it, you can have it. It takes a lot of hard work, but you can achieve so much with determination and resilience.
Q: Why do you think International Women’s Day is important?
It recognises the value of women in the world, which can sometimes get overlooked. We all have different fates, different opportunities, different circumstances, but we all have so much to offer and are so pivotal to society; I love that this gets to be celebrated.
Q: Have you faced any barriers in your career due to being a woman? If so, how did you overcome them?
As a woman in a leadership position, it feels at times that you have to prove your worth, perhaps more than a man would. But I realised that actually I have more control than I realise, and if I want to break down those barriers, I can. Being confident and believing in your own abilities will go a long way. Don’t ever let anyone tell you that you can’t achieve something and take away your power.
Q: How do you think we can encourage more young women to pursue senior leadership roles in their careers?
To not be afraid to put themselves forward for opportunities. Women have a lot to juggle, especially if caring for young children and taking care of a home, but it just means you have to get organised and lean on your support network. We need more women in leadership roles; we have so much to offer, and the only way we can help each other is by taking on these roles to pave the way for other women.
Q: Which woman has had the biggest influence on your career?
My mum. She always taught my sister and I to be fiercely independent and never be in a position where we have to rely on anyone to survive. She quietly supported us through our education, and I believe my strong work ethic comes from her.
Amila Blentic
Q: What is your name, job role, and how long have you been at RFB?
My name is Amila, and I am the Head of the Finance Department at RFB. I have been with the firm for over 20 years, and it has been great to see how the business has grown and to be part of that journey.
Q: What made you want to pursue a career in finance?
I have always enjoyed maths and working with numbers, so finance felt like a natural career choice for me. My mum was also Head of Finance and seeing how much she enjoyed her work really inspired me to follow a similar path.
Q: What advice would you give to young women who are interested in a career in finance?
Believe in yourself and don’t be afraid to go for opportunities. Finance offers lots of different career paths, and being hardworking and willing to learn will really help you progress.
Q: Why do you think International Women’s Day is important?
It is a day to celebrate the achievements of women everywhere, from all backgrounds and experiences. It is also a reminder of how important is to support and encourage one another so that more women feel confident pursuing their ambitions.
Q: How do you think we can encourage more young women to pursue senior leadership roles in their careers?
I think it is important to encourage young women to believe in their abilities and not be afraid to aim high. Determination and confidence can take you a long way and to remember that leadership roles are achievable.
Q: Which woman has had the biggest influence on your career?
My mum had the biggest influence on my career. Watching her succeed as Head of Finance showed me what was possible, and while the career can sometimes be challenging, it is also very rewarding and enjoyable.
Berivan Erdogan
Q: What is your name, job role, and how long have you been at RFB?
Berivan Erdogan, Partner in the property team, 8 years.
Q: What made you want to pursue a career in law?
I was drawn to law because I’ve always loved helping people solve problems. Even growing up, I often found myself being the person friends and family came to when they needed help working through an issue or making a decision. I enjoyed being that go-to person and helping find a clear way forward. A career in law felt like a natural extension of that, allowing me to use those instincts in a professional way and guide clients through complex situations.
Q: What advice would you give to young women who are interested in a career in law?
Believe in your abilities and don’t be afraid to take up space in the room. Law can be challenging, and at times being a woman in the profession can bring its own challenges too, but those experiences can also make you more resilient. Be curious, ask questions. Most importantly, stay true to yourself and remember that your perspective and voice are valuable.
Q: Why do you think International Women’s Day is important?
International Women’s Day is important because it recognises both the achievements of women and the challenges many of us still navigate every day. Days like this are a reminder that women are capable of achieving anything and everything they set their minds to, and that it’s important to continue supporting and encouraging one another in both our professional and personal lives.
Q: Have you faced any barriers in your career due to being a woman? If so, how did you overcome them?
One of the challenges I faced was balancing my career with starting a family. Like many women, I was concerned that taking maternity leave might slow down the momentum I had built. There can also be pressures in your personal life, where women are often expected to manage many responsibilities at home alongside a demanding career.
However, that fear didn’t turn out to be the reality. Having the right network of support around me, both personally and professionally, made a huge difference. Being part of a firm that is genuinely supportive and inclusive gave me the confidence and opportunity to continue progressing and step up in my career while also embracing motherhood.
Q: How do you think we can encourage more young women to pursue senior leadership roles in their careers?
Encouraging more young women to pursue senior leadership roles starts with visibility and support. It’s important that young women can see female leaders in senior positions, as it helps them believe that those roles are achievable for them too. Mentorship, guidance and creating supportive workplace cultures also play a key role in building confidence and ambition. When women feel supported and valued, they are far more likely to step forward and pursue leadership opportunities.
Q: Which woman has had the biggest influence on your career?
My mum. She has always been my biggest supporter throughout my career progression. At times when I doubted whether I was capable of stepping into a leadership role and the challenges I may face with balancing my personal life, she was the one who encouraged me to go for it.
Her support has also been invaluable practically, particularly with childcare, which has helped me balance the demands of my career and motherhood. Having someone who believes in you unconditionally and stands by you makes a huge difference.
Kate Farkins
Q: What is your name, job role, and how long have you been at RFB?
Kate Farkins, Partner, 6 years (Feb 2020)
Q: What made you want to pursue a career in law?
After studying Law at university, I quickly discovered that I am a transactional lawyer as opposed to a contentious lawyer. I enjoy playing an important part in the wider transaction and working together with clients, agents and other solicitors to achieve a common goal.
Q: What advice would you give to young women who are interested in a career in law?
You can do anything but you cannot do everything. Property law is a very busy area of law with large caseloads but with good time management and a strong belief in your abilities it can be a highly rewarding career. Do not doubt your own abilities.
Q: Why do you think International Women’s Day is important?
Because it highlights the importance of women’s rights every year and brings it back to the forefront and keeps important conversations going. There is a common misconception that women are now equal and although we have come very far in recent times, we still have a long way to go socially, economically and politically.
Q: How do you think we can encourage more young women to pursue senior leadership roles in their careers?
Cheaper childcare. A barrier I feel a lot of women face in their careers is the ‘juggle struggle’. Being a working mum is rewarding, but logistically it is expensive. Even with government-funded help, childcare is wildly expensive and unfortunately forces a lot of women out of careers before they have really begun, which contributes to the disproportionate numbers of women in senior leadership positions.
Ginnie Maitland
Q: What is your name, job role, and how long have you been at RFB?
Ginnie, Head of HR and I have been at RFB for 1 year and 5 months
Q: Why do you think International Women’s Day is important?
It highlights that not all environments support women in the same way RFB do. It helps us to focus on helping other women, it celebrates what women have achieved.
Q: How do you think we can encourage more young women to pursue senior leadership roles in their careers?
We need to get better at putting ourselves forward for roles or projects that stretch us, become our own advocate. Maybe offer more mentor services to women.
Q: Which woman has had the biggest influence on your career?
Kelly Halsall has had a huge influence on my career. As a manager and a friend, Kelly is straight talking and taught me the value of knowing what I want and asking for it.
Vanessa Frankson
Q: What is your name, job role, and how long have you been at RFB?
Vanessa, Office Manager/Receptionist 25 + years
Q: What advice would you give to young women who are interested in a career in law?
A receptionist is the first impression a potential new client normally gets to interact with. So, this role is very important even if it is a small role in a big pool. Some people don’t see this as a vital role for the firm, but it can make or break a client going on to potentially instruct. From this position there are also opportunities to go on and apply for internal roles or study to move to other areas in the firm
Q: Why do you think International Women’s Day is important?
If there were true equality between the sexes, we wouldn’t need an international woman’s day or events like black history month. But because equality still hasn’t been achieved these events remain crucial. They remind us that woman have the right to be recognised, respected and to be equal. Sometimes the worst offenders are women themselves.
Q: How do you think we can encourage more young women to pursue senior leadership roles in their careers?
Just to provide strong role models.
Deema Chudasama
Q: What is your name, job role, and how long have you been at RFB?
Deema Chudasama, Senior Property Associate, RFB- 1 year 3 months
Q: What made you want to pursue a career in property law?
When I was young I always wanted to be a solicitor, after my studies I got a job in a city firm in the property department, this gave me a taste of the kind of work involved and I have stayed in that area ever since.
Q: What advice would you give to young women who are interested in a career in property law?
Follow your dream, achieve your goal and go for it!
Q: Why do you think International Women’s Day is important?
Its important, particularly for me this year as the theme is Give to Gain – this emphasised the power of reciprocity and support. When people, organisations, and communities give generously, opportunities and support for woman increase. Giving is not a subtraction, its intentional multiplication. When woman thrive, we all rise.
Q: Have you faced any barriers in your career due to being a woman? If so, how did you overcome them?
Yes, in my younger days, working in male dominated departments, but I persevered and followed my heart, worked hard and proved myself.
Q: How do you think we can encourage more young women to pursue senior leadership roles in their careers?
Applying a systematic approach that combines target mentorship, structural flexibility and career development. Offering flexibility in working arrangements, balance care giving and a culture that actively recognises and promotes high potential female employees.
Key traits – vision, confidence, come out of your comfort zone, achieve high, be courageous, adapt and create.
Lucy Pillinger
Q: What is your name, job role, and how long have you been at RFB?
Lucy Pillinger, Senior Associate Solicitor. Since 2025.
Q: What made you want to pursue a career in law?
I started out in Litigation as my original plan was to be a Barrister after my Law Degree, undertaking mini pupillage and internship at HMCTS.
I thoroughly enjoyed instructing Counsel in my subsequent employment in Litigation rising to Performance Management for a National Firm but the CPR changed and I diversified into Property work. The change of pace to Property work also coincided with marriage and children at the time.
Q: What advice would you give to young women who are interested in a career in law?
Join your local/regional Law Society and try and make as many professional connections and network, network, network. Remember you are your own branding.
Have conversations with people across the Profession as we all learn from each-other. The Law is constantly evolving- we all learn from each-other when we share knowledge and collaborate.
Q: Why do you think International Women’s Day is important?
It’s important to celebrate our achievements- but remember there are still barriers to overcome in society.
Q: Have you faced any barriers in your career due to being a woman? If so, how did you overcome them?
I remember when my children were very young, I was a single Mum, working full time to pay my mortgage and put a roof over the head of my family. Society’s expectations remained that I shouldn’t persevere my professional aspirations whilst my children were small.
Grit, determination, perseverance, finding the time to study in the smallest moments- and many late nights and early mornings. Wanting to be, and achieve the best for my family personally, and professionally. As I’d been involved in the profession since 2002 there was an expectation I shouldn’t persevere and simply just ‘settle’ and I chose not to do this.
Q: How do you think we can encourage more young women to pursue senior Leadership roles in their careers?
Recognising and rewarding the diversity of age ranges throughout Firms/ the profession and what they can all bring to the table. Mature professionals learn from younger professionals and vice versa.
Q: Which woman has had the biggest influence on your career?
I met Millicent Grant FILEx and KC (Hon). Our paths crossed a few times, and I found her personal and professional legal journey inspiring-and she was also really lovely!
Brandy Chu
Q: What is your name, job role, and how long have you been at RFB?
Brandy Chu, Associate Solicitor in the property department, 1 year!
Q: What made you want to pursue a career in law?
I was drawn to the fast-paced nature of conveyancing and the variety it brings. While each transaction follows a clear structure, no two matters are ever the same, which keeps the work both challenging and rewarding. I still remember my very first completion on a property purchase for a first-time buyer. She later sent me a photo of the keys to her new home, and it really stayed with me. Knowing that I had played a part in such an important milestone in someone’s life made me realise how meaningful this work can be and confirmed that this was the career I wanted to pursue long-term. It also helps that I love looking at beautiful houses!
Q: What advice would you give to young women who are interested in a career in law?
As a young woman starting out in any career, there may be moments when people question your experience or capabilities. Remember that you have worked hard to get to where you are and that you deserve to be there. Be confident, trust your knowledge, and don’t be afraid to show what you are capable of.
Q: Why do you think International Women’s Day is important?
The legal profession has historically been a male-dominated industry, but women now make up more than half of the industry. It is important to celebrate the achievements of women and recognise the hard work and determination that made them possible.
Although it is encouraging and inspiring that more women are stepping into leadership roles, the seniority gap remains. This gap often reflects the additional challenges that women face, such as having to balance demanding careers with family life, which can make progression more difficult.
With this year’s theme being “Give to Gain”, it is also an opportunity to reflect on what more can be done to continue narrowing this gap.
Q: Which woman has had the biggest influence on your career?
Without a doubt, my mother. She runs small business in the fashion industry back home, and growing up I spent a lot of time quietly observing her in the shop. I remember how quick she was with her hands, how thoughtful she was with her words, and how tirelessly she worked to put my brother and me through school. Despite how busy she was, she never missed a single school performance. Seeing her dedication, resilience, and ability to balance work and family from such a young age left a lasting impression on me. Although I have chosen a completely different career path, I like to think that I carry many of those qualities with me today and much of my work ethic comes from her.
Emily Maskrey
Q: What is your name, job role, and how long have you been at RFB?
Emily Maskrey, Associate Solicitor. I joined RFB on 25th July 2022.
Q: What made you want to pursue a career in law?
I randomly opted to study law at A-Level and almost immediately realised I wanted to study it at higher education and pursue a career in the legal field. During my post-grad. degree, I particularly enjoyed real estate – the process-driven nature of conveyancing is in keeping with my Type A way of thinking!
Q: What advice would you give to young women who are interested in a career in law?
The job can be demanding at times, but it is incredibly rewarding. Conveyancing has the benefit of being extremely client-facing, whilst simultaneously requiring a lot of mental gymnastics to identify and solve title defects. If you’d like a challenging, fast-paced job with lots of moving parts to consider, conveyancing could be for you!
Q: Why do you think International Women’s Day is important?
Recognising and celebrating the societal changes that we as women have seen over the last century is so important. As someone born in the late 90s, a lot of the barriers women previously faced have already been reduced for people of my generation, and it’s easy to forget how far we have really come as a gender. Having said that, there is still work to be done and I’m so proud to watch my colleagues and friends continue to challenge social norms and show the world what we’re capable of.
Q: How do you think we can encourage more young women to pursue senior leadership roles in their careers?
It’s really important that young woman don’t have to choose between career progression and family expansion. Opportunities to progress, i.e., pursuing partnership and promotion, shouldn’t be limited because a woman has also chosen to have children. I think so many capable young women choose not to pursue senior leadership roles because there is an internalised notion that we can’t juggle both. Law firms should proactively encourage young women by showing them that we don’t have to choose one or the other!
Q: Which woman has had the biggest influence on your career?
Whilst she doesn’t work in law, my mum has been my biggest influence. She has always been by my side, cheering me on. I do not believe I’d be here today without the support my mum has given me over the years, and I regard my career success as shared with her.
Liz Evripidou
Q: What is your name, job role, and how long have you been at RFB?
Liz – Finance and HR Officer. Worked at RFB for 8 months
Q: What made you want to pursue a career in Finance/HR?
After being made redundant after 30 years in banking, and made to feel that I couldn’t achieve anything I was given an opportunity to use some of the skills I had learnt in the legal world, and to prove to myself, that anything is possible with the right mindset.
Q: What advice would you give to young women who are interested in a career in Finance/HR?
Never underestimate yourself, every obstacle can be overcome, and every challenge is an opportunity to learn and grow.
Q: Why do you think International Women’s Day is important?
Shows progress women have made in rolls that would never have been an option, and a chance to support women’s rights
Q: Have you faced any barriers in your career due to being a woman? If so, how did you overcome them?
Many times when managing a branch, as most customers wanted to deal with male managers. A lot of hard work, dedication, loyalty and respect
Q: Which woman has had the biggest influence on your career?
My mum who came to the UK unable to speak English, without a job, and very little money. Had to fend for herself, learn to communicate and mix into a culture that was unknown to her. She showed me that hard work honesty, love and determination is all you need to succeed.
