Pregnant lawyer accuses QC of ‘everyday sexism’ over remark about ‘her condition’
A HIGH-flying lawyer has launched an attack on a male QC over ‘sexist’ remarks about her pregnancy.
Naomi Pryde is partner and head of commercial litigation in Scotland at DWF Law, and is due to give birth in August.
On Twitter, the 35-year-old claimed an unnamed ‘eminent’ male lawyer had suggested she should not be working if she was pregnant. She has made an ‘informal complaint’ to the man’s chambers, which has launched an internal investigation.
The Faculty of Advocates expressed ‘deep regret’ over the situation, while Miss Pryde has told her team they will not work with the QC in future, effectively blacklisting him. It underlines concerns about sexism in the legal profession, which critics say is too male-dominated.
Miss Pryde tweeted: ‘An “eminent” Scots QC contacted my NQ [newly qualified lawyer] re: a virtual hearing due to my being “indisposed”. When I asked why, he referenced my condition (pregnancy). In open court today [Wednesday], when fixing the next date, he was dismissive of my availability saying I should be on “maternity leave”.’
A friend of Miss Pryde told the Mail that ‘the male QC in question – who was on the other side in the case – contacted Miss Pryde’s NQ, and explained he was doing so because she [Miss Pryde] was “indisposed”.’
The friend added ‘She emailed the QC and asked what he meant, and he replied that he was referring to her “condition”, as he had seen reference to the fact she was pregnant. During the virtual hearing, while discussing the next hearing date, the QC said, “She should be on maternity leave”. It’s incredibly sexist, almost Victorian.’
On Twitter, Miss Pryde said: ‘It’s just one example of everyday sexism’. The Faculty of Advocates said it is ‘trying hard to stamp out archaic attitudes’ and ‘we deeply regret that anyone... should feel let down in any way’.