Who? Rosie Walker, head of litigation and dispute resolution, Gilson Gray.
Why is she in the news? Represented intervener Sex Matters in a landmark case at the Supreme Court that clarified the definition of a woman under the Equality Act 2010.
Thoughts on the case: ‘The case is incredibly significant. Firstly, it clarified that, in the Equality Act, sex means biological sex. Many organisations have been operating a de facto policy of self-identification and the Supreme Court made clear that is unlawful. Those bodies are now going to have to consider their policies on everything from toilets to female-only shortlists and everything in between. It will impact women’s rights in employment, education, health care, prisons, public life, sport and services. It will, of course, impact trans people too so we must find a way to protect everyone’s rights. Implementing the decision is going to require a climate of greater respect. Secondly, the decision is a vindication of the women at For Women Scotland who brought the case, and at Sex Matters and other groups who intervened, and were vilified as bigots or worse. I hope [this ruling] has made people reflect on how badly they were treated and allows future discussion in which all voices can be heard.’
Dealing with the media: ‘Sex Matters is very experienced in dealing with the media. The chief executive, Maya Forstater, is a first-rate communicator so working with the media was less of my role here. The biggest challenge with the media has been how much inaccurate reporting of the case there has been. I’ve read media reports and commentary which has made me wonder if the reporter read the same judgment as me. This stokes the aggression and concerns that we are seeing around the judgment, particularly on social media. It is very important that the judgment is properly understood and communicated, so that organisations having to implement it know what they have to do.’
Why become a lawyer? ‘I believe in law. We need it for commerce and prosperity, for the preservation of democracy and for the protection of individuals in society. Also, I loved the 1990s TV series This Life, although I pretty quickly discovered the reality is a lot less glamorous.’
Career high: ‘Acting for Sex Matters. Otherwise, representing the Sex Workers Union in overturning the City of Edinburgh Council’s decision to close the city’s strip clubs in 2022. It would have forced the union members into unsafe work in unlicensed venues.’
Career low: ‘A few years ago, I was asked by the judge, “Do you not realise it’s customary to stand when addressing the court?” I was standing, I’m just quite small. I found myself apologising and then again for making the judge feel awkward. It’s actually a funny story now, but it made me realise how far the profession still has to go.’
