The campaign to eradicate the use of “Dear Sirs” in legal correspondence is celebrating after the Law Society updated it’s guidance on the ‘outdated and obsolete practice’ and instead recommended solicitors use language which is more ‘representative and appropriate in today’s diverse society.’
In updated guidance published in the last few days the Law Society said the use of ‘Sear Sirs’ dated back to a period when the profession was ‘predominantly male’.
“This is no longer accurate, representative or appropriate in today’s diverse society, where we want to account for and represent the broad scope of recipients including women and individuals with other gender identities including non-binary. Gender-inclusive (or neutral) greetings aim to address this outdated and obsolete practice by using respectful language. These greetings avoid gender-specific terms.!
The Law Society now recommends language which is inclusive and respectful of all, aligning with the values of equality, inclusion and diversity.
For founder of the ‘Dear Sirs’ campaigner Ellie Rees, the Law Society have ‘taken a stand’ on the issue. ‘We really wanted them (the Law Society) to take a position. And by using language such as recommend, rather than encourage, they are doing that’ said Rees speaking to Today’s Wills and Probate.
“What it means is if somebody does use it, as in either your profession or within your law firm or from another law firm or in an associated industry, such as estate agency, there is something visible on the website that you can point to that says it is outdated and obsolete practice.”
I think that is really substantial in terms of moving the dial and I think it’s going to lead to more cultural change in terms of representation of women in law.
The update comes after a campaign was launched by Rees, founding director of estate agency Brickworks in 2024. Speaking to Today’s Conveyancer at the time she said her frustrations began 10 years ago when, having founded the business with her husband, she began receiving correspondence addressed “Dear Sirs” from other professionals in the property sector.
Professionals continue to be taught “Dears Sirs” is an appropriate way to address correspondence and it does not reflect contemporary society said Rees, adding
“Language matters. “It influences power dynamics and shapes culture. To an extent, it defines our very human experience
She subsequently appeared on national radio and in newspaper coverage of the issue. A change.org online petition has gathered nearly 5,000 signatures.
The updated guidance from the Law Society suggests alternatives might include
- Dear team
- Dear [organisation]
- Dear colleagues
- Dear [role]. For example, “Dear managing partner” or “Dear head of HR”
- To whom it may concern
- Greetings
- Good morning or Good afternoon
Adding if the name of the person is known, it should be used.
Fellow campaigner and member of the Dear Sirs team Kate Burt, CEO of HiveRisk said
“The Law Society’s guidance is a welcome step toward closing the gender authority gap and building a more inclusive, representative profession.”
The sense this is another step on the journey is sentiment Rees wholeheartedly shares:
“We’re really delighted because it does feel like a tangible first step. It’s really small, just two words, but it’s really culturally significant. These tiny customs of industry keep the who patriarchal system in place which is why piece by piece it’s important to question them and take them apart if need be. There’s lots more to do by this feels symbolic.”
‘Inclusive greetings in correspondence’ is included in section 12 of the Law Society’s D&Ictionary
