TLT named a Top 50 employer for gender equality by The Times

Employee stories

Following TLT’s inclusion in the Times Top 50 Employers for Gender Equality list for the third year in a row, we caught up with some of our colleagues to discuss how TLT’s policies help them stay well and thrive at work.

Emma Erskine-Fox, Partner

<p class="Paragraph SCXW135168403 BCX8" paraid="1221902527" paraeid="{910405dd-bc78-4b75-a69b-e17e0e51284f}{95}" style="color: windowtext; background-color: transparent; margin: 0px 0px 14px; padding: 0px;"><span data-contrast="none">In this article, we focus on Partner, Emma Erskine-Fox and how TLT has helped support her to advance her career while on maternity leave. </span></p>

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<h2 paraid="1895844379" paraeid="{d2898cc0-a9e4-454f-b145-6da5e7001c62}{74}"><span data-contrast="auto">What has TLT done to help you to balance your personal and professional responsibilities?</span></h2>

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<p paraid="474288021" paraeid="{910405dd-bc78-4b75-a69b-e17e0e51284f}{131}"><span data-contrast="auto"></span><span data-contrast="auto">TLT has fully committed to the idea that there is no ‘one-size-fits-all’ approach to working. TLT World, </span><span data-contrast="auto">our flexible working approach, </span><span data-contrast="auto">has enabled me – and many other colleagues, both male and female – to juggle caring and work responsibilities. </span></p>

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<p paraid="209369145" paraeid="{910405dd-bc78-4b75-a69b-e17e0e51284f}{159}"><span data-contrast="auto">One of the initiatives I have benefited from the most, has been allowing me to volunteer during a typical working day. I qualified as a breastfeeding peer supporter in 2023 and am currently training to be a breastfeeding counsellor. I volunteer on Monday lunchtimes at my local breastfeeding support group, which is a vital resource for lots of families. I am passionate about the cause, and I love supporting women and families on their journeys. TLT World allows me to volunteer as and when needed, without having to worry about not “showing face” in the middle of the working day.</span></p>

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<h2 paraid="1157903318" paraeid="{910405dd-bc78-4b75-a69b-e17e0e51284f}{205}"><span data-contrast="auto">How did TLT support you in unlocking your promotion opportunity during your maternity leave period? </span></h2>

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<p paraid="2068618030" paraeid="{910405dd-bc78-4b75-a69b-e17e0e51284f}{219}"><span data-contrast="auto">When I announced my pregnancy to the team, I was already on the path to promotion to Managing Associate. With some employers, I might have been concerned that my pregnancy would disrupt the process – but not with TLT. I knew that there would never be any question about me still go for the promotion as planned. My due date was before the start of the promotion process, so everything was tailored to work for me and my timelines. Soon after, my promotion to Managing Associate was confirmed! I’ve since been promoted to partner, at age 35 and within two years after returning from maternity leave – another milestone I couldn’t have met without TLT’s flexibility and commitment to supporting talent. </span></p>

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<h2 paraid="1688227517" paraeid="{a8cfbc7e-6064-4773-8631-7f6b9a3f4664}{12}"><span data-contrast="auto">What makes TLT stand out in the legal market in terms of how it has supported you? </span></h2>

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<p paraid="2047386478" paraeid="{a8cfbc7e-6064-4773-8631-7f6b9a3f4664}{26}"><span data-contrast="auto">TLT genuinely does “walk the walk” in terms of its approach to supporting working women. Lots of firms pay lip service to gender equality, but TLT has taken, and continues to take, active steps towards supporting women to progress in their careers. </span></p>

<p paraid="2047386478" paraeid="{a8cfbc7e-6064-4773-8631-7f6b9a3f4664}{26}">TLT World is a game-changer for so many women (and colleagues of all genders) and is really quite a unique approach in the legal market. I speak to lots of peers at other firms who don’t have the same support and flexibility from their employers. </p>

<p paraid="2047386478" paraeid="{a8cfbc7e-6064-4773-8631-7f6b9a3f4664}{26}"><span style="color: windowtext;">Ultimately, TLT is one of few law firms recognised on the Times Top 50 list, which is a validation of the firm’s policies and demonstrates its position at the vanguard of driving gender equality in the legal sector.</span></p>

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Sarah Keegan-Stewart, Business Development Manager

<p>In this article, we focus on Business Development Manager, Sarah Keegan-Stewart, and how TLT has helped support her through the menopause. </p>

<h2 paraid="1127242525" paraeid="{a30caaa7-880a-4bbd-96bb-ab5687bb2f3a}{216}" style="margin: 0px 0px 24px; padding: 0px; border: 0px;">How has the menopause impacted your day-to-day working life?</h2>

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<p paraid="1127242525" paraeid="{a30caaa7-880a-4bbd-96bb-ab5687bb2f3a}{216}">Thankfully, I’m through the worst of it. I’d been struggling with mental health, brain fog, poor sleep, constant heat, and a real sense of losing myself. It affected my work, confidence, and ability to cope. Most of that is now behind me. The one thing that lingers is sleep—some nights I get just three hours, and even a good night is five. It leaves me tired, foggy, and struggling to find words. It’s frustrating, and I do my best to mask it. Drowsy antihistamines are a life saver when it gets too bad (a tip from a GP).</p>

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<h2 paraid="483721580" paraeid="{a30caaa7-880a-4bbd-96bb-ab5687bb2f3a}{236}">How have TLT’s policies supported you in managing the impact of the menopause?</h2>

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<p paraid="483721580" paraeid="{a30caaa7-880a-4bbd-96bb-ab5687bb2f3a}{236}">I’m fortunate that TLT’s flexible working enables me to manage my symptoms around my diary and work commitments. When several nights of poor sleep combine with work demands, I sometimes feel a migraine coming on. I’ve learned to spot the signs early—ish I can take pre-emptive steps by disconnecting from my screen and return once I’m feeling more capable. This helps me avoid a full-blown migraine, which could otherwise last for days, and ensures I stay at my best for longer.</p>

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<h2 paraid="483721580" paraeid="{a30caaa7-880a-4bbd-96bb-ab5687bb2f3a}{236}">How have TLT’s policies enabled you to continue working and developing professionally? </h2>

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<p>TLT World has been a game changer for me. I can still perform and put in the hours needed to thrive in my role and grow my expertise, but without the stress of a 5am start just to battle traffic to get into Bristol – especially after being awake since 3am. On those rough nights, even getting one more hour of rest makes a difference. I don’t have to rush or feel overwhelmed before the working day begins. That flexibility has made a huge personal difference to me, and I think it’s one of the most attractive benefits TLT offers.</p>

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<h2 paraid="1083733057" paraeid="{8a80b820-da89-46e1-a7bf-cd33a2d63da5}{37}">What can other colleagues in similar positions do to make the most of TLT’s support policies?</h2>

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<p>I worked elsewhere during the worst of my symptoms, where support was minimal—I don’t even recall a menopause policy. TLT is different. Your wellbeing matters here. TLT World has been a lifeline, and our private medical cover offers personalised support. The fully funded BUPA Menopause Plan gives access to specialists who tailor care to you—getting help quickly makes all the difference. </p>

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Date published

31 Jul 2025

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TLT named a Top 50 employer for gender equality by The Times

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