Law firm Thrings has reached gender parity at partner level following the appointment of experienced commercial property lawyer Salma Maqsood.
Salma’s arrival means the firm’s 52 partners are now evenly split between men and women. 
This reflects a 20% shift over the past six years in a move the firm – which employs more than 350 people across its nine offices, including Bristol – said demonstrated its commitment to equal opportunities.
According to latest research by the Solicitors Regulation Authority, women make up 37% of all partners in UK law firms.
Salma, pictured, joins Thrings’ development of land team from Bristol law firm Barcan+Kirby, where she worked for nearly six years – the last three as a partner.
She brings almost two decades of residential development sector experience, having acted on behalf of SME developers in all aspects of property transactions.
Already a recognised figure in the South West legal sector, Salma serves both as junior vice president for the Bristol Law Society and as a social mobility ambassador for The Law Society, mentoring aspiring solicitors and students from all backgrounds. 
Her work to support future generations of lawyers coincides with her role as a founding board member of the Ethnic Solicitors South West Network.
Salma’s work has been recognised on a national and international level, with inclusion in the Top 50 Influential Muslims in Europe and the Top 10 influential UK Muslims in Legal.
She has also been a finalist of the Modern Law Awards in the Lawyer of The Year category.
Salma said: “It is fantastic to be joining the brilliant team at Thrings and embarking on this new challenge.
“The firm’s development of land team have an excellent reputation within the sector and I am excited to work with them all and contribute to achieving ongoing success for our clients.”
Thrings managing partner Simon Holdsworth added: “We are delighted to be able to welcome Salma to Thrings as our newest partner.
“Her experience, both in the law and as a leader for social change, will be an invaluable asset to the team who I know are looking forward to working closely with her.”
He said the fact that Salma’s arrival brought gender balance to the partnership was a really positive moment for the firm.
“We have always strived to create a progressive and inclusive work environment for our staff, empowering them to feel they can make a difference and this is just the latest step in our efforts to achieve this,” he added.
Thrings’ other offices are in Bath, Swindon, London, Marlborough, Frome Market, Ross-on-Wye, Romsey and Lydney.
