Spider Woman

Brenda Hale is a superhero who embodies Parker’s law that great power brings equivalent responsibility. Her wise, accessible memoir is essential, entertaining and inspirational reading for all lovers of freedom, equality and justice – Shami ChakrabartiWhat a life, what a story… Spider Woman is restrained, warm, dryly funny … and an inspiration to all women to aim high… Whatever her title, Brenda Hale rocks – Melanie Reid * The Times *Inspirational and iconic – Philippe SandsA feminist icon… Her success story is an inspiration for men and women both - showing that law matters – Baroness Helena Kennedy QCThis book is not only essential reading for anyone who is in the Law or interested in the Law but it is also a fascinating personal story – Cherie BlairA compelling account of a path-breaking and inspirational career by one of the most influential lawyers and judges of our times – David Pannick QCBrenda Hale’s story is extraordinary. She has been a pioneer as a woman… Spider woman and agent of change – Harriet HarmanLady Hale takes us on the journey from ‘girly swot’ to ‘Spider Woman’ and along the way teaches us about the importance of the rule of law and protecting human rights… with humanity, humour and deep insight – Minouche Shafik

This is an extraordinary and essential journey through the law by the most inspiring of figures

– Nazir AfzalFluently written… Her accounts of her more groundbreaking cases are fascinating… [Spider Woman is] quietly thrilling – Rachel Cooke * Observer *

Brenda Hale, Rt Hon the Baroness Hale of Richmond DBE, was born in Yorkshire and studied Law at Girton College, Cambridge. She was called to the Bar in 1969 and spent almost twenty years in academia whilst also practising as a barrister for a short time.

In 1984, Lady Hale became the first woman and the youngest person to be appointed to the Law Commission, where she oversaw critical reforms in family law and mental disability law. She also began sitting as a part time judge, was appointed a QC in 1989, and became a full time judge in the Family Division of the High Court of England and Wales in 1994.

She was the first and only woman to become a Lord of Appeal in Ordinary, joining the appellate committee of the House of Lords in 2004, when it was still the top court for the whole United Kingdom. She was the first woman to serve on the newly created Supreme Court, was appointed Deputy President in 2013, and its President from 2017 to 2020.

She lives in Richmond, North Yorkshire.