A Tribute to Dorothy Livingston

When she joined Herbert Smith the following year, Dorothy was one of only a handful of women in City law firms. From that point onward, Dorothy forged a career as one of the most distinguished lawyers in Europe. When promoted to the partnership, Dorothy became Herbert Smith's second-ever woman partner and our only woman partner for the next three years. She was also the first woman partner to return to work after having her children, Katherine and Alice. She became the inspiration for the First 100 Years project, charting the journey of women in law since 1919. She was a role model for many, particularly for women in law, and her legacy will continue to inspire future generations of lawyers. 

Dorothy had a tireless enthusiasm for the law, as well as an unmatched depth and breadth of legal and technical expertise. After the UK joined the EEC/EU, Dorothy was among those who recognised the importance of competition law as a practice area, and played a major role in its development, founding our competition practice. Indeed, Dorothy advised clients on the UK joining the EEC/EU in the 1970s right up to and after Brexit. She took great pleasure in her role as a judge for the King's College London Competition Law Moot, the world's leading moot court competition focused on EU competition law.  

She was also a founder of our finance practice and chaired the City of London Law Society Financial Law Committee for 25 years, contributing to the development of financial law.

It was this ability to adapt her skillset, to expand her expertise and take on challenges, that marked Dorothy out as a true pioneer. In 2013, in recognition of these accomplishments – and more – Dorothy received one of the UK's most prestigious awards for individual lawyers: the City of London Law Society's Lifetime Achievement Award at the British Legal Awards.

Beyond the many professional achievements, we will remember Dorothy best for the genuine interest she showed in people inside and outside the firm, borne out in her many acts of kindness, large and small. She was a human and supportive colleague, mentor and above all friend to so many of us, and we will miss her greatly.

Our thoughts are with Dorothy's family and the many people who were privileged to call her a friend. 

A memorial service will take place in London in the new year: please contact Joanne.High@hsf.com if you would like to be updated.