The IWIRC has added Frances Coulson into its Hall of Fame in recognition of accomplishments throughout her career
April 2024- The International Women’s Insolvency & Restructuring Confederation [IWIRC] has inducted City firm Wedlake Bell’s Head of Insolvency & Restructuring, Frances Coulson, into their Hall of Fame.
In a ceremony held in Washington, Coulson is the third woman to be inducted into the hall of fame which specifically recognises the work of women working in the restructuring industry.
The IWIRC, a premier networking and professional growth organisation for women working in the restructuring and insolvency industry, has been awarding a ‘Women of the Year’ award since 2006 but the Hall of Fame was only established in 2022. Nominations come from those within the industry working with or alongside the candidates and take into account experience and standing within the community.
As well as being a senior figure within Wedlake Bell, running the successful Restructuring and Insolvency there, Frances has also chaired various regulatory committees, been on boards of charities and governmental bodies and is a former R3 President and future President of INSOL Europe. She is a Deputy Chair of the Fraud Advisory Panel and sits on the Companies & Insolvency Court Users’ Committee of the High Court, contributing to drafting practice directions and working hard to make a difference to users’ experience of the court.
Her continued battles in the public sector’s underuse of the private sector to achieve results and devotion of untold paid time was highlighted by those who nominated her as well as the time she spends mentoring team members and women across the insolvency industry to embrace their work while maintaining a work-life balance.
On her induction, Frances Coulson said: “I am extremely touched and really honoured to be inducted into the IWIRC’ s Hall of Fame. I have a huge amount of respect for what they do as an organisation and believe it is hugely important to encourage more women into our industry.”
Wedlake Bell Managing Partner, Martin Arnold, added: ” We are very pleased for and proud of Frances, her induction into the IWIRC’s Hall of Fame is very well-deserved. We are delighted that she is a part of the Wedlake Bell team, always there to advise and support her colleagues on their professional journeys.”