Give to Gain: Celebrating leadership at Redkite Solicitors
This International Women’s Day, Redkite Solicitors celebrates the achievements and impact of some of the newly appointed women across its offices.
This year’s theme, Give to Gain, reflects Redkite’s own belief that investing in people, sharing knowledge, and supporting colleagues leads to stronger teams, better client outcomes and sustainable growth.
Over the past year, Redkite has welcomed several women into senior roles, each bringing unique expertise, insight and energy to their positions. Their leadership demonstrates how collaboration, mentorship and empowerment drive success for both clients and colleagues.
Gemma Millard – Driving Growth and Client Success at Redkite
Redkite Solicitors is proud to highlight the leadership of Gemma Millard, Property and Commercial Strategy Partner, whose return to private practice has brought renewed breadth and impact to the firm. Gemma brings 16 years of diverse legal experience, having worked both in-house as General Counsel and Company Secretary for a listed financial services organisation, and as the founder of a niche private practice law firm. Her expertise spans commercial real estate, senior operational leadership, financial services, pensions, and fintech. Appointed as a member of AMPS (Association of Member-Directed Pension Schemes), Gemma plays a key role in strengthening Redkite’s commercial property proposition in England and leading the expansion of commercial services across the south-west region.
At Redkite, Gemma’s role spans commercial property, pensions advisory, and strategic leadership. She supports clients through complex business decisions, helps shape the firm’s commercial team’s growth in England, and fosters a collaborative, high-performing culture. Her approach emphasises trust, engagement and shared success, creating an environment where both clients and colleagues can thrive.
Gemma’s work exemplifies the firm’s commitment to the principle behind this year’s International Women’s Day theme, Give to Gain: by investing in people, nurturing relationships and supporting colleagues and clients alike, she helps generate sustainable growth and collective success. Her leadership demonstrates how client success, business development and culture are intrinsically connected, and how empowering teams and individuals benefits everyone.
Returning to private practice has proven to be one of the most defining moves in Gemma’s career and a reminder that strategic decisions, combined with the right environment and culture, enable leaders to make the greatest impact.
Rachael Abbott – Leadership Through Expertise and Connection
Rachael Abbott, Partner and Head of Wills & Probate for Redkite Solicitors across the Cotswold and Gloucestershire region, brings over 20 years of experience advising clients on wills, inheritance tax planning, and estate administration. She leads wills & probate teams across Cirencester, Gloucester, Stroud, Stonehouse and Dursley, combining technical expertise with compassionate guidance.
Rachael has played a pivotal role in supporting clients through complex family and estate matters, while also mentoring and growing her teams. She describes her colleagues as ‘the dream team’, highlighting the collaborative and supportive culture that enables both personal and professional growth.
Her leadership reflects Give to Gain in practice, investing time and knowledge in her clients and colleagues alike to create long-term positive outcomes, expand services, and strengthen the wider firm.
Rachel Curtis — Bespoke Client Service in Wills and Probate
Rachel Curtis is Partner and Head of the Wills and Probate Team at Redkite Solicitors’ Cirencester office. With over 20 years’ experience in private client law, she specialises in all aspects of wills, inheritance tax planning, Lasting Powers of Attorney and the administration of estates and trusts.
Rachel’s approach is client-focused and empathetic, offering bespoke advice tailored to each individual’s circumstances. She combines technical expertise with a relatable and supportive style, helping clients navigate what can often be complex or emotionally challenging situations. Her guidance ensures clarity, reassurance, and balanced advice at every stage.
A full member of both The Society of Trust and Estate Practitioners (STEP) and The Association of Lifetime Lawyers (ALL), Rachel maintains the highest professional standards while actively contributing to the wider legal community.
Rachel works closely with colleagues such as Rachael Abbott, sharing insight and supporting the growth and development of the firm’s Wills & Probate offering. Together, they strengthen Redkite’s commitment to excellence, collaboration, and client success, embodying the principles behind this year’s International Women’s Day theme.
Julia Hardy – Strength, Expertise and Advocacy
Julia Hardy is Partner, Lead for Gloucestershire & The Cotswolds in contentious trusts and probate, guiding individuals and charities through challenging disputes, including Inheritance Act claims, will validity challenges and trust conflicts. Listed in the Legal 500, Julia combines technical excellence with calm, practical judgement.
Julia also contributes to the legal profession through published articles, webinars and seminars, sharing knowledge with clients and peers alike. Her work demonstrates a commitment to helping clients navigate emotionally difficult disputes while achieving the best possible outcomes.
Her approach exemplifies Give to Gain, sharing expertise, supporting colleagues and maintaining a client-first approach, creating trust and confidence at every stage of her work.
The Bigger Picture
While individual stories matter, the wider message is clear. Progress happens when organisations create space for women to lead authentically, grow confidently and support one another. Leadership is not one style, one path or one voice. It is strongest when it is diverse.
This International Women’s Day, Redkite Solicitors celebrates the journeys behind the titles, the resilience behind the success, and the collective strength created when women support women.
Because when we give opportunity, belief, mentorship and trust, we all gain.
