Last night the IWIRC London network celebrated its official launch. After a welcome and introductions by EY director and co-chair of the network, Jo Hewitt, the evening kicked off with Lady Justice Gloster delivering a very personal speech about her career first at the bar and then at the courts which concluded with a rallying “Go girls, go!”. A tough act to follow for EY partner and president of the International Insolvency Institute, Alan bloom. While Alan described himself as the warm down act, it was clear that the issue of providing equal opportunities for all to take and shape their career was close to Alan’s heart. We then heard from Michelle Picket, partner at PWC in Canada and chair of IWIRC International, on the many benefits of IWIRC membership. Michelle reminded the audience that the issue of women being underrepresented in the restructuring sphere is “real” and IWIRC’s aim is to support and provide opportunities for these women. Finally Sonya Van de Graaff, partner at Morrison Foerster and co-chair concluded the speeches and thanked the founding sponsors (BMC, GLAS, Debenhams Ottoway, Griffins, Grant Thornton and Alix Partners) and in-kind sponsors (Skadden, EY, Morrison and Foerster, RSM and K&L Gates). Over 120 attendees used the opportunity to network, mingle and exchange views.