New chapter launched for international women’s insolvency and restructuring network

Friday 11 November 2022

Two Walkers lawyers are setting up the inaugural board of the Channel Islands Network of the International Women's Insolvency & Restructuring Confederation (IWIRC).

Sarah Brehaut and Helena Lavin (pictured above) have set up the Channel Islands chapter – an international network of more than 2,000 women in the insolvency and restructuring profession.

Ms Brehaut is the co-chair on the inaugural board, alongside Andrea Harris of Grant Thornton, and Ms Lavin is the secretary, while Sharifah Morris of Solve has joined as treasurer.

The Channel Islands Network has become the 53rd group to join IWIRC, and has been welcomed by global Chair Jennifer Kimble of Lowenstein Sandler in New York: "IWIRC’s growth throughout Europe is a testament to IWIRC’s mission and the desire to be part of an organization of women supporting women in the restructuring and insolvency industries".

Ms Brehaut and Ms Lavin said: "Having attended IWIRC events in other jurisdictions, we have seen the benefits of IWIRC's work in connecting women working in insolvency and restructuring, and the hallmark of quality that IWIRC represents.

“We are looking forward to creating a platform for women involved in the sector in the Channel Islands to join an organisation of more than 2,000 professionals worldwide to network, make connections and learn from other women in the field."

Since 1993, IWIRC has been connecting women worldwide through a global membership on six continents of more than 2,000 attorneys, bankers, corporate-turnaround professionals, financial advisors, and other restructuring practitioners. The organization provides its members with relationship-building, educational, career enhancement, and promotional opportunities.

The new network was approved on 26 October and is being launched at Walkers' Fraud and Financial Crime Conference at the St. Pierre Park Hotel on Friday 11 November with a further event in December.