Language matters - say goodbye to "Dear Sirs"

Change doesn't always roar, it doesn't always parade with songs of revolution or chant loudly outside politician's doors. Sometimes, change quietly tiptoes in and a while later, nobody remembers it not being there in the first place. 

This is such a change. The Law Society of England and Wales has updated its guidance to the legal profession to reflect the fact that greetings of “Dear Sirs” should be replaced with a more inclusive form of address. Lawyers, clients, company directors, and other professional intermediaries receiving correspondence include women. When we receive a letter entitled “Dear Sirs”, we receive the implied message that we don't belong, that we are the exception rather than the default. Language matters, and arguably nowhere more than in the legal profession. 

One day, children will laugh in disbelief when we tell them letters used to be addressed like this. For now, I like the thought of people in jurisdictions worldwide sitting at a computer, quietly changing the greetings on their letter templates; a small act, long overdue, that takes an important step towards a more inclusive and equitable world.             

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