Dana Denis-Smith has transformed the legal landscape for women in the UK, championing flexibility, diversity, and sustainability.
Born in Romania under a restrictive regime, she taught herself English as a teenager, moved to England after winning a scholarship and later shifted from journalism to law.
She soon realised that the rigid legal structure disadvantaged women so she founded Obelisk Support in 2010. Her innovative business model revolutionised legal talent acquisition by offering flexible, cost-effective legal services, enabling skilled female lawyers to work remotely, supporting career returners, and promoting social mobility.
Dana’s achievements have received numerous accolades, including awards from The Times, LexisNexis, and the Financial Times.
She also founded the charity Spark21, initiating “The First 100 Years” campaign, now the “Next 100 Years,” to celebrate women’s contributions to law. This has included a digital archive, public art, educational resources, and scholarships, reinforcing her commitment to equality.
Her voluntary work extends to the Law Society and advisory roles in tech initiatives, all of which reflect the scale and breadth of her undoubted influence. Dana’s leadership and innovative vision have significantly redefined female empowerment in the legal profession.
In 2025 Dana was elected Deputy Vice President of the Law Society of England and Wales, becoming the 8th woman and the first European in the organisation’s 200 year history to be on the path to be its president in 2027.