Brenda Hale is a superhero who embodies Parker's law that great power brings equivalent responsibility. Her wise, accessible memoir is essential, entertaining and inspirational reading for all lovers of freedom, equality and justice - Shami Chakrabarti What a life, what a story. Spider Woman is restrained, warm, dryly funny . and an inspiration to all women to aim high. Whatever her title, Brenda Hale rocks - Melanie Reid, The Times 3 Inspirational and iconic - Philippe Sands A feminist icon. Her success story is an inspiration for men and women both - showing that law matters - Baroness Helena Kennedy QC This book is not only essential reading for anyone who is in the Law or interested in the Law but it is also a fascinating personal story - Cherie Blair A compelling account of a path-breaking and inspirational career by one of the most influential lawyers and judges of our times - David Pannick QC Brenda Hale's story is extraordinary. She has been a pioneer as a woman. Spider woman and agent of change - Harriet Harman Lady Hale takes us on the journey from 'girly swot' to 'Spider Woman' and along the way teaches us about the importance of the rule of law and protecting human rights.

with humanity, humour and deep insight - Minouche Shafik This is an extraordinary and essential journey through the law by the most inspiring of figures - Nazir Afzal Fluently written. Her accounts of her more groundbreaking cases are fascinating. [Spider Woman is] quietly thrilling - Rachel Cooke, Observer Eye-opening. I would highly recommend the work to law students, the newly qualified and those with a sociolegal interest in the treatment of women within the law and the profession - Nick Clapham, Law Society's Gazette A wonderful story. A wonderful read. A wonderful woman - Alec Samuels, New Law Journal A fascinating memoir weaving together personal and professional reflections - Alex Dean, Prospect Baroness Hale's autobiography, Spider Woman, is a reminder of the huge but incomplete progress made by women in public life over the past 60 years. The willingness to talk truth to power that she has shown is needed now more than ever - Rachel Reeves, New Statesman, *Books of the Year*.