Former Solihull Chamber president awarded honorary doctorate
A past president of Solihull Chamber of Commerce has been honoured by Birmingham City University for her contribution to law, leadership and the community.
Leading employment lawyer and respected businesswoman Eileen Schofield was awarded an honorary doctorate at the university’s graduation ceremony.
Eileen (pictured), the founder of Schofield & Associates, boasts a legal career spanning over two decades.
Having qualified as a solicitor in 2000, Eileen went on to establish her own firm in 2009.
She has since become known for her integrity, client focus, and strategic counsel in complex employment and commercial matters.
Eileen has held a number of prominent positions including president of Birmingham Law Society and chair of its board – becoming the first woman to hold the role in its 200-year history.
She served as president of the Solihull Chamber from 2023 to 2025.
In her acceptance speech, Eileen reflected on the trajectory of her career, including early achievements such as organising the UK’s first transatlantic video link employment tribunal hearing - an innovation later recognised in The Times.
Speaking after the ceremony, Eileen said: “I am deeply humbled by this recognition. My journey, from qualifying in law as a mature student to advocating for justice and mentoring future professionals, has always been about integrity, resilience, and community.
“I dedicate this honour to the next generation of legal professionals, and I look forward to continuing our shared work for a fairer, more inclusive society.”
Beyond the legal sector, Eileen’s commitment to education and civic leadership is evident through her service on school governing bodies and as chair of the Legal Advisory Board at BCU, where she earned her law degrees as a mature student and mother of two.
In 2019, she was named BCU’s Alumni of the Year.
Her influence spans both national and international platforms.
Eileen currently serves as Interim Deputy Chair of the Law Society of England and Wales Board and is actively involved with business, legal, and charitable organisations, including the West Midlands Irish Business Group, which she founded and chairs.
