Are law firms doing enough to encourage gender diversity?

Gender diversity continues to be an issue in many UK law firms. Women comprise, on average, just 24 per cent of their partnerships, according to the 2014 Gender in the Law Survey by Chambers Student. Meanwhile, the Law Society’s 2012 statistical review indicates that, of the 30,289 partners in private practice, 73 per cent are men and only 27 per cent are women.  

Not only is there a clear gender gap in the number of practising lawyers, but there is also a clear divide when it comes to pay. It may take 118 years to close this gender pay gap, according to the World Economic Forum.

Female full-time employees earned 9.4 percent less than their male counterparts, according to the Office for National Statistics’ 2015 annual survey of hours and earning. It’s a small improvement on the 9.6 per cent shortfall recorded in 2014, but this disparity has barely changed in the past five years. It is a stark reminder that we’re a long way away from being equal when it comes to pay.

So, what is being done to achieve gender equality in law firms? Linklaters is setting a great example for the profession as the first magic-circle firm to adopt gender diversity targets. The firm is aiming for 30 per cent female membership of both its executive committee and international board by 2018.

Progress is slowly being made across the profession, but there is still a lot of work to be done. It is likely that women who have made partner have had to adapt their behaviour in order to do so.

Interested in attending a free network evening?

ARK Group is hosting a special networking evening on 3 December 2015: ‘Women in Legal: Empowering female voices in a dynamic legal world’.

The event recognises the female role, progression and development within the legal workforce. It will be an opportunity to gain insight into the world of diversity within the legal sector and a chance for you to network with a range of dynamic speakers and attendees.

Join our complimentary event on how we can achieve gender equality in the legal profession. Sign up here and tell your colleagues: https://lnkd.in/dXqrFpx

Managing Partner is published by ARK Group, a division of Wilmington plc