There is an increase in the proportion of women holding principal or partner roles in practice
The Law Society of NSW has published a new study revealing a “positive momentum” towards gender equity in the legal profession.
The Law Society has commissioned a study entitled 2022 Annual Profile of Solicitors NSW. Cassandra Banks, president of the Law Society of NSW, said that the survey shows a “growing, vibrant and diverse profession facing the challenge of attracting and retaining legal talent.”
"I'm encouraged by results that show some positive movement among private practice leadership positions since last year's profile that revealed persistent gaps between men and women practising law." Banks said.
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The study, compiled by consulting firm Urbis, draws data from the Law Society's registry and a voluntary survey of solicitors renewing their practising certificates. The study demonstrates a three per cent increase in solicitors with NSW practising certificates compared to the previous year. As of October 31, 2022, there were 38,265 solicitors in NSW. Females outnumbered males in the profession for the sixth consecutive year.
Banks expressed satisfaction with the gender balance in the private practice sector, which employs 68 per cent of solicitors in the state. The study revealed a gradual increase in the proportion of women holding principal or partner roles in private practice, reaching 35 per cent in 2022, compared to 24 per cent in 2013.
In the corporate and government legal sectors, women hold most leadership positions, accounting for 52 per cent and 53 per cent of group general counsel and head of legal team roles, respectively.
However, the study also highlights a continuing pay gap between the genders regardless of age, years since admission or the sector in which a solicitor is employed. Although the proportion of female solicitors earning over $150,000 has increased, nine per cent more males reported the same income level for the third consecutive year.
Banks said the Law Society remains committed to supporting law firms to address this imbalance with the publication of a guide to improving equitable remuneration in the legal profession later this year. "Firms who've signed the Law Society's Charter for the Advancement of Women and other leading firms have contributed to the document, in concert with our Diversity and Inclusion Committee," Banks said.
In preparation for the launch of the guide, the Law Society has committed to highlighting actions firms can take to recognise that gender equality makes sense both as a value and a business imperative. These include increasing transparency around compensation and promoting flexible work arrangements, which can benefit everyone in the workplace.
The Law Society plans to publish the next Annual Profile of Solicitors NSW in mid-2024.