Women lawyers denied promotions over pregnancy fears
A new report claims that women lawyers are being passed over for promotion over fears that they may get pregnant. The study was done for the Law Society of Scotland to consider the impact of technology, gender and other discrimination and flexible working. Among the findings were that partners would make assumption about women that they would not make about men such as the possibility of pregnancy. These assumptions affected both promotions, and the over-reliance on women in some practices. On men taking a more active role in childcare, it found: “Even when part-time working is not required, men with young families appreciate the ability to get home in time to spend some time with their children and then, if required, start work again in the evening. New technology allows this flexibility.”
International law firm closes office to consolidate
Herbert Smith Freehills has closed its Abu Dhabi office as it consolidates its presence in the Middle East. The office opened six years ago but its team of five lawyers will relocate to Dubai. The office has seen a number of departures in recent years including its Islamic finance specialist and its managing partner.
Mayer Brown partners recognised for IP work
Fifteen IP partners from Mayer Brown have been recognised for their work by IAM Patent 1000 – the World’s Leading Patent Professionals. All of them are based in the US with the exception of Gabriela Kennedy from the firm’s Hong Kong office. She heads the Asia IP and TMT group and is co-leader of the firm’s global IP practice.
UK insurance body expresses concern about PI lawyers
The Association of British Insurers says that personal injury lawyers are given “false hope” to thousands of potential claimants for hearing problems. Calling noise-induced hearing loss “the new whiplash” the ABI says that claims for industrial deafness have escalated in recent years. It says that although 200,000 UK claims have been made since 2012 only a fifth have been paid as the evidence presented has been of poor quality and has not proven a link between the deafness and the claimants’ workplace. Australia’s Slater & Gordon is a major player in the personal injury sector in the UK part of the deal with its acquisition of Quindell’s professional services division specifically granted Quindell a share of future profits from industrial deafness claims.
