This International Women’s Day (8th March 2025), the Law Society of England and Wales encourages the profession to continue supporting women’s progress to senior levels. In 2023, more new female solicitors (832) attained partner equivalent positions compared to their male counterparts (522).
Despite advancements, female solicitors still represent only 34% of partners or partner equivalents, even though they make up 51% of solicitors in private practice. Currently, female solicitors in private practice have a 13% chance of reaching partner equivalent levels, while male solicitors have more than double the opportunity with a 28% chance.
One organisation bucking the trend is Simply Conveyancing, with 72% of its 290 staff being female and representation across the firm in supporting and junior positions through to property lawyers and right up to executive level with three out of six leadership positions held by women.
According to the Solicitors’ Regulation Authority, women represented 53% of the industry-wide workforce in 2023 but this drops to just 32% for the most senior positions. Commenting on their approach Karen Pay, Chief People Officer at Simply Conveyancing said
“We are incredibly proud to have a workforce where women make up a significant portion of our team in what has traditionally been a male-dominated industry, particularly at senior levels. We remain committed to fostering an inclusive environment where everyone can thrive and reach their full potential. This includes flexible working and job share agreements to suit those with differing needs and responsibilities.”
“This isn’t just about us though. Overall, I have been pleased to see significant industry-wide progress made over the past decade.”
Through its ‘Women in Law Pledge’, The Law Society, alongside the Bar Council of England and Wales and Chartered Institute of Legal Executives (CILEx) have joined forces to bring gender equality to the ‘forefront of the conversation.’ Launched in 2019 the pledge encourages firms to commit to making a difference on gender equality. The eight pledges include having senior leadership accountability and organisational target setting for gender diversity; committing to tackle discrimination, bullying and sexual harassment in the workplace; and fair pay for all.
Ahead of this year’s International Women’s Day Law Society president Richard Atkinson said:
“This International Women’s Day is a poignant reminder of how far we’ve come and the work that still needs to be done.
We urge our members to sign up to our Women in Law Pledge, which asks law firms to commit to senior level accountability for progressing gender equality. This includes setting targets for women at senior levels and creating a culture that’s inclusive and free from bias. Wherever you are on your equality, diversity and inclusion path, the Women in Law Pledge enhances the collective efforts to promote gender equality.
We should all take action to make the change we want to see in our profession.”
More details on the Women in Law Pledge can be found on the Law Society website.
