Closing the Gender Gap: Addressing Issues and Solutions in the Legal Community

By Josmi Saji.

Reading time: three minutes

In the evolving landscape of the legal profession, issues of gender disparity persist despite ongoing efforts to promote equality and fairness.

Data from 2022 shed light on concerning trends within the legal community, particularly in areas such as work allocation, maternity leave re-entry challenges, and power structures within barrister councils. This article delves into key findings and offers practical solutions put forth by the The Inns of Court Alliance for Women (ICAW) panel to address these pressing issues.

Gender Pay Gap Widening Across Legal Sectors

The widening gender pay gap across various legal sectors, except children and family law, serves as a stark reminder of the persistent challenges faced by women in the profession. According to a Bar Council report, the disparity in gross earnings between male and female barristers is evident from the onset of their careers and only exacerbates over time. Shockingly, even within core practice areas, men consistently earn higher median gross incomes than their female counterparts. This divide is further compounded for Black KCs, who earn significantly less than their counterparts.

Practical Solutions for Progress

In response to these findings, leaders within the legal community are advocating for practical solutions to foster gender equality. Susanna McGibbon, Treasury Solicitor at the Government Legal Department, emphasises the importance of fair appointments to the Bar and transparent working practices.

McGibbon introduces initiatives such as developing toolkits with the Bar Council and launching pathways for underrepresented groups to join the treasury council. These efforts are designed to address systematic barriers within the legal profession.

Will Mackinlay, Chambers Director at South Square Chambers, stresses the need to translate support for equality into tangible actions. Mackinlay illustrates the implementation of targeted solutions through South Square Chambers, emphasising the practical application of strategies aimed at high-value work, lead opportunities for junior barristers to enhance earnings, and advocacy roles. This approach includes using charts to analyse trends and identify anomalies within the organisation. Critical steps to narrow the gender pay gap includes implementing fair work allocation policies, providing access to earnings data and fostering an inclusive culture.

Mark Rushton, Senior Clerk at Pump Court Tax Chambers, underscores the importance of open communication and financial transparency. He highlights the significance of practice reviews for barristers, emphasising discussions on earnings, setting clear goals, and providing flexible arrangements to empower them in achieving their objectives.

Additionally, strategies such as online call groups showcasing average barrister earnings and individual comparisons enhance visibility for barristers. These measures facilitate discussions about finances and career advancement while enabling barristers to optimise their work schedules for productivity, thereby ensuring cash flow stability.

 Enhancing Visibility and Accountability

Visibility of earnings and diversity initiatives emerges as a central theme in addressing gender disparities. Chambers are encouraged to establish clear protocols for sharing earnings data and promote diversity within their ranks.

Sharon Blackman OBE, General Counsel at Citibank, emphasises the role of senior leadership in driving cultural change and enforcing diversity initiatives. By setting clear objectives, fostering open dialogue, and holding stakeholders accountable, organisations can make meaningful strides towards gender equality. Blackman stresses the need for regulatory roles within organisations to ensure diversity. For example Citibank, they further inquire into contracting a minimum requirement for 15% diversity for suppliers.

Finally

Tackling gender disparities in the legal profession requires a multifaceted approach that encompasses policy reforms, cultural shifts, and enhanced accountability. It is imperative that stakeholders at all levels remain committed to dismantling barriers and creating opportunities for all individuals to thrive in the legal profession. By implementing practical solutions and fostering a culture of inclusivity, the legal community can pave the way for a more equitable future.