Latest Law Society statistics report shows improvement in women and BAME representation among solicitors
updated on 07 June 2017
The proportion of women and BAME people who make up the solicitors’ profession has increased in the last decade, the latest annual statistics report from the Law Society shows.
BAME solicitors make up 16% of the profession as of 2015-16, which is more than double the proportion of that recorded in the previous decade. And women made up 62% of new admissions to the role of solicitors in 2015-16, up from 53% 15 years ago. In addition, one fifth of all practicing certificate holders are women under the age of 35. However, systemic problems at the senior end of the profession persist, where the number of women and BAME solicitors becoming partners falls off considerably – 22% of partners are BAME and just 20% of women solicitors ever become partners.
Meanwhile, the number of trainee registrations rose 5% in 2016 on the figures from 2015, while the proportion of solicitors working in-house also continues to rise – 22% of solicitors now work in-house and not in private practice, up just over 7% on the last report’s figures.
Robert Bourns, president of the Law Society, commented: “Increasing diversity in the solicitor profession is a powerful force for good and a cause for real celebration. Not only do solicitors themselves come from an ever widening pool - reflecting the diverse society of which we are part and which we serve - but new business models are flourishing, allowing us to provide an ever more tailored service to our clients. However, the gender and ethnicity gap at more senior levels continues: more than 40% of male solicitors become partners - compare that to less than 20% of women and just over 20% of BAME solicitors. Firms with good diversity, inclusion and social mobility policies have a competitive advantage. The Law Society Diversity and Inclusion Charter, our Diversity Access Scheme and our work with law firms all help ensure talented individuals have fair access and opportunities to pursue their ambitions within the solicitor profession."
