Law Society urges more support for women in law on International Women’s Day

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Ahead of International Women’s Day (IWD) on Saturday 8 March 2025, the Law Society of England and Wales has called for the legal profession to bolster its support for women aiming for senior positions. Despite notable progress, with more new female solicitors (832) achieving partner-equivalent positions than male counterparts (522) in 2023, women still represent only 34% of partners or partner equivalents.

The statistics reveal a significant disparity as female solicitors make up 51% of solicitors in private practice, but have only a 13% chance of reaching partner equivalent levels, compared to male solicitors who have more than double the chance (28%).

Law Society President Richard Atkinson highlighted the importance of IWD as a moment to reflect on both the progress made and “the work that still needs to be done”. He said: “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.”

The Women in Law Pledge is an initiative launched by the Law Society in partnership with the Bar Council of England and Wales and the Chartered Institute of Legal Executives in June 2019, which “enhances the collective efforts to promote gender equality”.

Atkinson added: “We should all take action to make the change we want to see in our profession. Become allies for gender equality by signing the Women in Law Pledge and make a tangible difference.”