In Employment, the gap widened from 8% in 2000 to 16% in 2020. The reverse is true in some practice areas where women outnumber men, such as family law (children)―however, in that practice area, the gap had narrowed, from 21% in 2000 to just 4% in 2020.
The Bar Council report, Barrister earnings data by sex & practice area 20-year trends, stated: ‘Women have accounted for half of all new pupils for 20 years now, so we have to ask difficult questions about why so many leave and why men continue to out-earn women.
‘Over the last year the Bar Council and the Bar Standards Board have published more data than ever exploring differential earnings at the Bar. This analysis enables us to look more closely at where disparities persist, and better understand who is thriving and which barristers need more support to build and sustain their practice.’
The report highlighted work the Bar Council has been undertaking since 2019 to modernise the Bar, focusing on women and under-represented groups. Its initiatives include looking at the way work is distributed, including briefing practices, marketing opportunities and monitoring; support for new and returning barristers, and practice management guidance on progression; mentoring support; the Bar Council Leadership programme; and measures to tackle discrimination and inappropriate behaviours.
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