An inclusive profession—but not for women
The law profession is more diverse in terms of gender and ethnic background than society as a whole, even at partner level.
Research among nearly 1,000 lawyers by legal recruiter Laurence Simons found that 18% of lawyers are from non-white ethnic backgrounds, compared to 14% of society as a whole. Nine per cent of lawyers are Asian, 2% are black and 2% have mixed heritage. Four per cent of lawyers identify as gay, lesbian or bisexual compared with 1.5% of the UK population. The figures are largely mirrored at partner level.
Chris Cayley, EMEA managing director of Laurence Simons, said: “Far from the stuffy image law has traditionally had, it’s actually a very diverse profession.”
However, it’s not such good news for women. Nearly half of all associates but only 28% of partners are women. Women’s total remuneration is 68% that of men, and their average bonus is half that of men.
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