New research suggests diversity in law increasing, but gender equality remains an issue
updated on 25 October 2013
New research suggests that diversity in the legal profession is improving, with the trend continuing to partner level.
The study, carried out by legal recruiter Laurence Simons, confirmed that the number of lawyers from ethnic backgrounds is greater than compared with society as a whole. The survey revealed that:
- 18% of lawyers are from non-white ethnic backgrounds;
- nine per cent of lawyers are Asian, two per cent are black and two per cent have mixed heritage, a diversity which is reflected at partner level; and
- four per cent of lawyers identify as gay, lesbian or bisexual compared with 1.5% of the UK population as a whole.
However, the statistics on gender diversity show that there is still a need for improvement. The research found that 48% of associates are female, but this reduces to 28% at partner level. In addition, there remains an earnings disparity, with female lawyers’ average total remuneration representing only 68% to that of men.
Firms are currently obliged to provide all employees (whether legally qualified of not) with the opportunity to complete a questionnaire on diversity. The Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA) carries out the survey, which is in its second year; firms must report the data by 31 January 2014. The SRA announced in the summer that it would allow firms to report the diversity statistics through an online facility, in order to make the process easier.
