Women majority own more than a third of law firms in England and Wales

More than a third of law firms in England and Wales are now majority-owned by women, showing continuing progress toward gender equality in the legal profession, the Law Society has said in marking this International Women’s Day.

The figure is much greater than the proportion of women-owned small and medium-sized businesses outside the legal sector – it is estimated that only 21% of SMEs are owned by women, compared to an estimated 34% of the 9,403 law firms in England and Wales (figures from 2015). Women also make up 48% of solicitors, while more than half of new entrants to the profession over the last 20 years have been women. However, there is still much progress to be made to achieve gender equality, especially at the senior end of the profession – only 29% of partners in law firms are women.

Robert Bourns, president of the Law Society, said that the latest figures were good news overall. He commented: "The proportion of law firms [which are] majority owned by women far outstrips the national estimate of women-owned small and medium enterprises, reflecting the changing culture in the legal sector. As the professional body for solicitors, we see real power in diversity and support progress for the best, regardless of gender, race or sexual orientation, so our profession reflects the population it serves. We also know that businesses benefit from strong diversity and inclusion policies, and practices that help attract both clients and the best talent."