Law firms among The Times’ Top 50 Employers for Gender Equality 2024
updated on 03 July 2024
Reading time: two minutes
The Times recently released its Top 50 Employers for Gender Equality list, with the likes of Addleshaw Goddard, TLT LLP, Linklaters LLP and DWF Group Limited, among other law firms, named on the list.
Addleshaw Goddard made the list after implementing a range of initiatives, including a female mentoring programme, a hub providing support for women experiencing menopause and a return-to-work programme for new parents.
Meanwhile, TLT achieved 33% female representation at partner level two years ahead of target and reduced its mean and median pay gaps. Chief people officer at TLT, Helen Hodgkinson, explained that the firm’s appearance on The Times Top 50 Employers for Gender Equality 2024 “is a huge endorsement of the efforts we are taking to tackle gender inequality, to support our female colleagues and to ensure everyone at the firm is given equal opportunities to succeed”.
The listing recognises employers that are taking action to ensure “everyone, regardless of gender, can thrive”. Applicants are assessed on the efforts they’re making to “remove gender inequalities in the workplace, including flexible working, family friendly policies, pay, reward and progression at work”.
Research shows that the listing itself has a positive impact on businesses. A survey of previous applicants found that:
- 93% agree it “enhances their organisations profile”;
- 86% agree it “pushes […] organisations to do better”; and
- 73% agree it helps to “attract talent.”
The Law Society’s Women in Law Pledge is another initiative that encourages gender diversity in the profession, asking organisations to commit to gender balance. Law Society president, Nick Emmerson commented that: “Women make up 53% of the practising profession and there has been slow steady growth in women partners over the past few years. Despite this, women continue to experience barriers when attempting to reach senior levels.
“We have collectively come so far, but there is a lot of work still to be done. The whole legal profession has a role to play in creating a positive change for women solicitors and ensuring they can attain the career progression they want and deserve.”
