The Workplace Gender Equality Agency (WGEA) has released its latest list of organisations that have earned the Employer of Choice for Gender Equality (EOCGE) citation, recognising 115 employers that demonstrate a steadfast commitment to improving gender equality and fostering inclusive work environments.

The list, published on July 30, includes 17 law firms recognised for their proactive efforts in advancing gender equality. These firms meet WGEA’s criteria, which include leadership, learning and development, gender pay equity, and family-friendly and flexible work policies.

Among the citation holders are Allens, an international commercial law firm, and Maddocks, a leading Australian law firm, both of which are committed to their 40/40/20 gender equality target. On their websites, Allens emphasises that "flexible work is for everyone," and Maddocks asserts that “work is what people do, not a place where you go,” reflecting their strong support for flexible working arrangements. Aside from flexible work, Allen's parental leave package serves as a benchmark for family-friendly policies, granting all parents the same amount of time for caregiving responsibilities by removing the distinction between primary and secondary carers.

Following Allens and Maddocks in the list of EOCGE citation holders are Holding Redlich, MinterEllison, Baker McKenzie Australia, Clayton Utz, Dentons Australia Ltd, DLA Piper, Gilbert + Tobin, McCullough Robertson, Gilchrist Connell, Hall & Wilcox, Lander & Rogers, Maurice Blackburn, Norton Rose Fulbright Australia, Russell Kennedy Lawyers, and Sparke Helmore Lawyers.

Rise in Female Partnerships

Law firms are making significant strides to increase female representation by providing leadership opportunities for women in law. By placing women in positions of power, firms can more effectively challenge and dismantle systemic barriers, ensuring that all employees have equal opportunities for advancement and support.

According to The Australian Financial Review (AFR) Law Partnership Survey 2024, 13 large law firms have reached the target of 40% female partnership, with three of these firms achieving over 50% female representation.

Commercial law firm Hicksons leads the field with a 55.2% female partnership, placing itself at the forefront of gender equality efforts, featuring a 0% base salary gap and achieving a 2% total gender remuneration gap through various progressive initiatives.

Following Hicksons on the list are the prominent law firms Lander & Rogers and Russell Kennedy Lawyers, both of which feature a 52.0% female partnership representation. These firms demonstrate their commitment to supporting women by advocating for flexible work arrangements that help balance career and personal responsibilities. Additionally, Russell Kennedy Lawyers takes a proactive role in promoting the growth of women in law through the Russell Kennedy Women's Network, which fosters a culture of empowerment and drives meaningful, comprehensive change in the workplace. This initiative mirrors the efforts of 20-year citation holders Allens and Maddocks, having the Women@Allens Network and the Gender Equality Network (formerly known as Maddocks Women).

Below is the full list of law firms with 40% or higher female partnership representation:

• Hicksons – 55.2%
• Lander & Rogers – 52.0%
• Russell Kennedy Lawyers – 52.0%
• Moray & Agnew – 47.3%
• Jackson McDonald – 44.4%
• White & Case – 44.1%
• Ashurst – 44.0%
• Hall & Wilcox – 41.4%
• Sparke Helmore Lawyers – 41.2%
• Allens – 40.3%
• Keypoint Law – 40.3%
• Gilbert + Tobin – 40.2%
• Wotton + Kearney – 40.0%

Championing Gender Equality

Leading legal recruitment firm nrol acknowledges the crucial role of recruiters in advancing female representation in the legal profession. Connecting exceptional legal talent with leading firms across Australia, London, New York, Dubai, and the Cayman Islands, nrol believes that ending gender disparity in law involves championing gender equality by actively dismantling gender-based barriers in recruitment processes and cultivating an inclusive legal landscape where women have equal opportunities and benefit from supportive workplace policies.

“At nrol, we commit to being part of this ongoing battle. We strive to ensure that our actions, strategies, and vision actively contribute to building a profession where equality is not just celebrated but ingrained,” said nrol CEO and Founder Jesse Shah during his speech at Lawyers Weekly’s Women In Law Awards last year.

Recognising both the progress made and the long road ahead, he added, “How can we, as a collective within the legal industry, continue to break down barriers of traditional masculinity and champion a culture where gender equality is the norm, not just an exception?”

nrol is once again proud to be a part of the Women In Law Awards 2024 and has committed to being its Principal Partner until 2026.