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My next move: Is there still a gender bias for certain roles in the profession?
Some people are of the opinion that there is still gender bias in the profession, but the reality is that gender bias exists in many industries, whether it is towards men or women.
Nick Ahern, manager, Robert Walters Legal Recruitment
However, firms are seeing more and more talented female lawyers progressing through the ranks to partner, and many organisations have a number of females making up the senior roles. Recently, the NSW Bar Association announced the largest number of female barristers ever appointed as senior counsel on a single occasion. Of the 26 barristers being raised to the senior ranks of the Bar, 12 were women.
Work-life balance has gone beyond being a buzzword. Firms are offering flexible working hours and the option to work from home to attract more females into their teams. The Australian market in general is doing more than most to maximise the full potential of women, and recent reports show that the pay gap is closing.
Organisations do not generally set out with the view to promote one gender over another, but need people who are extremely talented, good at what they do and who believe in the values of the firm. If that person has a family, they will always go to an organisation that will be flexible to their needs.
