This International Women’s Day (8 March 2025), the Law Society of England and Wales urges the profession to continue advancing women into senior roles. In 2023, more women (832) than men (522) achieved partner-equivalent positions, highlighting significant progress.
Despite progress, women make up only 34% of partners or partner equivalents, despite representing 51% of solicitors in private practice. Female solicitors have a 13% chance of reaching partner level, while men have more than double the opportunity at 28%.
Law Society President Richard Atkinson marked International Women’s Day as a reminder of progress made and the work still ahead. He urged members to sign the ‘Women in Law Pledge’, which calls on firms to commit to senior-level accountability, set targets for women in leadership, and foster an inclusive, bias-free culture.
"Wherever you are on your equality journey, the pledge strengthens collective efforts for gender equality. We must all take action—become allies and drive real change in our profession," he said.
