Caring a ‘pressure point’ for women in law
The International Bar Association (IBA) says that a survey of 5,000 women working in the legal profession has shown “persistent structural barriers” to senior leadership.
The survey, which examined the experiences of women working in law, was carried out among women in 100 jurisdictions – including Ireland.
According to the IBA, the research also revealed “widespread burnout and ongoing gender inequality”, despite growing awareness and workplace initiatives aimed at improving diversity.
Flexible working
The survey found that flexible working and mentoring were the most effective career supports.
One-third of respondents cited flexible working arrangements as the workplace initiative with the most beneficial impact on their career progression.
Coaching and mentoring ranked second, cited by 20% of respondents as the most influential initiative in supporting their careers.
Women told the survey, however, that existing measures did not go far enough, calling for stronger action across several areas, including:
- Greater pay equity and transparency,
- Improved mental-health support,
- Improved support for parents and carers,
- Expanded access to professional development opportunities, and
- Targeted support for key life stages – including menopause and perimenopause.
The research found that caring responsibilities remained a major pressure point – around half of survey respondents have dependent children, while almost 40% indicated they had caring responsibilities in addition to, or other than, childcare.
‘Sustainable career pathways’
Based on the survey findings, the IBA has published Raising the Bar: Women in Law – Phase 2 Report, produced by its legal-policy and research unit.
The report makes a series of recommendations that include a call to normalise flexible working practices.
The report also recommends measures to build “sustainable career pathways” for women – including formalised coaching and mentoring programmes, targeted training, and transparency.
It calls for recognition and support for those experiencing different life stages, such as menopause, as well as for parents and carers.
There are also measures aimed at ensuring that women working as solo practitioners, in smaller workplaces, and in barristers’ chambers are better supported.