A study commissioned by the Law Society of New South Wales (NSW) in Australia shows positive momentum towards gender equality in the legal profession, with modest improvements in career expectations compared to their male colleagues.
The 2022 Annual Profile of Solicitors NSW reveals a growing, vibrant, and diverse profession that is actively working to attract and retain legal talent. Private practice leadership positions have shown positive movement since the previous year’s profile, which highlighted persistent gaps between men and women in the legal profession.
The number of solicitors with NSW Practising Certificates has increased by three percent since the previous profile, reaching a milestone of over 40,000 in the first quarter of 2022.
Women continue to outnumber men in the legal profession, with a proportion of 54 to 46 percent in both 2021 and 2022.