Negative perceptions affect women’s careers
Women solicitors fear their career prospects will suffer if they make use of family-friendly policies.
Half of 800 women solicitors surveyed believe lawyers who make use of such policies are viewed as less serious about their careers, and 44% believe working flexibly will have a negative impact on their promotion prospects.
The survey, by the Association of Women Solicitors (AWS) and King’s College, London, is one of the largest of its kind to date. It was carried out among partners, associates and assistants at practices ranging from large City law firms to high street firms.
Flexible working policies are being offered by an increasing number of law firms, including Clifford Chance, Linklaters, Norton Rose and Herbert Smith.
Allen & Overy LLP offers flexible working opportunities throughout its firm and recently introduced part-time working policies for full equity partners in a deliberate bid to retain more women—all partners will be able to work a minimum four-day week or be entitled to a maximum 52 days extra leave, for up to eight years.
Dr Clare McConnell, immediate past AWS chairwoman, says: “We would like to see a greater number of firms and organisations looking at the benefits that flexible working can bring. Even when you have flexible working policies in place, the implementation can be challenging. It is important that you get buy-in to the policies not just at the highest level but at each level of management, by the senior partner, departmental manager and office manager.”
The vast majority of women surveyed said they wanted careers that enabled them to integrate work with their family or personal lives. However, 41% worked in excess of 48 hours per week, with equity partners working the longest hours.
One third were dissatisfied with their opportunities to work flexibly. However, about 40% were currently working flexibly, with 28% working part-time or reduced hours.
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