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11 July 2014 / Brie Stevens-Hoare KC
Issue: 7614 / Categories: Features , Profession
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Raising the Bar (2)

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We must work at inclusion to achieve a diverse profession, says Brie Stevens-Hoare QC

The legal profession achieved gender equality at entry level 20 years ago. Many in the legal profession understand the business case for inclusion. The strands of diversity that most law firms (if not chambers) are conscious of have expanded beyond gender and ethnicity. A significantly greater proportion of women than men leave the legal profession around 12 years into practice. What can those who lead and influence their organisations do to ensure that inclusion reaches all strands of diversity and that the diverse talent is then retained?

A tall tale

Less than 15% of American men are over six foot tall and less than 4% are six foot two inches or taller. In America 60% of corporate CEOs are over six foot tall and 36% are over six foot two. Does being six foot tall mean they are innately better CEO material than those who are five foot something? Does that extra two inches or more over six foot

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