Law firm leads way in workplace equality

Wilkin Chapman says almost 70 per cent of its legal roles are filled by women - from partners to trainee solicitors.

The announcement coincided with International Women’s Day on Sunday.

Over the last two decades the number of equity and fixed share Partners at the company has risen from just two women to 17.

While that lags behind the number of men in the same roles – with that total standing at 30 – Wilkin Chapman says the gender divide will continue to decrease with a high percentage of females coming through the ranks.

Latest figures show how:

•Of 63 senior solicitors and solicitors at the company 44 are women;

•There are 10 trainee solicitors and all those positions are filled by females.

Further to that, a gender diversity study that was compiled and released by Wilkin Chapman revealed how the ‘support teams’ across the region are female dominated.

The roles directly supporting the firm’s lawyers are 100 per cent filled by women, with 70 per cent of people within business and managerial support also being female.

Lisa Boileau, head of the family department, was the first woman to be appointed a Partner more than 15 years ago – followed, on her return from maternity leave, by the firms head of Wolds offices Claire Parker.

Lisa said: “When I was training to become a solicitor, I was invited to a business dinner.

“I walked in the room of approximately 200 people and counted eight women, including myself.

“Now, I walk into a room and I don’t give it a second thought. I have no need to count.”

Lisa attended Lincolnshire Showground’s International Women’s Day event last Friday alongside Partner and head of employment law &HR Teresa Thomas and other female colleagues.

Senior solicitor Andrew Holt said gender was not a consideration when it came to employing and retaining staff.

He said: “I think we would all agree in the ethos that it is ‘family first’ with as much done as is possible to ensure that we happily accommodate family needs.

“In any profession now, we must look to attract and keep talented individuals and be proud to support them and watch their progression, whatever their gender,”

•For more information,visit internationalwomensday.com/