Has there been enough progress for women lawyers?

Twelve years on, the LCA has commissioned the University of NSW (UNSW) to undertake NARS Plus to measure progress, identify ongoing and new challenges, and plan for the future.

LCA president Tania Wolff told Lawyers Weekly there have been meaningful and positive shifts across the legal profession.

“Women now comprise nearly 60 per cent of Australia’s legal profession – but that does not mean our work is done,” Wolff said.

“The strength of NARS+ lies in its data. As a longitudinal study, it will help us understand where the profession has come from, where it stands today, and what is needed to support the lawyers of tomorrow.”

The original NARS, which yielded close to 4,000 responses, found that half of all women reported experiencing discrimination due to their gender, as well as bullying and intimidation in the workplace.

One in three women lawyers experienced dissatisfaction with the accessibility of mentors and career progression opportunities, and a number of women indicated the prevalence of men in senior positions presented “cultural barriers” to their progression.

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Close to 40 per cent of women respondents indicated they intended to leave their private practice role for in-house.

Those who had left the profession reported workplace stress, a poor work/life balance and associated pressures were “unenjoyable, unsustainable and incompatible” with their other priorities.

NARS+ will consider a range of diversity attributes to expand on the gender focus from the original NARS.

The survey, due to close on 24 April, will question lawyers on their careers and perceptions of legal practice; what can be done to address attrition; and what is needed to support lawyers to thrive.

For meaningful change, Wolff said it must start with grounded data “that is accurate and truly reflects the realities of the profession”.

“Like the original study, NARS+ will guide practical reform across the profession – but with a broader lens, examining a wider range of diversity attributes and lived experiences,” Wolff added.

“This is a unique opportunity to hear directly from lawyers across the country, to better understand the barriers they face, their experiences in practice, and what support is needed to help them thrive.”