The new president of WLANSW and solicitor at City of Sydney Council, Mary Snell, told Lawyers Weekly she is concerned about the rate of women completing law degrees only to later abandon a career in law.

By working with universities and the law societies, Snell said, she is hoping to obtain new and existing data about the rate of women studying law, their career intentions, and their progress in the profession long-term.

Snell cited particular concern over the rate of women leaving the profession in their late 20s or early 30s.

"Ten years is the magic point," she said. "Is it biology, is it a choice, are they being pushed out?"

Snell added that until extensive research is carried out, answers to such questions will merely be a matter of conjecture.

The association will this year continue their luncheon series and host their bi-annual women in law awards in September.

- Angela Priestley