Equality commitments take hit at magic circle firms

The proportion of women making partner at the UK's magic circle firms has dipped below 20 per cent, calling into question the firms' desire to reach their diversity targets.

Magic circle firms miss diversity targets

Research from the Law Society Gazette found that the five firms appointed 13 women worldwide out of a total of 73. In last year’s round, 24 of the 95 new partners were women.
Allen & Overy and Clifford Chance both promoted four women, Freshfields promoted three and Linklaters five. One of the two new partners at Slaughter and May is female.

Trainees

CC managing partner David Childs admitted the proportions were ‘disappointing’, but added that the firm remains committed to achieving its goal of a 30 per cent female partnership.
A spokesman for Allen & Overy pointed out that the firm had a much higher proportion of women in last year’s intake and highlighted that 60 per cent of trainees coming into the business being female, suggesting it will be ‘only a matter of time’ before the figures even out.

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