Profile of the Profession 2023: Key takeaways on redressing inequalities and promoting talent retention
Thu 3 October 2024
Conducted every five years, the Law Society of Scotland’s Profile of the Profession survey examines equality, diversity and inclusion issues across the profession and gives a unique, in-depth view of the makeup of the profession and the experiences of legal professionals.
Although the Profile of the Profession 2023 survey indicates significant improvement in terms of equality, diversity and inclusion in the legal profession over the past seventy years, important disparities remain.
Read the full Profile of the Profession 2023 report
On 4th June 2024, the Edinburgh Foundation for Women in Law hosted a panel discussion with guest speakers Elaine MacGlone, Equality and Diversity Manager at the Law Society of Scotland, and Naeema Sajid, specialist solicitor and founder of Diversity+, to discuss the survey results and how to improve the future of the legal profession.
The discussion covered the themes of career progression and the gender pay gap, discrimination and underrepresented groups, and work-life balance and mental health. Key takeaways on redressing inequalities and promoting talent retention from the discussion, include:
- The Profile of the Profession survey and diversity data are important tools for assessing the current composition of the legal profession, informing policy work and supporting legal professionals.
- While data collection is important, avenues for action also need to be explored. To this end, the Law Society of Scotland held focus groups on different aspects highlighted by the data and one of the key conclusions was that it is crucial to challenge cultural norms within the profession that maintain and/or reproduce gender and other inequalities.
- Moreover, the voices of those who are underrepresented in the legal profession need to be heard. The Law Society of Scotland collaborates with organisations that advocate for the rights of minority groups (e.g. Lawscot Foundation, Glass Network, Disabled Scotland), but there is a need for further research and dialogue with minority groups to gather more data on their first-hand experiences and seek possible avenues for solutions.
- Because certain communities face greater barriers than others to entering and remaining in the legal profession, equity is needed to level the playing field and dismantle some of those barriers.
- To ensure talent retention in the legal profession, it is important to continue to promote work- life balance (e.g. flexible and remote working).
- Young talent must also be informed of alternative career paths. It is important to encourage intergenerational dialogue and support.
- Lastly, it might be useful to look at what other jurisdictions are doing to redress inequalities and promote talent retention given that Scandinavian countries appear to be more successful.
About the Edinburgh Foundation for Women in Law
The Edinburgh Foundation for Women in Law (EFWiL) seeks to help anyone who identifies as a women working in law reach their full potential. Through advocacy, mentorship, education and community engagement, EFWiL strives to break down barriers, promote equal opportunities and inspire a new generation of legal professionals who will shape a more equitable and just society. Our mission is driven by the belief that a diverse and inclusive legal profession benefits individuals, organisations and society as a whole.
EFWiL is based in Edinburgh Law School at the University of Edinburgh and capitalises on its extensive alumni network and its strong links to the legal profession and our students.
Interested in learning more about EFWiL’s work? To mark EFWiL’s 10th anniversary, join co-founders Professor Lesley McAra and Karina McTeague for the EFWiL Reflections Lecture 2024 on Thursday, 24 October 2024 from 6:00pm – 8:00pm to discuss the past, present and future of EFWiL’s work to break down barriers, promote equal opportunities, and inspire a new generation of legal professionals who will shape a more equitable and just society.