According to new research from the Law Society of Scotland, female solicitors are working from free as of today due to the gender pay gap in the legal profession.

Through comparing annual full-time salaries between males and females, the Law Society of Scotland found that there was a 42% difference in salary with the salary gap varying depending on certain stages of employment.

Difference in Salary in Later Employment

Early employment indicates that there is little difference, however, after the age of 36, the vast majority of males are paid over £65,000 with the figure being the limit for females. 

Janet Hood, convener of the Society’s equality and diversity committee, said the pay gap reflected “very badly on what is otherwise a modern and forward-thinking profession” with the study showing that some females effectively work without pay for five months in comparison to male salaries. 

She added: “Quite simply, it is not something we can afford to ignore, for either ethical or business reasons.

“Many government and other organisations sourcing legal services also include equality criteria as part of their tendering processes. If law firms are not taking steps to ensure that they are meeting these, they could be adversely affected.”

Discrimination Cases

If you suffer from discrimination in your workplace based on your gender or if there is a gap in your salary, you could take legal action. Our team of employment solicitors specialise in dispute resolution, settlement agreements and numerous areas of employment law. Although standards are improving, the gender pay gap still exists in too many industries and it is your right to take legal action.

Contact Us

If you require the advice of employment lawyers, contact us today using our online contact form.

Female Solicitors “Working for Free” as of Today According to new research from the Law Society of Scotland, female solicitors are working from free as of today due to the gender pay gap in the legal profession. Through comparing annual full-time salaries between males and females, the Law Society of Scotland found that there was a 42% difference in salary with the salary gap varying depending on certain stages of employment. Difference in Salary in Later Employment Early employment indicates that there is little difference, however, after the age of 36, the vast majority of males are paid over £65,000 with the figure being the limit for females. Janet Hood, convener of the Society’s equality and diversity committee, said the pay gap reflected “very badly on what is otherwise a modern and forward-thinking profession” with the study showing that some females effectively work without pay for five months in comparison to male salaries. She added: “Quite simply, it is not something we can afford to ignore, for either ethical or business reasons. “Many government and other organisations sourcing legal services also include equality criteria as part of their tendering processes. If law firms are not taking steps to ensure that they are meeting these, they could be adversely affected.” Discrimination Cases If you suffer from discrimination in your workplace based on your gender or if there is a gap in your salary, you could take legal action. Our team of employment solicitors specialise in dispute resolution, settlement agreements and numerous areas of employment law. Although standards are improving, the gender pay gap still exists in too many industries and it is your right to take legal action. Contact Us If you require the advice of employment lawyers, contact us today using our online contact form.