Sexism and Gender Inequality in the Legal Profession in England and Wales: Barriers to Progression for Women

Samuda, Leona (2023). Sexism and Gender Inequality in the Legal Profession in England and Wales: Barriers to Progression for Women. PhD thesis The Open University.

DOI: https://doi.org/10.21954/ou.ro.00017220

Abstract

This thesis is a qualitative study examining gender inequalities in the legal profession, specifically in the field of the solicitors’ profession. The research question is concerned with the lack of representation of women in leadership roles and asks why, despite the large numbers entering the profession, female solicitors are not progressing to seniority and partnership levels at the same rate and pace as their male colleagues. The findings are based on interviews conducted with practising female solicitors operating within the legal profession in England and Wales, specifically those in private practice. The key findings of this research lie in the identification of significant barriers and blockages to the progression of women solicitors into senior leadership positions. Such obstructions are a consequence of the masculine nature of the legal profession which is responsible for creating an uninclusive culture which excludes the female gender. In particular, one distinct type of masculinity, known as toxic masculinity, is responsible for creating structural inequalities to such an extent that social injustices pertaining to the representation of women in law can be identified. The composition of the solicitors’ profession includes a slight majority of women at lower and entry levels, a gender balance which is then lost in the upper echelons of the profession, where only a fraction of these women progress into partnerships.

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