The Law Society has developed a protocol to help firms implement flexible working practices. It provides a clear business case for flexible working through practical advice and checklists, demonstrating economic, environmental and personnel benefits.
Law Society research* highlighted a resistance to flexible working within legal firms as 'the single most significant obstacle to women reaching senior roles’ and women are still extremely underrepresented at partner level despite accounting for 45.8% of solicitors with practising certificates.
However, this protocol applies to both genders, and is also relevant as an environmental sustainability tool, enables individuals to observe religious and cultural holidays as well as meeting the practical needs of disabled employees. Law Society research** also found that in organisations that allow flexible working, uptake is almost evenly balanced between men and women. The Flexible Working Best Practice Protocol is officially launched tonight at the London offices of SNR Denton and is part of the Law Society’s Diversity and Inclusion Charter.
Law Society president John Wotton said legal practices need to understand and incorporate flexible working in order to retain their best talent. “It makes sound business sense for firms to offer flexible working and we are confident that this protocol will help with the implementation. Ultimately, we want flexible working to become mainstream practice.”
“Increasingly clients expect firms to be able to demonstrate commitment to efficient contemporary working practices which they know deliver diversity and innovation.”
“These days there is greater scope for flexible working within the judiciary, for example, with judges sitting part time or listing outside school holidays. If this works in the judiciary, then the profession as a whole can adapt.”
The Law Society believes that signatories to the Law Society's Diversity and Inclusion Charter should adopt the commitment to flexible working defined by the protocol.
The Protocol is sponsored by DWF LLP, SNR Denton and Squire Sanders Hammonds.
At a summit in Sweden, the PM said he wanted to "accelerate" the increase in women on the boards of top UK firms, preferably without resorting to quotas...
Read more
Law Society research* highlighted a resistance to flexible working within legal firms as 'the single most significant obstacle to women reaching senior roles’ and women are still extremely underrepresented at partner level despite...,p> Read more
I set up my first business at the age of eleven, digging up old bottles of antique value in a Victorian dump and selling them to an antiques trader...
Read more
Sadly, nobody can really show you the way or the path to follow. They can guide you, but it’s up to you to do it. The very first thing is to start thinking for yourself...
