A survey by Kings College London and The Association of Women Solicitors (AWS) has shown that nearly half of women think that flexible working is all very well - but ultimately harms their chances of promotion.
The perceived difficulties of having both a family and a successful career were highlighted in the survey, which questioned over 800 women from a variety of law firms. Whilst 42% of respondents felt that the clearest way to measure career success was through promotion to partnership, 44% believed that taking up flexible working options would get in the way of this. And a third thought their firm failed to offer suitable flexible working options at all.
The report also showed that many female lawyers believe that law firms simply pay lip-service to achieving a reasonable work-life balance. 50% of respondents thought that they worked too hard, and 46% reckoned that lawyers have to put work before family.
Dr Clare McConnell, Chairman of the AWS, said, "firms need to develop their business structures and adopt clear career paths... that are genuinely open to all".
Tip Off ROF
The perceived difficulties of having both a family and a successful career were highlighted in the survey, which questioned over 800 women from a variety of law firms. Whilst 42% of respondents felt that the clearest way to measure career success was through promotion to partnership, 44% believed that taking up flexible working options would get in the way of this. And a third thought their firm failed to offer suitable flexible working options at all.
 |
Flexible working: a handy guide for law firms |
The report also showed that many female lawyers believe that law firms simply pay lip-service to achieving a reasonable work-life balance. 50% of respondents thought that they worked too hard, and 46% reckoned that lawyers have to put work before family.
Dr Clare McConnell, Chairman of the AWS, said, "firms need to develop their business structures and adopt clear career paths... that are genuinely open to all".