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.
Ends
Notes to editors
Journalists, please contact Rebecca Kiernan, Law Society press office on 020 7316 5592
*The Flexible Working Best Practice Protocol was developed in light of findings in the Law Society's 2010 report Barriers and obstacles to the career development of women solicitors (PDF 149kb)
*According to flexible working questions from the last Law Society omnibus survey of the profession, 83% of solicitors work in organisations allowing flexible working. Of those, 49% of all male solicitors and 57% of all female solicitors make use of flexible working practices.
**The Law Society's annual report on trends in the solicitors' profession revealed that women now account for 45.8% of solicitors with practising certificates, yet are extremely underrepresented at partner level.
The Flexible Working Best Practice Protocol is launched tonight at SNR Denton offices: One Fleet Place, London, EC4M 7WS from 18:00 - 20:00.
Comments from supporting firms
DWF LLP
The Flexible Working Protocol is an important tool to showcase the benefits derived from working differently so individuals can work smarter, not harder - better, not longer, which is very much in line with our culture and values. The launch of the Protocol visibly supports our continued efforts to promote flexible working as an integral part of the Inclusion agenda with a desired outcome to improve the employment experience of people delivering high quality work carried out in less stressful environments.
SNR Denton
SNR Denton is committed to equality and diversity in all our employment practices. We work to provide a flexible workplace environment, and engender in our employees respect for the individual, understanding of differences and the benefits diversity brings to the firm. Around 15% of all partners and staff work flexibly, with a variety of different arrangements having been adopted.
Squire Sanders Hammonds
Squire Sanders Hammonds are proud to support the Law Society Flexible Working Protocol. With 57% of our solicitor's female, and more varied flexible working practices accepted, we encourage and understand the importance of a work/life balance for all our employees.
Statement of commitment to the Flexible Working Best PracticeProtocol