Diversity + Inclusion In the Law | Legal Industry Round Table

Diversity and Inclusion In the Law was the topic discussed around a table of trusted friends and industry colleagues. As a collective, this group has amassed decades in the "legal people" space, respect and support underpin the conversation yet views are just as comfortably challenged. It is a setting I for one don't take for granted but one that has taken many years to foster and grow.

So as we started to unpack what diversity and inclusion looks like in our profession, it was clear that the experiences, thoughts and opinions shared had strikingly similar themes.

Strong and steady growth of women in leadership (organic and genuine, yet slow)
Alignment between values and actions taken is strong
Females continue to enjoy equal pay to their male counterparts
Regardless of what policies and support a firm might offer, family and societal norms still anchor beliefs, holding back progress
Individual authenticity - Greater sense that people are bringing their whole-self to work

There was also a welcoming relief amongst us all that yes the profession as a whole has seen progress and although there is still much to do before 'D&I' dissolves to become simply 'who we are' and 'what we do', there is a sense of promise and evolution.

Support networks for LGBTQI+ within law firms is growing
Fathers taking extended parental leave
Paid parental leave becoming industry standard
Flexible and part-time work arrangements are increasingly common

Casting our minds back to where we were a decade ago, we were buoyed by what has been achieved whilst also recognising that it is the generational 'push and pull' that inevitably brings longlasting change.

What does diversity look like in your firm? Is it representative of the community you live in and what are each of us doing individually to help change the landscape?

For more advice around diversity and inclusion, you can reach us at info@alexcorreaexecutive .com.au.