Supporting Women Lawyers in BC

Why is support for women lawyers needed in BC?

The public is best served when lawyers reflect the communities they represent. Women have been participating in the legal profession in BC in numbers equal to or greater than men for more than a decade. Yet women represent only about 34 per cent of all practising lawyers in the province and only about 29 per cent of lawyers in full-time private practice.

The Law Society is concerned that women are leaving the profession disproportionately. In 2016, the attrition rate was 25.8% for women (with 21.4% non-practising and 4.4% ceased members), and 17.5% for men (with 11.8% non-practising members and 5.7% ceased members). The choice to leave is an individual one, but there are certain common factors, such as a lack of mentorship and the need for greater flexibility and control over work-life balance. 

On the Path to Equity for Women in Law (2022)

In April 2022 the Law Society of BC, the International Association of Women Judges, and the Canadian Bar Association BC Branch hosted an event, On the Path to Equity for Women in Law. This event included roundtable discussions on the progress made by women in law and the challenges that remain in ensuring pay equity, progression of women to leadership roles, and retention of skilled women lawyers throughout BC.

With input from students, lawyers, and judges, the event provided space for discussion on important topics related to gender equity and allowed participants to create community among women in the profession. Below are both the background report and the event summary covering important takeaways from the roundtable discussions on gender equity in the legal profession.

On the Path to Equity for Women in Law Event Summary

On the Path to Equity for Women in Law Background Report

Retrospective analysis (1992-2017)

2017 marked 25 years since the Law Society produced an extensive report regarding gender and the legal profession. Gender Equality in the Justice System documented the difficulties that many women have faced in the practice of law. The report included a number of recommendations, many of which were aimed at the Law Society. The anniversary of the report presents an opportunity to reflect on the Law Society’s efforts to improve gender equality in the legal profession over the past 25 years.

Read Retrospective Analysis of Gender in the Legal Profession in BC (1992-2017).

Justicia is a voluntary program for law firms and provides model policies and best practices to retain and advance women lawyers in private practice. The Justicia in BC project has been actively underway since 2012.

Justicia has developed the following model policies and best practice resources for lawyers:

Best practice resources

Video series on business development – created in collaboration with the Justicia Project, this free CLEBC video series is intended to help lawyers create a personal brand, learn how to generate new client business and ensure an ongoing flow of clients for their firms: visit the Continuing Legal Education website.

Career Advancement into Partnership: Associate Guide
November 2015

A Guide to Business Development for Women Lawyers
June 2015

Executive Summary of Women’s Leadership in the Legal Profession
Summary of the Law Society of Upper Canada’s Justicia Project Materials on Developing Women’s Leadership in the Legal Profession, available online

Model policies

Business Case for Retaining and Advancing Women

The Law Society urges firms to consider the business case for retaining and advancing women, which highlights the competitive advantages of retaining and advancing women in law firms.

Business Case for Retaining and Advancing Women Lawyers in Private Practice