A Dorset law firm has celebrated International Women’s Day by revealing that three quarters of its staff – and a third of its partners – are female.
Ellis Jones Solicitors says the figures are the highest in its history and demonstrate its ‘total commitment’ to gender equality.
Kate Brooks, Partner and Head of Employment/HR Services, said: “Law is traditionally seen as a somewhat stuffy, male dominated profession.
“We’re very proud that Ellis Jones is different to the stereotypical image, not only with our male/female basis but also our demonstrable record of promoting trainees of both sexes to partners.”
Lauren Day, Partner and Head of Dispute Resolution, who, like Kate, joined Ellis Jones as a trainee, added: “We need to reflect the world as it is now, not how it used to be.
“We promote on talent and don’t work to a quota but it’s significant how many women are now at partner or head of department level at Ellis Jones compared with previous years.”
Ellis Jones also points to its sponsorship of the STEM challenge which encourages girls in school to take maths and science subjects.
This year’s International Women’s Day campaign theme of #BalanceforBetter is a call-to-action for driving gender balance across the world.
International Women’s Day is celebrated annually on March 8, but the global campaign theme continues all year long to encourage action.
Ellis Jones has more than 160 staff including 14 partners.
It has six offices across the south coast in Bournemouth, Canford Cliffs (Poole), Christchurch, Ringwood, Swanage and Wimborne – as well as London – and offers a wide range of services to individuals and businesses.
Picture shows Some of the female members of staff at Ellis Jones solicitors on International Women’s Day. They are with managing partner Nigel Smith, centre. Kate Brooks, Partner and Head of Employment/HR Services, is to the left of him. Lauren Day, Partner and Head of Dispute Resolution, is to the right of him.