Bar Council states findings show there is still a “long way to go”
New analysis shows that women barristers earn 34% less on average than male barristers, but the pay gap is decreasing.
The analysis by the Bar Council show that despite the average earnings across 2021 for female barristers increased by 6% while male barrister’s earnings decreased by 5%, there is still a 34% disparity in earnings between male and female barristers.
The analysis provided an overview of the changes in earnings for all practice areas and how male and female earnings compare.
According to the analysis practice areas where the wage gap has increased includes:
- Immigration: Earnings for both men and women decreased, but the gap increased from 33% to 38%.
- Chancery (Contentious): Earning for both men and women increased, but growth was slightly faster for men who now earn 39% more – compared to 38% more in 2020.
- Personal Injury: Both male and female earnings decreased, but women now earn 53% on average – compared to 52% in 2020.
Analysis also showed the areas where the gap reduced:
- Commercial and Financial Services: This area saw the gap reduce from 57% to 51%.
- Crime: Both men and women saw a decline in income and the gap reduced from 38% to 35%.
- Employment: The gap saw a sharp decline from 16% to 6%.
Analysis did claim to show some areas where women earn more than their male counterparts, including:
- Defamation: Women were shown to earn 36% more than men.
- Family (Children): An area where women have always earned more on average, but this year saw the gap decline with women earning 3% more in 2021 – compared to 4% in 2020.
Mark Fenhalls KC, Chair of the Bar Council, commented on the findings as he said:
“This year’s data analysis shows there remains a long way to go to close the earnings gap, particularly in the higher earning practice areas.
Through the Bar Council’s modernising the Bar programme we are focused on evidence-based and practical actions to tackle inequalities at the Bar.
Chambers can make a significant difference through ensuring fair distribution of work, including briefing practices, marketing opportunities, and support for new barristers and those returning to the Bar.
We can’t just wait for change. It’s up to all of us to recognise inequalities and take steps to tackle them.”
To see the full analysis click here.
