Law firms account for nine out of the 50 ‘top employers for women’ in a league table published by The Times today. The only sector to achieve more entries is financial services, with 11.

Other professional services account for only five places.

The list is based on self-nominations from employers, identifying what their organisation does internally as a top employer for women and what it does externally to promote gender equality, diversity and inclusion and to create opportunities for women in a wider context. Judging for the list is managed by Opportunity Now, a gender equality campaign run by Business in the Community. 

The legal sector organisations listed are: Eversheds, Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer, Herbert Smith Freehills, Hogan Lovells, Linklaters, Norton Rose Fulbright, Obelisk Support, Olswang and Simmons & Simmons. 

Law Society chief executive Catherine Dixon said: 'It is excellent that a record number of law firms make it on The Times' top 50 list of best employers for women.

'Through our Diversity and Inclusion Charter, and by working closely with law firms, we aim to support the profession to share best practice and demonstrate that good diversity, inclusion and social mobility policies actually give a competitive advantage.  FTSE100 companies agree - almost a quarter of FTSE100 board positions are being filled with women.'

Olswang’s chief executive, Michael Burdon commented: ‘Olswang understands the importance of having the best talent and ensuring that everyone gets the opportunity to fulfil their potential.

‘We have promoted five phenomenal female lawyers to the partnership this year, which I hope is a sure sign that we are making progress.’