The Law Society is ‘making strides’ to promote equality and equal practice in the legal profession, Law Society president Linda Lee said today as the Society marks the global centenary of International Women’s Day.

Lee, who will host a roundtable discussion on women in the profession at Chancery Lane later today, said the Society had a number of initiatives designed to support women in the profession.

She said: ‘We offer guidance and assistance to firms who wish to develop flexible working policies and, through our diversity and inclusion charter, invite employers to commit to its terms.

‘However, fewer women than men will reach partner level (21.5% compared to 41.9% of male solicitors in private practice) and the Law Society aims to explore and address reasons behind the disparity.

‘As the third female president of the Law Society, I want to highlight the immense talent and achievements of women in the profession, and promote forward thinking in firms and encourage more female solicitors to progress to senior roles.

‘We have seen a lot of progress in the profession with more firms adopting flexible working arrangements, but much more needs to be done to address the inequalities that remain. I am confident that the next generation of women solicitors will continue to be very successful.’

Women now account for 45.2% of solicitors, and the number of women holding practising certificates since 1999 has increased by 86.9%.

Christl Hughes, chairwoman of the Association of Women Solicitors, said: ‘Although in 2011 the number and proportion of women admitted as solicitors continues to increase, issues remain concerning retention, progression, flexible working and equal pay.

‘Research projects undertaken by the association, the Law Society and the Legal Services Board continue to highlight gender differences as a significant category of disadvantage 40 years on from the Equal Pay Act 1970, the ancestor of the current anti-discrimination legislation including the Equality Act 2010.’

She added: ‘I am glad to endorse the Law Society Diversity and Inclusion Charter and to collaborate with the Law Society with a view to reducing the attrition rate among young women solicitors, and increasing the proportion of women solicitors in top legal positions.’

For details of today’s event, see the Law Society events page.