Female barristers in the early years of their career are paid significantly less than their male colleagues – and the pay gap has very little to do with caring responsibilities, the Bar Council has revealed.

A report on earnings differentials, published yesterday, reveals a 22% female median pay gap among barristers with up to three years’ post-qualification experience with caring responsibilities. The gap for those with no caring responsibilities is 16%. The report says the data supports the finding that caring responsibilities ‘are not the sole, or even a primary, factor in the median earnings difference’.

Anonymous female barristers wearing wigs

Women are paid significantly less than men from the beginning of their career

Source: Alamy

For those with no caring responsibilities, the pay gap widens to 24% for barristers with four-10 years’ PQE, 28% for barristers with 11-15 years’ PQE, 32% for 16-20 years’ PQE, before falling to 24% for barristers with 21-25 years’ PQE. The balance tilts in favour of women with more than 26 years’ PQE.

The report reveals a gender pay gap in all practice areas and a pattern of the earnings gap being present from the start, widening, then narrowing again among juniors, before widening between silks. A significant pay gap also exists among barristers doing legal aid work.

Interviews with several chambers on how they support barristers with up to three years’ PQE in relation to their earnings identified 11 key themes.

On work allocation, the report said: ‘Some sets do absolutely no monitoring or directing at all, as they either feel there is no need, it’s just “potluck” as to who gets what, or that a natural balance is reached where barristers make connections and build professional relationships that work for them. Other sets handle led work carefully, including giving opportunities to those returning from a career break, or ensuring that all new tenants are given equal opportunities… Our interviewees raised the point that sometimes difficult conversations need to be had with seniors always using the same juniors, while others were not getting chances.’

 

This article is now closed for comment.