Profiling the Profession -The Law Society of Scotland

The Law Society of Scotland 'Profiling of the Profession' project surveyed around 10,000 members of which 3017 responded.

The project gathered data on;

• Gender, Sexual Orientation
• Gender related experiences of the Profession
• Perceptions relating to gender
• What should the Society do?

The results are reported in the Gender Equality Scheme report Sections 5.10-14.

Under perceptions relating to gender there disparity between men and women's perceptions ie 78% females and 46% males disgareed with the statement 'Male and female solicitors are always treated equally'. However, men and women were in broad agreement on other statements ie 'Women don't want the 'top jobs' because they interfere with family life'.

The top four actions identified under 'What should the Society do?' were;

1. Promote best practice
2. Issue guidelines to all solicitors
3. Provide training
4. Provide an advisory service

with broad agreement across all of the demographic groups.