UK Top 50 law firm, Birketts, is marking International Women’s Day with the announcement that 40% of its Partnership are women.

The achievement comes after the firm’s continued focus on supporting gender diversity. Since 2019-20, the proportion of women in the Birketts partnership has increased by 13%.

Initiatives introduced by the firm as part of this focus include a ‘Clearing the pathway to leadership’ programme, which is led with an interactive workshop for female associates to identify, discuss and overcome the practical and psychological obstacles to career progression. To date, over 60 of the firm’s female colleagues have taken part in the initiative.

In addition, to address challenges brought about by motherhood, the firm has enhanced and increased its maternity and adoption pay to 24 weeks’ full pay, and introduced an enhanced shared parental pay policy to support families in balancing childcare responsibilities.

Grace Kerr, Partner in Birketts’ Commercial Property Team and ESG lead, said: “Having joined Birketts in 2004, I’m proud to have played a role in the advancement of women within the firm. To be amongst such a strong cohort of women within the Partnership is a great testament to both the firm’s focus on advancing the careers of women within the legal profession, and the top-tier talent that we have within our teams.”

Jonathan Agar, Chief Executive at Birketts, said: “At Birketts we always strive to identify initiatives and actions that have meaningful impact for all colleagues. Addressing gender diversity has been a particular focus for our leadership team, and I am pleased to share that 40% of our Partnership is now made up of women. However, this doesn’t mean that the job is done. Whilst it is a great achievement to have made these strides, there is always more that we can, and will, do to support women’s careers in the legal profession. Gender diversity will continue to be a core focus for the firm.”