Hi all - we are relocating our blog to combine with the NZLS issues discussion board to let our powers combine!
See you there!
Thursday, December 2, 2010
Full time v part time
http://www.legaljobscentre.com/job-market-news/firms-still-prefer-full-time-lawyers-say-recruiters/60782
Paid maternity leave increases at Allens, Corrs and Freehills
Check out the latest trends in paid paternity leave:
http://www.legaljobscentre.com/job-market-news/paid-maternity-leave-increases-at-allens-corrs-and-freehills/60749
http://www.legaljobscentre.com/job-market-news/paid-maternity-leave-increases-at-allens-corrs-and-freehills/60749
Thursday, September 30, 2010
Joan Withers Interview
Check out the Business Day interview of Joan Withers - former Chief Executive of Fairfax Media and one of the most sought after fulltime professional company directors in NZ:
http://www.nzx.com/news/4176640/Director-believes-in-making-a-difference
She notes that it is hard for young women to get their first directorship. Her advice?
"I think it's easier if you have a strong commercial background. There are a lot of senior lawyers and senior accountants getting into board positions but I think boards are looking for commercial people with wider experience. Being a CEO certainly helps."
"A lot of people talk about networking – but make sure it is networking appropriately. Don't do as I have seen some women do and pick up business cards (at a function or meeting) and then send out a group email saying, `hi, just letting you know what I am up to'."
"Learn as much as you can. It's never been easier to go to university and do papers where you don't have the skills. Supplement your skills and do the Institute of Directors course. Do the reading. Be serious about reading and understanding what happens in a business environment."
http://www.nzx.com/news/4176640/Director-believes-in-making-a-difference
She notes that it is hard for young women to get their first directorship. Her advice?
"I think it's easier if you have a strong commercial background. There are a lot of senior lawyers and senior accountants getting into board positions but I think boards are looking for commercial people with wider experience. Being a CEO certainly helps."
"A lot of people talk about networking – but make sure it is networking appropriately. Don't do as I have seen some women do and pick up business cards (at a function or meeting) and then send out a group email saying, `hi, just letting you know what I am up to'."
"Learn as much as you can. It's never been easier to go to university and do papers where you don't have the skills. Supplement your skills and do the Institute of Directors course. Do the reading. Be serious about reading and understanding what happens in a business environment."
Half the Sky
Last night there was an interview on National Radio where author Sheryl Wudunn discussed her latest book that she co-authored: Half the Sky. I haven't read the book yet but her interview intrigued me.
The book is about women around the world and the movement 'Half the Sky' which addresses gender inqeuality particularly in third world nations.
As the movement website says:
"Half the Sky lays out an agenda for the world's women and three major abuses: sex trafficking and forced prostitution; gender-based violence including honor killings and mass rape; maternal mortality, which needlessly claims one woman a minute. We know there are many worthy causes competing for attention in the world. We focus on this one because this kind of oppression feels transcendent – and so does the opportunity. Outsiders can truly make a difference."
Check out their website for more information and some interesting blogs:
http://www.halftheskymovement.org/
The book is about women around the world and the movement 'Half the Sky' which addresses gender inqeuality particularly in third world nations.
As the movement website says:
"Half the Sky lays out an agenda for the world's women and three major abuses: sex trafficking and forced prostitution; gender-based violence including honor killings and mass rape; maternal mortality, which needlessly claims one woman a minute. We know there are many worthy causes competing for attention in the world. We focus on this one because this kind of oppression feels transcendent – and so does the opportunity. Outsiders can truly make a difference."
Check out their website for more information and some interesting blogs:
http://www.halftheskymovement.org/
Monday, August 23, 2010
Court room diversity
Women Judges More Favoured by Lawyers
Friday, 18 June 2010, 11:14 am Press Release: Law Fuel
Judicial Survey Shows Women Judges More Favoured by Lawyers And Justice Baragwanath comes out as the most popular
LawFuel.co.nz - A survey of barristers conducted by website publishers KiwisFirst, published by Vince Siemer, have shown that retiring Court of Appeal Judge David Baragwanath was the highest overall scorer at 9.1, with embattled Supreme Court Justice Bill Wilson pulling only 3.1 in last place in the survey.
Although lawyers were requested by the Law Society not to participate in the survey, it was evidently well patronised by those who wanted to express their views on the popularity of the senior judges.
Lawyers were asked to score each judge on a scale of 1 to 10 in four categories; knowledge of the law, intelligence, personal character and fairness - as well as provide relevant comments.
Though women comprise 21% of the judges surveyed, they captured half of the top ten spots and three of the top five in the overall rankings. The average rating for female judges was 7.75, compared to 7.50 for the men.
Male judges still scored, on average, higher in knowledge of the law and intelligence, but the women outranked the men on the 'perceived fairness and integrity' ranking. blew the men away on perceived fairness and integrity.
Mr Siever commented: "If Judith Potter J - a definite outlier in the survey - was removed, female judges on average were considered an astounding 28% fairer in their judicial approach than their male counterparts."
"The results from the survey also raised the disturbing possibility that the overall judicial pool is short on talent and that, with the possible exception of Sian Elias, the New Zealand Supreme Court is not the bastion for this scarce legal talent. There appears palpable fear by some lawyers responding that the Supreme Court is not as reliable as the Privy Council was."
He commented that there was little diversity in the court and that minorities are virtually unrepresented. "Comments were common that many judges act with overt bias on Crown cases" he said.
"These results strongly suggest that New Zealand consider re-evaluating the mechanism by which judges are appointed, promoted and monitored."
Friday, 18 June 2010, 11:14 am Press Release: Law Fuel
Judicial Survey Shows Women Judges More Favoured by Lawyers And Justice Baragwanath comes out as the most popular
LawFuel.co.nz - A survey of barristers conducted by website publishers KiwisFirst, published by Vince Siemer, have shown that retiring Court of Appeal Judge David Baragwanath was the highest overall scorer at 9.1, with embattled Supreme Court Justice Bill Wilson pulling only 3.1 in last place in the survey.
Although lawyers were requested by the Law Society not to participate in the survey, it was evidently well patronised by those who wanted to express their views on the popularity of the senior judges.
Lawyers were asked to score each judge on a scale of 1 to 10 in four categories; knowledge of the law, intelligence, personal character and fairness - as well as provide relevant comments.
Though women comprise 21% of the judges surveyed, they captured half of the top ten spots and three of the top five in the overall rankings. The average rating for female judges was 7.75, compared to 7.50 for the men.
Male judges still scored, on average, higher in knowledge of the law and intelligence, but the women outranked the men on the 'perceived fairness and integrity' ranking. blew the men away on perceived fairness and integrity.
Mr Siever commented: "If Judith Potter J - a definite outlier in the survey - was removed, female judges on average were considered an astounding 28% fairer in their judicial approach than their male counterparts."
"The results from the survey also raised the disturbing possibility that the overall judicial pool is short on talent and that, with the possible exception of Sian Elias, the New Zealand Supreme Court is not the bastion for this scarce legal talent. There appears palpable fear by some lawyers responding that the Supreme Court is not as reliable as the Privy Council was."
He commented that there was little diversity in the court and that minorities are virtually unrepresented. "Comments were common that many judges act with overt bias on Crown cases" he said.
"These results strongly suggest that New Zealand consider re-evaluating the mechanism by which judges are appointed, promoted and monitored."
Women Lawyers In New Zealand - latest figures
LawFuel - The Law Jobs and Legal NewsWire:
Women lawyers are increasing rapidly in New Zealand, although partner statistics are yet to reflect their growing numbers. The law firm with the highest percentage of women partners is South Island-based Anderson Lloyd, who have Eleven women partners - 40% - our of a total 27. In percentage terms, the next largest was Brookfields with 35% (6) and DLA Phillips Fox with 28% (7).
There has been a significant trend towards more women in law over the past decade. Figures received by LawFuel show that female admissions began to overtake men in 1993 with 266 female admissions to the bar, compared with the male figure of 245. The split was 52%/48%.Five years ago the figure was 456/370 (55%/45%). In 2006 it was 464/316 (61%/39%).
The women partner figures (assembled as at the end of 2007 and grouped according to the percentage of women partners) show the following in terms of
1. Total Partners, 2. Women Partners and 3. Percentage Women Partners:
Total partners Women partners Percentage (women)
1. Anderson Lloyd 27 11 40
2. Brookfields 17 6 35
3. DLA Phillips Fox 25 7 28
4. Minter Ellison 34 9 26
5. Meredith Connell 22 5 22
6. Simpson Grierson 44 7 16
7. Chapman Tripp= 51 7 14
7. Kensington Swan = 35 5 14
8. Morrison Kent = 17 2 12
8. Martelli McKegg = 12 3 12
9. Buddle Findlay 35 4 11
10. Bell Gully 41 4 10
The ratings need to be seen in the context of the aspirations and relative priorities of women in law as much as any attempts by law firms to stifle their lawyers' aspirations.It is clear from research that many women simply have not sought the partner roles and put family preferences ahead of their professional ambitions. This has altered somewhat with many firms adopting a more flexible work/life balance for male and female lawyers alike, which in turn has lead to a greater move of women into leadership positions in law firms.
Women lawyers are increasing rapidly in New Zealand, although partner statistics are yet to reflect their growing numbers. The law firm with the highest percentage of women partners is South Island-based Anderson Lloyd, who have Eleven women partners - 40% - our of a total 27. In percentage terms, the next largest was Brookfields with 35% (6) and DLA Phillips Fox with 28% (7).
There has been a significant trend towards more women in law over the past decade. Figures received by LawFuel show that female admissions began to overtake men in 1993 with 266 female admissions to the bar, compared with the male figure of 245. The split was 52%/48%.Five years ago the figure was 456/370 (55%/45%). In 2006 it was 464/316 (61%/39%).
The women partner figures (assembled as at the end of 2007 and grouped according to the percentage of women partners) show the following in terms of
1. Total Partners, 2. Women Partners and 3. Percentage Women Partners:
Total partners Women partners Percentage (women)
1. Anderson Lloyd 27 11 40
2. Brookfields 17 6 35
3. DLA Phillips Fox 25 7 28
4. Minter Ellison 34 9 26
5. Meredith Connell 22 5 22
6. Simpson Grierson 44 7 16
7. Chapman Tripp= 51 7 14
7. Kensington Swan = 35 5 14
8. Morrison Kent = 17 2 12
8. Martelli McKegg = 12 3 12
9. Buddle Findlay 35 4 11
10. Bell Gully 41 4 10
The ratings need to be seen in the context of the aspirations and relative priorities of women in law as much as any attempts by law firms to stifle their lawyers' aspirations.It is clear from research that many women simply have not sought the partner roles and put family preferences ahead of their professional ambitions. This has altered somewhat with many firms adopting a more flexible work/life balance for male and female lawyers alike, which in turn has lead to a greater move of women into leadership positions in law firms.
Friday, August 13, 2010
ALB latest articles
http://aulegalbusinessonline.com/news/breaking-news/female-in-house-lawyers-smash-through-glass-ceiling/48690
This article looks at the break through statistics of female lawyers in in-house roles. At the bottom of the article there are links to some other interesting research on parental leave, the glass ceiling and pathways to partnership.
This article looks at the break through statistics of female lawyers in in-house roles. At the bottom of the article there are links to some other interesting research on parental leave, the glass ceiling and pathways to partnership.
Thursday, August 5, 2010
UN resources - gender issues
In an historic move, the United Nations General Assembly voted unanimously on 2 July 2010 to create a new entity to accelerate progress in meeting the needs of women and girls worldwide.
Check out more details:
http://www.unwomen.org/
http://www.un.org/womenwatch/ianwge/
Check out more details:
http://www.unwomen.org/
http://www.un.org/womenwatch/ianwge/
Work Life Balance panel discussion
18th August 2010, 12-1.30pm
Hosted by Simpson Grierson, level 24 HSBC Tower Wellington,
Hope you can make it!
Hosted by Simpson Grierson, level 24 HSBC Tower Wellington,
Hope you can make it!
Thursday, July 22, 2010
Female NZ lawyers increase dramatically
Source = NZLS website:
Women now hold 43% of practising certificates issued to New Zealand lawyers, according to the New Zealand Law Society.
Figures from the Society’s registry show that in mid-July 2010, 10,843 practising certificates had been issued. Of these, women held 4,707.
The dramatic increase in the number of women in the legal profession is shown by the fact that just 7% of practising certificates were held by women in 1980. This grew to 22% in 1990 and 34% in 1990.
The total number of New Zealand lawyers has also increased over the past few decades. In 1980 there were 4,016 practising certificates issued. This grew by 47% over the next decade to 5,900 in 1990, and then by a further 40% to 8,287 in 2000. In the past decade the number of practising certificates has grown by 31%.
The number of practising certificates issued to barristers is the other key area of growth. At present there are 1,495 practising certificates on issue to barristers. This has grown by 60% from 2000. The number of barristers grew by 251% in the decade from 1990 to 2000.
Women now hold 43% of practising certificates issued to New Zealand lawyers, according to the New Zealand Law Society.
Figures from the Society’s registry show that in mid-July 2010, 10,843 practising certificates had been issued. Of these, women held 4,707.
The dramatic increase in the number of women in the legal profession is shown by the fact that just 7% of practising certificates were held by women in 1980. This grew to 22% in 1990 and 34% in 1990.
The total number of New Zealand lawyers has also increased over the past few decades. In 1980 there were 4,016 practising certificates issued. This grew by 47% over the next decade to 5,900 in 1990, and then by a further 40% to 8,287 in 2000. In the past decade the number of practising certificates has grown by 31%.
The number of practising certificates issued to barristers is the other key area of growth. At present there are 1,495 practising certificates on issue to barristers. This has grown by 60% from 2000. The number of barristers grew by 251% in the decade from 1990 to 2000.
Global Women Forum
New Zealand Global Women Forum 2010Innovation: Crossing the Global Chasm
For more info see: http://www.globalwomen.org.nz/
7 SEPTEMBER 2010, AUCKLAND
For New Zealand to prosper and grow our businesses – large and small – need to take their business to the world.
It takes resilience and courage to make the leap across the global chasm – the theme of New Zealand Global Women’s second forum being held in Auckland on September 7.
An impressive array of business leaders will describe how they are rewriting the way we do business with the world.
Wendy Pye will describe building a $100 million a year publishing empire in the United States. Dame Jenny Shipley will explore the mega trends shaping trading with the most mysterious and challenging of markets – China.
Presenters include the face of MAC and Jo Malone in New Zealand, Rowena Roberts; Trilogy skincare founder Sarah Gibbs and philanthropist and arts patron Dayle Mace.
Crossing the Global Chasm follows Global Women’s highly successful inaugural forum Thinking Globally. It offers women from the public, private and not-for-profit sectors an unrivalled opportunity to hear from, and network with, some of our top business brains.
For more info see: http://www.globalwomen.org.nz/
7 SEPTEMBER 2010, AUCKLAND
For New Zealand to prosper and grow our businesses – large and small – need to take their business to the world.
It takes resilience and courage to make the leap across the global chasm – the theme of New Zealand Global Women’s second forum being held in Auckland on September 7.
An impressive array of business leaders will describe how they are rewriting the way we do business with the world.
Wendy Pye will describe building a $100 million a year publishing empire in the United States. Dame Jenny Shipley will explore the mega trends shaping trading with the most mysterious and challenging of markets – China.
Presenters include the face of MAC and Jo Malone in New Zealand, Rowena Roberts; Trilogy skincare founder Sarah Gibbs and philanthropist and arts patron Dayle Mace.
Crossing the Global Chasm follows Global Women’s highly successful inaugural forum Thinking Globally. It offers women from the public, private and not-for-profit sectors an unrivalled opportunity to hear from, and network with, some of our top business brains.
Sunday, June 20, 2010
Pay disparity
http://www.nacew.govt.nz/publications/quality/women/section1.html
The Economic Rationales For Narrowing The Gender Pay Gap
The Economic Rationales For Narrowing The Gender Pay Gap
Monday, June 14, 2010
Woman in partnership
Of the 6 people promoted to partnership at the Australian law firm Freehills this week - 4 were woman.
The firm said the high proportion of women reflects the growing representation of women studying law and entering legal practice with commercial law firms.
Freehills’ CEO Gavin Bell said ‘We only ever promote to partnership based on merit and a strong business case, and it’s pleasing to see we have the quality of people who can offer our clients the best legal and commercial advice in the market,”.
In March this year, the federal Government’s Equal Opportunity for Women in the Workplace Agency (EOWA) listed 12 law firms with offices in Australia as demonstrating they have policies and practices supporting women across their organisations. Freehills was one of those firms.
Corrs Chambers Westgarth, Baker & McKenzie, Allens Arthur Robinson, Blake Dawson, Cooper Grace Ward, Holding Redlich, Gilbert + Tobin, Maddocks, Mallesons Stephen Jaques, McCullough Robertson and Sparke Helmore were also acknowledged.
The law firms were ranked among 95 total organisations on the government’s employer of choice for women list. “By applying for and receiving this citation, these organisations are not only meeting the pre-requisites and criteria, but are publicly declaring their commitment to making their workplaces equitable,” EOWA acting director Mairi Steele said. “They know they are not perfect, but they are working hard to make their organisations good places for women to work.”
http://www.thenewlawyer.com.au/article/women-rank-high-in-partnership-promotions/518707.aspx
The firm said the high proportion of women reflects the growing representation of women studying law and entering legal practice with commercial law firms.
Freehills’ CEO Gavin Bell said ‘We only ever promote to partnership based on merit and a strong business case, and it’s pleasing to see we have the quality of people who can offer our clients the best legal and commercial advice in the market,”.
In March this year, the federal Government’s Equal Opportunity for Women in the Workplace Agency (EOWA) listed 12 law firms with offices in Australia as demonstrating they have policies and practices supporting women across their organisations. Freehills was one of those firms.
Corrs Chambers Westgarth, Baker & McKenzie, Allens Arthur Robinson, Blake Dawson, Cooper Grace Ward, Holding Redlich, Gilbert + Tobin, Maddocks, Mallesons Stephen Jaques, McCullough Robertson and Sparke Helmore were also acknowledged.
The law firms were ranked among 95 total organisations on the government’s employer of choice for women list. “By applying for and receiving this citation, these organisations are not only meeting the pre-requisites and criteria, but are publicly declaring their commitment to making their workplaces equitable,” EOWA acting director Mairi Steele said. “They know they are not perfect, but they are working hard to make their organisations good places for women to work.”
http://www.thenewlawyer.com.au/article/women-rank-high-in-partnership-promotions/518707.aspx
Friday, June 4, 2010
Women regulating Wall Street
Check out this article by Michael Scherer in the May edition of Time magazine about 3 women making a difference to the USA financial scene. No minor feat where only 3% of the Fortune 500 companies have a women CEO!
Tuesday, June 1, 2010
2010 Ethel Benjamin Address
The Rt Hon. The Baroness Hale of Richmond DBE QC PC gave the 2010 NZ Law Foundation Ethel Benjamin Address in Dunedin on 7 May. Lady Hale was the first (and still is the only) woman law lord, and sits on the UK's new Supreme Court. The theme of her address was "dignity". The Address is hosted by OWLS and is supported by the NZ Law Foundation, the Otago Branch of the NZLS and the Law Faculty of the University of Otago.
Check out these links for further information on the Address:
http://www.odt.co.nz/news/dunedin/105122/struggles-law-women-celebrated
http://www.supremecourt.gov.uk/docs/speech_100507.pdf
Check out these links for further information on the Address:
http://www.odt.co.nz/news/dunedin/105122/struggles-law-women-celebrated
http://www.supremecourt.gov.uk/docs/speech_100507.pdf
Sunday, May 9, 2010
More Women Directors wanted
This National Business article ties in nicely with the success of the WIL Committee's latest event "So you want to be a director..."
http://www.nbr.co.nz/article/more-women-company-directors-needed-says-minister-121548
http://www.nbr.co.nz/article/more-women-company-directors-needed-says-minister-121548
Sunday, March 14, 2010
Wednesday, March 10, 2010
Wednesday, March 3, 2010
Sunday, February 21, 2010
The latest tools and research
Pansy Wong and the governments new initiative
http://www.nbr.co.nz/article/wong-woos-women-directors-116496
Glass ceiling still in tact for women in the legal profession
http://www.stuff.co.nz/business/industries/3292140/Legal-glass-ceiling-still-intact
Are you suffering from a gender pay gap?
http://www.hrc.co.nz/home/hrc/newsandissues/healthchecktoolforthegenderpaygap.php
http://www.hrc.co.nz/hrc_new/hrc/cms/files/documents/16-Feb-2010_10-51-21_Towards_Pay_and_Employ_Equity_0210.pdf
http://www.nbr.co.nz/article/wong-woos-women-directors-116496
Glass ceiling still in tact for women in the legal profession
http://www.stuff.co.nz/business/industries/3292140/Legal-glass-ceiling-still-intact
Are you suffering from a gender pay gap?
http://www.hrc.co.nz/home/hrc/newsandissues/healthchecktoolforthegenderpaygap.php
http://www.hrc.co.nz/hrc_new/hrc/cms/files/documents/16-Feb-2010_10-51-21_Towards_Pay_and_Employ_Equity_0210.pdf
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