By Annie Dang

A common misconception by young females entering the legal profession is that women are treated differently or face certain career challenges because of their gender, says DibbsBarker lawyer, Crystal Png.

“Many [women] enter the workforce thinking that they will face challenges because of their gender or be treated differently.  This may happen on certain occasions but my experience is that this is a misconception,” Png said.

“Women now practise in every area of law and the salaries and career progressions of female lawyers no longer differ from those of male counterparts solely because of their gender.”

Falling into the trap of gender assumptions will only limit career potential, says Png. “I would advise young women wanting to work in law not to submit to a misguided belief that women play a lesser role in practising law,” she said.

“If women were to submit to this misguided belief and refrain from speaking up, their views would never be recognised and they may be disadvantaged in the workplace purely because they have not made their opinions known.”

One factor that has contributed to the upward trend of women moving from senior levels through to the partnership is access to internal personal and professional development programs catered specifically for women.

Since the inception of the Women at Freehills initiative in 2004, the firm has reported an 8 per cent increase in the retention of women to senior levels of the firm. Women now make up  54% of the firm’s senior associates compared with 46 % in 2004. The conversion rate of women through to the partnership is also trending up. From July 1, Freehills will have 44 female partners, 15 of whom have been appointed since 2006. 

Jane Hodder, Freehills Partner and co-chair of the Women at Freehills initiative,  advises female lawyers not to underestimate the importance of business development and networking if they want to progress to senior management or partner roles. “Business development doesn’t come naturally to a lot of lawyers, men and women, and I know from my own experience that it is important to cultivate it as a skill through continuous practice,” she said.