Our Snapshot of the Profession 2025 shows that women now make up almost 57% of the profession, up from 47% a decade ago. Yet, despite this growth, women remain under‑represented at senior levels, holding 46% of director roles and 38% of partner positions. Nearly 65% of lawyers in their first seven years of practice are women, signalling a workforce that is changing rapidly. 

In 2018 we launched our Gender Equality Charter. Today, 130 signatories – including law firms, barristers and chambers, in‑house teams and individual lawyers – have committed to six principles aimed at improving gender equality and inclusion across the profession. Every two years, we survey signatories. You can read our 2025 results to learn more about the progress being made, and the steps still ahead. We welcome new signatories at any time. 

From gender to diversity and inclusion 

Now, we are broadening our focus. This month we start to engage with members of the profession – with a survey and stakeholder interviews – to develop an understanding about how the profession can continue to evolve as an equitable and inclusive legal community that reflects the diversity of Aotearoa.  

Survey responses, combined with insights from stakeholder interviews, research on leading practices from other jurisdictions and professions, and advice from an external advisory panel, will inform the development of a strategy and plan with and for the profession on diversity, equity and inclusion.

We invite lawyers across the motu to share your perspectives. Keep an eye out for our survey, launching 12 March.