Freshfields has published its gender pay gap since 2017 and has voluntarily shared its ethnicity pay gap since 2018.
The firm’s mean gender pay gap for 2021, published this month, comes in at 52.1%, representing a decrease from last year’s result of 54.5%. In 2019, the gap stood at 57.2%. As such, this year’s results mark consistent improvement for the magic circle firm.
Freshfields also reported a narrowing of its ethnicity pay gap, from 59.5% in 2020 to 50.5% in 2021. The firm says 19% of its partners and employees in the UK identify as part of a minority ethnic group in 2021.
In a statement, London managing partner Claire Wills said: ‘We are pleased to see continued improvements in reducing pay gaps, yet there is still much progress to be made. We are building a focus on measurable change and our targets include shining a light on leadership and representation at different levels. This will aim to ensure a more balanced representation across seniority levels at the firm, which will in turn have a positive impact on pay gaps. We also recognise the significance of creating a culture where everyone feels they can belong, and there’s a sense of purpose and values.”
