One woman wrote: ‘I have been practicing for 36 years and have been reading this drivel about how women should behave for 40 years. It’s time for male lawyers to behave professionally also.’

As a result of the feedback, Ms Chen (who writes as The Careerist) consulted female lawyers about what frustrates them in their dealings with male bosses and colleagues and came up with a list of ten suggestions. Tips for male lawyers include:

• Don’t comment on a female colleague’s looks unless you would make the same comment about a man’s appearance.

• Don’t tell a female colleague to ‘tone it down’ or otherwise complain about her ‘tone.’

• Don’t take credit for a woman’s idea, particularly after dismissing it initially.

• Don’t equate a female lawyer with your wife or daughter when discussing career paths.