The biannual study published by legal search firm Major, Lindsey & Africa has measured the average total compensation for women partners at US to law firms as $659,000 per year – a considerable distance behind the $949,000 average for their male colleagues. Though still substantial, the gap is slightly narrower than in Major, Lindsey & Africa’s last compensation survey. Since 2014, average total compensation for male partners has grown 22 per cent while that of women partners has lifted 24 percent, shrinking the pay gap from 47 per cent to 44 per cent.

Bringing in more business

According to Major, Lindsey & Africa managing partner Jeffrey Lowe, the bulk of the disparity comes down to the role origination plays in determining partner compensation. While the male partners included in the study reported average origination of $2.59m, female partners reported an average of just $1.73m. Though still up 40 per cent from the 2014 survey (compared to an 18 per cent increase for men), the comparatively lower origination figures for female partners are placing a drag on compensation. ‘That’s the crux of the issue: Why are men generating more business than women?’ said Mr Lowe. ‘Is there some boys club aspect or not?’

Source: Law.com; New York Times