Allbright study: Men dominate top positions in law firms

Berlin/Stockholm. According to a study by the Allbright Foundation, men dominate the top ranks of major German law firms. At the beginning of April, women accounted for 16 percent of partners, according to the non-profit foundation's report "Keep your eyes open when choosing a partner." It was obtained by the German Press Agency (DPA). The Allbright Foundation, which advocates for women in leadership positions, examined Germany's 20 highest-revenue law firms.

A partner is a co-owner of a law firm. Large law firms are generally known for their high demands and salaries, as well as long working hours. "The typical law firm partner is male, named Christian, is German without a migration background, has a doctorate, and is always available," the foundation stated.

Marlis Wortmann was a model, mother, and millionaire. Today, shortly before her 85th birthday, she is diagnosed with breast cancer, lives on welfare in a one-room apartment, and has long lost contact with her two daughters. Celle is the final destination for the lively Italian.

Wiebke Ankersen, co-director of the Allbright Foundation, criticizes that the best lawyers don't make it to the top in large law firms. Rather, it's those who conform to male ideals. The time-intensive work culture, which is client-oriented, is also difficult to reconcile with family life, the report states.

The Allbright Foundation, based in Berlin and Stockholm, is calling on large law firms to promote female lawyers more than they have done so far. Firms should begin setting quota targets and communicating them externally.

According to the study, the proportion of women in companies continues to decline the higher the hierarchy level. At the first career level, the proportion of female associates is 47 percent. Among so-called salary partners and so-called counsels, 37 percent are women. After that, the proportion of women plummets, the report states, referring to a "glass ceiling."

RND/dpa