Male-female earnings differentials among lawyers in Britain: a legacy of the law or a current practice?

On average, female solicitors earn only 56 per cent as much as men. An historical underrepresentation of women in the profession, differences in preferences and discrimination are the most frequently quoted explanations. The data cover private practice solicitors in Britain and are unusual in two respects: hours of work are distinguished by whether or not they are billed to clients and periods of parental leave are recorded. We find that a significant part of the pay-gap is due to women's limited access to partnership status and lower earnings growth once promoted. Fewer hours worked and billed and lower postqualification experience are also important. The results presented are consistent with labour market models that emphasise end-load compensation incentive systems where the extent to which compensation is deferred is greater for women.