So, are we nearly at gender equity in law firms yet? Well, in true lawyer style, the answer depends on how you define gender equality. 

If we look at the number of women who make up partners at law firms, the answer is no. The new Solicitors Regulation Authority figures show women make up 37% of law firm partners. I'm very pleased to say women make up 49% of partners at Anthony Collins, so we're almost there.

But before we celebrate or commiserate, let's reflect on why gender equality in partnerships is important. 

Ruth Bader Ginsburg, Justice of the Supreme Court of the US, said “Women belong in all places where decisions are being made". 

I would add that all genders belong in decision-making because they bring different perspectives, challenges and advocacy. A homogenous partnership is vulnerable to groupthink, which is never going to be a good thing for business. 

Having a blend of people in the formulation of strategy, decision-making and advising clients reduces blind spots, introduces different ideas and improves communication. There's a raft of research about this (for example, look at McKinsey's Diversity wins: how inclusion matters) but it's just plain common sense too.

So, yes we're almost there at 49% at Anthony Collins, but there's more of the journey to go!