The national law firm, Stephensons, has reported a 22% mean gender pay gap for fixed hourly pay for the year to 4th April 2026. This continues to sit below the average figure for the legal sector (26%).
The firm has reported its gender pay gap in line with the government’s reporting regulations.
These regulations require organisations with 250 or more employees to publish the difference between both the mean and median hourly rate of pay for male and female full-time employees; the difference between both the mean bonus pay and median bonus pay for male and female employees; the proportions of male and female employees who were awarded bonus pay; and the proportions of male and female full-time employees in the lower, lower middle, upper middle and upper quartile pay bands.
Stephensons median pay gap for fixed hourly pay as at 4th April 2025 was 34%.
In the firm’s highest pay quartile, 56% are female, compared to 72% in the third quartile, 80% in the second quartile and 74% in the lowest pay quartile.
The firm’s employment of more women than men in each quartile is the main factor in its reportable gender pay gap. Certain roles, in the lower three quartiles, such as solicitors, paralegals, document production, and support positions, have a significantly higher proportion of women.
Stephensons has women represented across all levels of the firm. Half of the senior board and 56% of partners are female; women also comprise 70% of solicitors and 78% of paralegals. Female colleagues have clear opportunities for advancement, with gender balance broadly even in senior and higher-paid roles.
Stephensons is committed to engaging and developing colleagues and encouraging greater diversity and inclusion through a range of initiatives. The firm consistently reviews its recruitment policies and practices to ensure that it can source talented team members from a wider background. The firm’s approach to flexible, agile, and remote working has also significantly benefited its ability to attract and retain female members of staff.
David Baybut, Chairman at Stephensons, said:
“I am proud that women make up such a significant proportion of our firm. Females are very much represented in senior roles and that there is no pay differential based on gender. Progression is very much available to all regardless of gender and females are represented at every single level of the firm. The breadth of talent is one of Stephensons’ greatest strengths.”
“We remain dedicated to fostering an inclusive environment where all colleagues can progress and thrive. We will continue to invest in the initiatives and working practices that support gender balance across every part of the firm.”