Abstract

This article will illustrate the extent to which the Equality Act 2010 has been adopted throughout the legal sector. This specifically relates to discrimination against the protected characteristic of sex under s.4 amongst solicitors, barristers, and the judiciary. It will further consider how sex is regarded as one of the most prevalent types of discrimination which lingers throughout the legal sector. Data will be analysed from reports prepared by the various regulatory bodies, in addition to the academic opinion surrounding this area of law. The data will be reflected in self-created bar charts and tables. Case law will also be used throughout to support points made. The article will demonstrate that whilst women have broken through the glass ceiling and emerged into the highest ranks of the judiciary, women are still discriminated against as solicitors and barristers. Furthermore, the apparent preference towards applicants from specific academic institutions will be indicated. Nevertheless, emphasis will be placed on the shift in attitudes towards women, and indeed the increase in female representation across the legal sector.