As law firms grapple with the challenge of getting more women into senior roles, there is one sector where they already rank among the most influential in their field. In the decade since the financial crisis, a cohort of female lawyers has made its way to the top of some of the most preeminent white-collar crime practices in the City.
When it comes to star female lawyers, white-collar compares favourably to many other mainstream sectors. Chambers & Partners lists 13 women among its top four bands, whereas in other quarters of the corporate world women have struggled to acquire the same standing. In private equity, for example, just two senior women are listed within the top tiers, while M&A tallies four, and banking and finance a slightly better seven.
