This year, WLA ACT, in partnership with the ACT Young Lawyers Society, conducted the fourth annual Young Lawyers’ Pay and Conditions Survey. The purpose of the survey was to collect data in relation to the basic pay and conditions of early-career lawyers (lawyers with five or fewer years of post-admission experience).

The survey aims to collate information on not only the income of early-career lawyers, but also asks participants to provide their thoughts on what influences pay increases, whether they felt comfortable asking their employer for flexible working arrangements, their knowledge on parental leave schemes and their overall satisfaction of the legal profession.

Survey results in previous years have provided an invaluable tool for early-career lawyers and employers to assess rates of pay and conditions across a wide sector of the legal community. The survey provides a detailed analysis of working conditions, including hours worked per week, average wages for each year of post admission experience, leave entitlements and other financial or material benefits provided to employees.

This year was our most successful year in terms of responses to the survey with 140 respondents participating. The breakdown of respondents included 110 women and 30 men. The survey was open to all early-career lawyers in the jurisdiction, including government sector solicitors. The survey was strictly anonymous so as to encourage honest and forthright feedback.

The final report will be distributed and presented at our launch event on 24 November 2015 at 5:30pm at the As You Like It café. The launch will be an opportunity to discuss the themes outlined in the report and engage in discussion in relation to the conditions early-career lawyers face. Further details in relation to this event will be announced in the coming weeks.

Finally, WLA ACT, in conjunction with the ACT Young Lawyers Society will be using the data collected to assist in policy development and to advocate for women following the results of the NARS report.