34% women legal professionals faced gender bias in work places, 81% say career path harder than men’s: Survey

A further 23.5 per cent of the respondents indicated that they were aware of bias through colleagues, pointing to the wider pervasiveness of these issues beyond direct experience. In contrast, only 29.4 per cent reported not having encountered any such bias. The survey finds that nearly six in 10 women have experienced institutional gender bias in their practice environment.

Contexts of gender bias

When asked to identify the areas where they had experienced gender bias,  39.5 per cent pointed to work-life balance expectations imposed due to gender. Further, clients encompassing issues of trust and briefing, were identified by 32.8 per cent, while panel appointments and designation processes were identified by 29.1 per cent, 26.6 per cent identified bias in allocation of important, high-profile, or sensitive matters.

SCBA report flags gender bias against women legal professionals in professional settings.

The report further maps the spread of gender bias across multiple professional touchpoints. Seniors, including chamber heads and employers, were cited by 27.3 per cent of respondents, while 25.3 per cent pointed to opposing counsel. Informal professional networks, such as briefing, referrals, and networking opportunities, were identified by 19.4%, alongside colleagues and peers at 18.0% and court staff at 16.8 per cent.

Institutional and operational spaces were also flagged, with 15.4 per cent citing office, clerical, and police station interactions, and 15.3 per cent referring to judges or courtroom dynamics. Additionally, 17.3 per cent highlighted bias in training and internships, and 13.2 per cent in access to mentorship and professional guidance. Media interactions or representation recorded the lowest incidence at 7.3 per cent.

Speaking to the Indian Express, senior advocate and former additional solicitor general of India Pinky Anand said that though a significant gender bias is still prevalent, the country has come a long way.

“While it is true that there is a significant gender bias, still prevalent in our profession, we have come a long way. When I joined the profession, it was rare to see more than 2-3 women in the corridors, and most were given the advice to either move into teaching or judiciary. The entry level of women in law has risen exponentially but the leaking pipes remain. I believe struggles still remain Both by us and societal mindset,” she said.

Senior advocate and former additional solicitor general of India Pinky Anand

Anand added that the transformation has taken place through the change in generations as well the gumption of women advocates who paved the way for a future generation of female lawyers.

“The change is obvious and I do personally believe that when the current generation of women come at the helm, they will welcome and appreciate their female colleagues more,” she said.

Women’s professional journey

The survey report finds that 81.3 per cent of respondents (2,116 of 2,604) believe that their professional journey has been more difficult than that of their male counterparts. Of these, 41.1 per cent described it as much more difficult, while 40.2 per cent reported it as slightly more difficult.

Advocate Misbah Solkar, speaking to the Indian Express, said that the number of women pursuing law is increasing but due to lack of trust and adequate opportunities they trail behind.

“Women pursuing law are increasing in number. However, due to lack of trust and opportunities, they are trailing behind in proving their mettle as opposed to their male counterparts. Women struggle to be heard, respected and taken seriously. Forums for the welfare of women advocates cannot be titular only,” Solkar said.

Advocate Misbah Solkar

She added that women with intellect should not be considered as threats instead they should be motivated to hone their skills and stand tall alongside men with confidence.

Sexual harassment in professional setting

16.1% of respondents (420) reported experiencing sexual harassment in a professional setting. 12.7 per cent preferred not to say. The report also finds that out of those who reported or sought any remedy, 57 per cent faced backlash in some or other manner.

Burnout and well-being

According to the survey, 84 per cent of respondents reported experiencing work-related stress or burnout at least occasionally in the twelve months preceding the survey, with 26.1 per cent indicating that they experienced it very often. The prevalence was highest among early-career advocates with 0 to 5 years of practice, where approximately 94.4 per cent reported such experiences.

First-generation lawyers

The survey finds that 83.1 per cent of respondents are first-generation lawyers with no immediate family member in the legal profession.