Allens has been recognised by the Workplace Gender Equality Agency as one of Australia's employers of choice for gender equality.
The Employer of Choice for Gender Equality (EOCGE) citation has been given to just 76 organisations in Australia that meet the stringent criteria for best practice in promoting gender equality within their organisation.
The EOCGE replaces the EOWA Employer of Choice for Women citation, which was last awarded in 2012. Allens had received that citation for eight years running. The more stringent criteria has seen the number of organisations receiving the citation drop from 125 in 2012 to 76 this year.
Allens Chief Executive Partner Michael Rose said the firm was proud to once again be recognised for its work in the area of gender equality.
'The firm continues to take positive steps to build a culture of genuine diversity and to support the success of women in our firm,' Mr Rose said.
'Since 2002, our professional development programs have included programs specifically focused on the engagement, professional development and promotion of women in the firm.
'These programs play an important part in the professional development of women in the firm, and reflects the value that we place on our people and on the relationships that we have with each other, our clients and the broader community.'
The firm's new career model, launched this year, has also been designed with the requirements of gender equality in mind. The career model sees the firm move its career progression criteria away from seniority to one based on performance.
The Allens gender equality strategy also includes an Inclusion and Diversity Council to oversee strategy and progress and the annual reporting of the firm's gender equality progress to the firm's Board and Executive Leadership team.
The firm's gender report framework is based on the UN Women's Empowerment Principles, which provide a set of principles for business on how to empower women in the workplace.
Allens Managing Associate Meg Lee, a member of the firm's Women at Allens Committee, said her experience at the firm showed that Allens was serious about supporting the career progression of women.
Ms Lee was recently promoted to the role of Managing Associate and works flexibly, along with 24 per cent of the lawyers promoted to the role in July.
'The partners I work with have enabled me to have the confidence and perspective to progress my career while working flexibly,' she said.
'They have always had a "can do" attitude about flexibility, which sends a great message to our team and to clients. The new Managing Associate role has great potential to give senior female lawyers more practical management experience and confidence, as a prelude to partnership.'
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Notes for editors.
Allens is a commercial law firm working throughout Australia and Asia. Through its integrated alliance with Linklaters it provides clients access to 40 offices in 28 countries around the world.