More data needed

I was interested to read the suggestion in the article entitled 'Firms must monitor progress of women lawyers' (see [2002] Gazette, 30 May, 1) and in the editorial entitled 'Levelling the field for women' (see [2002] Gazette, 30 May, 16) that the profession should seek firm facts and figures on the reasons why women in the profession seem to fare less well than their male counterparts.

The Young Solicitors Group (YSG), together with the Association of Women Solicitors, has long been calling for such a study.

Indeed, in default of action by the Law Society itself, the YSG's operational plan for 2002 actually lists such a research project as one of this year's objectives.

Matters have been delayed by the late payment of funding to recognised groups this year.

Nevertheless, we expect to start work on this project later this year.

The YSG would be particularly keen to receive offers of support for this undertaking (financial or logistical) so that the study can be co-ordinated by specialist researchers and so that we can ensure that the results are statistically significant.

Mary-Ann Wright, chairwoman, the Young Solicitors Group