Tokyo, June 13, 2012 - (JCN Newswire) - Women remain severely under-represented in Japan's legal industry, according to Hays Specialist Recruitment Japan KK ("Hays Japan").
In its recent survey of legal departments and firms in Japan, 52% responded that less than 25% of their qualified staff are female (29%<10%; 23%<25%).
At the same time, only 25% of those surveyed said that between 26% and 50% are female, while 23% said that they have a higher proportion of qualified female staff.
Japan-based Hays Operations Director, Asia, Christine Wright said, "The results of our survey clearly show that the legal profession remains firmly slanted towards men in Japan.
"In addressing the aging and shrinking population, Hays actively encourages employers to tap the breadth of the local talent pool, particularly looking to the skills of sectors of the population underrepresented in the workforce to date.
"For legal, there needs to be a move towards hiring equal numbers of male and female candidates, and putting in place programs that promote diversity and ensure that women are offered opportunities to develop and advance. This could take the form of steering groups, mentorships and coaching or networking programs, to discuss career path and development."
Hays offers these suggestions for women entering the legal profession:
1. Discuss your career objectives with your recruiter. He or she can help you to get your foot in the door, and work with you to advance as your career progresses.
2. Never stop learning. Take advantage of the wide range of resources available to you and continually build on your knowledge.
3. Find a female role model that inspires you and holds a senior leadership position in your field. She will have built invaluable relationships and networks that may help you succeed in your career.
4. Network, particularly in circles directly relevant to women in the workforce and the legal industry.
5. Don't give up; you are helping to build a more diverse workforce, which has business benefits for the entire profession.
Hays conducted the survey of eighty law firms and legal departments in Japan from December 7 to 14, 2011.
Hays, the world's leading recruiting experts in qualified, professional and skilled people.
About Hays
Hays is the leading global specialist recruiting group. It is the expert at recruiting qualified, professional and skilled people worldwide.
Hays Specialist Recruitment Japan KK ("Hays Japan") operates across the private sector, dealing in permanent positions, contract roles and temporary assignments. Hays Japan is the only foreign recruitment company in Japan to operate specialist business units composed of professionals with experience and expertise in the sectors they cover. Hays Japan's thirteen specialisms span Accountancy & Finance, Banking, Finance Technology, Human Resources, Hays Resource Management, Information Technology, Insurance, Legal, Life Sciences, Office Professionals, Property, Sales & Marketing and Supply Chain.
Hays Japan is also the only foreign recruitment company in Japan to operate three local offices, serving the Kanto region from Akasaka and Shinjuku, and Kansai from central Osaka.
Hays Japan is the local representative office for Hays plc, which is a global company with more than 7,988 staff operating from 247 offices across 32 countries.
Hays operates in the following countries: Australia, Austria, Belgium, Brazil, Canada, Chile, China, Columbia, Czech Republic, Denmark, France, Germany, Hong Kong, Hungary, India, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Luxembourg, Mexico, Netherlands, New Zealand, Poland, Portugal, Russia, Singapore, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, UAE, United Kingdom and USA.
Contact:
Keiko Asakura Hays Japan Marketing Manager +81 3 3560 2813 Keiko.Asakura@hays.co.jp
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