Diversity at Allens

I think the firm is very committed to promoting diversity, but that is not always reflected in the diversity of the employees. We have very active committees championing causes including: LGBTIQ+, women, cultural diversity and reconciliation. We also have a good recruitment survey that considers whether candidates have suffered from social or economic disadvantage. The firm is also actively engaged in educating its employees and clients about matters such as the Indigenous Voice to Parliament, and I would say it genuinely 'puts its money where its mouth is' rather than virtue signalling about certain causes. The only area of improvement would be more diversity in the actual cohort of the office.

Great committees re women and LGBTIQA+ community. Good maternity leave - 26 weeks. Child care could be improved. Recruitment - efforts are being made but still not enough.

Allens definitely has strong commitments to diversity. There are a lot of measures at the clerkship stage (eg, RARE recruitment tools), and a flexible parental leave policy that includes fathers / parents who didn't give birth. I'm gay, and there's a strong LGBTQIA+ community at the firm, but there's not as much racial / ethnic diversity as at some other firms. I've also noticed that while there is a very strong contingent (probably a majority) of managing associates and below that are women, that hasn't yet translated to the partner level.

Huge focus on this.

I think it's something that is driven by individuals in the firm but strongly supported by the partners. This year in particular, there seems to be a focus on building understanding of the nature of diversity and the benefits of diversity.

There are generous leave entitlements for male and female parents and a general commitment to diversity. The firm committees also promote inclusion and diversity.

I think Allens champions diversity.