The National Law School of India University (NLSIU), Bengaluru, is partnering with the International Bar Association (IBA) to undertake a research project examining the representation of women in the legal profession with a focus on and evaluating the effectiveness of gender-focussed workplace initiatives in Indian law firms.
Project Overview
Across the globe, and notably in India, the legal profession continues to face challenges related to gender parity, the retention of women lawyers, and the implementation of meaningful gender-sensitive workplace policies. This research project aims to generate empirical data and analytical insights that highlight these issues within the context of Indian law firms.
The ultimate objective is to develop a comprehensive report that summarises and analyses survey findings, providing a clear understanding of the representation of women in Indian law firms. This project is being supported through funding from the IBA.
Key Components
NLSIU’s primary responsibility in this project is to provide research inputs on the status and representation of women in India’s legal profession. The research will encompass the following tasks:
- Identifying and confirming a list of law firms to be approached for survey participation, in consultation with the IBA.
- Reviewing the IBA’s existing survey questions and recommending country-specific adjustments to ensure relevance and clarity.
- Distributing the survey to the selected law firms, conducting necessary follow-ups, and facilitating communication on behalf of the IBA.
- Undertaking original research on gender equality and women’s experiences in Indian law firms, to inform and enrich the final report.
- Compiling survey findings and research insights into a final report for submission to the IBA.
Duration
The duration of the project will be 9 months starting November 2025.
Team
The following faculty members will be involved in the research and preparation of the report:
- Harsha N, Assistant Professor, NLSIU and Faculty-in-Charge, IBA-CLE Professorial Chair on Continuing Legal Education
- Keertana Venkatesh, Assistant Professor, NLSIU
- Isha Ahlawat, Assistant Professor, NLSIU
