Dentons’ Amanda Jones discusses women in law with Dundee Diploma students

Amanda Jones

Amanda Jones, an employment law partner at Dentons, spoke to the Diploma year at Dundee University about her newly created role as women’s advancement director within the firm.

Ms Jones also discussed the consequences of unconscious bias and how law firms might promote diversity within legal practice.

Liz Comerford, director of the Diploma in Professional Legal Practice at Dundee, said: “Whilst approximately 70 per cent of Scottish law students are female, there remains a lack of gender diversity at senior levels across the profession.

“We are delighted that Amanda took the time to speak to the students here to further build understanding amongst young lawyers entering the profession of possible reasons behind this significant disconnect.”

Rob Marrs, head of education and policy at the Law Society of Scotland, commented: “It is great to see law students considering in depth the importance of equality and diversity to legal practice.

“Ensuring the legal sector is a place where all who enter can thrive regardless of their background, circumstance or characteristics is of fundamental importance to all who care about the profession. 

“A common theme emanating from our equality and diversity work is the importance to our members and law students of seeing role models, and learning from each other’s experiences. In her new role, Amanda Jones will help to facilitate discussion on career progression within the profession.”

In addition to her role as co-chair of Dentons’ women’s network in the UK, Inspire, and being a part-time employment judge in Scotland, Ms Jones is also a director at Hibernian Football Club and Hibernian Community Foundation and chair of the Scottish Government Advisory Board on Women and Girls in Sport.

She said: “It was an honour to speak to students and the academic community at the University of Dundee on the subject of women in law.

“The advancement of women is a business imperative for the legal industry globally, and universities play a big role in supporting the pipeline of female talent.

“As Dentons’ first women’s advancement director, it is one of my responsibilities to encourage the next generation of female lawyers as well as to inspire change inside the industry itself to ensure women are supported at every stage of their careers in order to achieve their goals.”