The Survey

The Equitable Briefing Policy Working Group (the Working Group) in 2007 recommended that a consultancy be commissioned to professionally and independently develop the capacity to collect data from law firms and other briefing agencies (including barristers' clerks).

The survey form, which was piloted within the legal community, was developed in order to obtain both qualitative and quantitative data from briefing entities. It is hoped that the ‘purpose-designed' form will provide data about the perception of discrimination, the percentage of briefs directed to women and the range of fees women barristers are remunerated in comparison to their male counterparts.

Those briefing entities which register themselves as having adopted the Policy on the Law Council's website will be required to annually complete an online survey if they wish to remain on the public register. The online survey will be individually sent to each briefing entity which registers itself as having adopted the Policy.

Completing the survey

The online survey should be completed by a nominated representative of the briefing entity that the survey had been sent. The survey poses a number of statements to which your response as to the extent that you agree with the statement is sought. Other questions seek your response from a range of suggested options.

It is appreciated that your responses will reflect informed perceptions and opinions, based on experience, and consultation with colleagues. They are not intended to represent a fully cleared ‘organisational position'. However, we do request that input is obtained using a consultation process preferably involving the briefing entity's partners or other managing staff and that it reflects a level of consensus rather than one opinion.

Information provided by the briefing entities in the online survey will be kept confidential. Only aggregated responses will be reported by the Law Council. However, comments may be used to illustrate concepts so please do not allude to specific matters or issues by name.

Please note that those briefing entities registered on the website that fail to fill out the online survey form after the reminder notices have been sent will be removed from the list of briefing entities supporting the Policy.