Dentons Australia Ltd

Gender360, how Dentons is redesigning

the rules of a legal career

Legal careers have a reputation for long hours, narrow pathways and a “wait your turn” mindset. At Dentons Australia, that script is being rewritten. Through its Gender360 strategy, launched in 2022, Dentons made a bold commitment. Gender equity would no longer be a side project, it would be designed into every part of the firm, from recruitment and promotion to benefits, culture and data. Just a few years on, the shift is visible. The median gender pay gap has dropped from fifteen percent to zero, more than sixty three percent of the workforce are women and women now make up thirty one percent of equity partners, up from twelve percent.

For employees, that unlocks something rare, a clear sense that progression is possible and fair.

The recruitment lens has changed. Roles are framed with gender neutral language, senior positions are actively promoted to under represented talent and men are encouraged into support and operations roles, broadening what is “normal” across the firm. Pay and promotion decisions are no longer left to chance. Regular remuneration reviews led by HR and Social Impact, with quarterly reporting to the board, keep equity on the agenda at the very top.

Benefits are designed with real lives in mind. All carers can access twenty six weeks paid parental leave, regardless of gender or family structure. There is domestic violence recovery leave, wellbeing leave and volunteer leave, recognising that care, community and health matter alongside billable hours. A flexibility strategy created with women and carers has helped people reshape how, when and where they work, improving work and life balance while the firm has reduced emissions and grown headcount.

Inclusion itself has been professionalised. What began as passionate employee networks is now centrally owned by experts, supported by mentoring, webinars and events that attract high participation, including from male allies. Culture and safety have been strengthened, with the majority of employees reporting that bullying and harassment are not part of their experience. The firm has even launched Australia’s first gender diverse law clinic with community partners, signalling that equity does not stop at the office door.

For someone building a career at Dentons, this all adds up to a different kind of promise. You can pursue high calibre legal work, you can aspire to partnership and leadership, and you can do so in a firm where gender equity is measured, resourced and modelled from the top. Gender360 is more than a strategy name, it is an invitation to bring your whole self and your full ambition.