Dentons Hits 0% Gender Pay Gap: Equity from Every Angle

Dentons has achieved a 0% median gender pay gap, the first large law firm to reach this milestone in Australia. The outcome was driven by the firm’s Gender 360 strategy: Equity from every angle, which examined the talent pipeline and reimagined how roles are recruited and promoted, particularly in support functions.

The shift began with language. By changing how roles were described, especially in job ads, the firm removed subtle cues that had historically deterred some applicants. That simple adjustment dramatically widened the candidate pool. In just one year, the proportion of men in support roles rose by 21%. At the same time, more women progressed into senior, higher-paid roles: Dentons reached its 40% target for Non-Equity Partners three years early and now sits at 43%. The number of women Equity Partners also increased (from 12% to 33% over five years).

The milestone was celebrated across the firm. “We built this together,” says Jack Meehan, Social Impact & Inclusion Manager. “We took a calculated risk by winding down grassroots networks in favour of firm-led initiatives. But the strategy worked because we involved everyone. From partners to business services, every part of the firm had a hand in making it real.”

Amber Warren, Australian Chair and CEO, adds: “It’s an extraordinary achievement. We still hire the best candidate based on merit, we’ve simply widened the pool and created equity for all, at every level.”

The result of the strategy saw a fall from 15% to 0% in just three years, read more here.