Dentons Australia Achieves 0% Gender Pay Gap, Setting New Benchmark in Legal Industry.

Dentons Australia has announced that it has achieved a 0% median gender pay gap, marking a significant milestone in the pursuit of workplace equality. 

This accomplishment positions Dentons as the “first large law firm in Australia” to reach this benchmark, following its completion of the Workplace Gender Equality Agency (WGEA) compliance reporting for 2025. 

The firm's journey toward pay equity has been swift and deliberate. In 2022, Dentons reported a 15% median gender pay gap, which decreased to 7.1% in 2023, then to 4.1% in 2024, culminating in complete parity in 2025. 

Strategic Initiatives Driving Change

Dentons attributes this achievement to its comprehensive Gender 360 Strategy – Equity from Every Angle, focusing on recruitment, retention, and promotion practices that emphasise inclusivity and merit. 

Key components of this strategy include:

• Annual Remuneration Audits: Conducted by the HR team and Social Impact Manager to ensure pay equity across all levels.

• Inclusive Role Pathways: Creating clear and equitable career progression opportunities.

• Flexible Work Policies: Implementing 26 weeks of paid family leave, bonus leave, and flexible working arrangements to support work-life balance. 

• Amber Warren, Dentons Australia Chair, remarked:

• “In just three years, Dentons has moved from a 15% median gender pay gap in 2022 to 0% in 2025. It's an extraordinary achievement.”

Leadership and Advocacy

The firm's leadership has played a pivotal role in driving these changes. Amber Warren, who became Dentons Australia's first female chair earlier this year, has been instrumental in championing gender equity initiatives. 

Partners Elise Ivory and Brooke Spain, co-executive sponsors of Dentons’ gender advocacy group, Women United, emphasised that the milestone reflects the firm's values and inclusive culture. 

Ivory stated, “Being the first Australian law firm to achieve a 0% median gender pay gap is a testament to our dedication to equity and the hard work of our team.”

The Industry’s Viewpoint 

Dentons' achievement stands out against the broader landscape of the Australian legal industry, where gender pay disparities remain prevalent. According to the Workplace Gender Equality Agency (WGEA), the national average gender pay gap is 22%, with women earning 78 cents for every dollar earned by men. 

Dentons' success demonstrates that targeted strategies and leadership commitment can lead to significant progress in closing the gender pay gap.

Implications for the Broader Business Community

This milestone sets a precedent for other organisations aiming to achieve gender pay equity. It underscores the importance of transparent policies, regular audits, and inclusive workplace cultures.

As more companies recognise the value of diversity and equity, Dentons' approach serves as a model for implementing effective strategies to eliminate pay disparities.