Breaking Barriers: How RBMS is Redefining Gender Balance in the Legal World

In the traditionally male-dominated field of law, our member, the Portuguese law firm RBMS, stands out as a beacon of progress, where women thrive in leadership and shape the future of legal practice.

The Shift Towards Gender Balance in Law

For centuries, the legal profession has been dominated by men. Historically, women were barred from studying law or practicing as lawyers, and it was not until the late 19th and early 20th centuries that they gradually gained access to legal education and professional opportunities. Even then, their progression into senior roles was often hindered by deeply entrenched gender biases and structural barriers.

Across Europe, the journey towards gender equality in law has been a slow but steady process. While women today make up the majority of law students, their representation in leadership positions remains disproportionately low. According to a 2017 European Parliament study, women represent about 60% of law graduates across the EU. However, their numbers dwindle significantly in senior positions: only 33% of Supreme Court judges are women, and they make up just 6% of law firm partners. In some EU countries, the proportion of female partners is even lower, highlighting the persistent challenges women face in advancing within the profession.

RBMS, however, is changing that narrative.

At RBMS, 50% of partners are women, five out of seven board members are female, and 22 out of 40 employees are women. These numbers aren’t the result of a quota system or a deliberate gender strategy—they are a natural outcome of the firm’s core values of meritocracy, inclusivity, and respect for talent regardless of gender.

RBMS Partners - A Perfect Gender Balance

A History of Transformation: From an All-Male Partnership to Balanced Leadership

RBMS’s journey began over 20 years ago, founded by two former law school colleagues, including Tiago Rodrigues Bastos. Like most law firms of its time, its leadership and partnership were exclusively male. Over time, the firm evolved, embracing a broader and more diverse team of legal professionals.

Madalena Januário, a partner at RBMS, recalls the early struggles of women in law:

“When I began my legal career in 1997, unpaid internships were the norm, and there was no maternity leave or financial support for young mothers. Being a lawyer and a mother required enormous sacrifices. At my previous firms, there was no plan for gender balance—there was not even a conversation about it.”

Today, she looks at RBMS and sees how far things have come:

“RBMS is effectively an example of gender balance. We have created an environment of equal opportunities and mutual respect, which has brought great stability to both our employees and our clients.”

Building a Culture of Gender Equality—Without a Formal Plan

Unlike many organizations that have implemented structured gender diversity initiatives, RBMS achieved its balanced workforce organically.

Managing Partner Gonçalo Areia explains:

“There was never a formal plan for gender diversity. The lack of a plan comes from our values—we would never consider any kind of discrimination. We just did what we considered normal: treating all lawyers equally, ensuring paid maternity leave, and offering the same social benefits to everyone.”

This approach has paid off. RBMS has not only fostered a workplace that supports and retains female talent but has also promoted women into leadership roles at an unprecedented rate.

The RBMS Approach: Recruitment, Mentorship, and Work-Life Balance

RBMS does not recruit based on gender; rather, it hires based on merit and the ability to deliver excellence. Given the rising number of female law graduates in Portugal, it is natural that many of their top candidates are women.

Martina Tavares, a trainee lawyer at RBMS, speaks to the firm’s culture:

“At RBMS, gender is irrelevant compared to competence and talent. The firm integrates all its workers without discrimination and gives equal opportunities to thrive. It’s an environment that promotes excellence while ensuring personal and professional balance.”

The firm recognizes the challenges that women lawyers face, particularly when balancing career and family. Unlike many Portuguese firms where maternity leave is not standard, RBMS ensures that new mothers receive paid leave and flexible work arrangements, allowing them to continue growing in their careers without disadvantage.

A Competitive Edge: The Business Case for Gender Diversity

Research suggests that gender-diverse teams make better decisions, foster innovation, and improve client relationships. RBMS clients have taken notice of the firm's balanced approach. According to Areia:

“The female perspective on legal matters complements the male approach. Clients recognize the added value of diverse perspectives in problem-solving and strategic thinking.”

Indeed, the firm’s success and stability reflect its commitment to gender balance. With a leadership team that includes both men and women at every level, RBMS offers a dynamic and inclusive work environment that attracts top talent and enhances client trust.

The Road Ahead: A Model for the Future of Law Firms

RBMS is proof that gender balance in law is not only possible but beneficial for firms, employees, and clients alike. However, the legal industry as a whole still has a long way to go. Women continue to face barriers to leadership, and firms must take active steps to break down these barriers.

As Januário emphasizes:

“Our success isn’t about being women—it’s about being great lawyers. But having a firm that truly supports gender balance makes all the difference.”

As we celebrate Women’s History Month, RBMS stands as a shining example of what law firms can achieve when they prioritize talent, respect, and equal opportunity over outdated gender norms. The firm’s evolution serves as a blueprint for other legal organizations striving to create a more balanced and inclusive profession.

Conclusion: A Celebration of Progress and a Call for More Change

RBMS proves that gender diversity in law is not just an aspiration—it is a reality that drives success. For the legal industry at large, the RBMS model presents an important lesson: when women are given equal opportunities, law firms become stronger, workplaces become fairer, and justice becomes more representative of the society it serves.