Women in the Law

Nearly 200 female lawyers march to Oklahoma statehouse to support teachers

Nearly 200 female lawyers marched to the Oklahoma statehouse on Monday to speak with lawmakers about funding solutions to end the teacher walkout. The lawyers, all dressed in black, walked to the Capitol from the Oklahoma Bar Association, report the Tulsa World, News9 (in stories here and here), Newson6 and…

Apr 10, 2018 9:44 AM CDT

Internal investigations need rethinking in the #MeToo era

As I’ve watched the #MeToo movement gain momentum over the past several months, I’ve been thinking a lot about the intersection of #MeToo and the internal investigations space. In particular, I think the current environment warrants an examination of certain aspects of the usual approach to sensitive internal investigations. First,…

Apr 10, 2018 7:00 AM CDT

UK law firms disclose gender pay gap numbers, but don’t reveal US data

Dozens of law firms in the United Kingdom are disclosing information on the pay gap between male and female employees as a result of regulations that apply to businesses with more than 250 employees. Some U.K. law firms have gone beyond the law’s requirements to report on the pay gap…

Apr 6, 2018 12:55 PM CDT

10 Questions: LA lawyer and former congresswoman blazed a trail for women and minorities

Yvonne Brathwaite Burke in 1973 became the first African-American woman from California to serve in the U.S. House of Representatives, and the first member of Congress to give birth while in office. She also was the first congresswoman to be granted maternity leave—a benefit that at the time had to be specifically authorized by the speaker of the House of Representatives.

Apr 1, 2018 2:40 AM CDT

#MyPathToLaw: One Immigrant’s Journey

I graduated from law school at 24 and got my dream job as an assistant state attorney. There, I learned that one privilege of having that role is seeing images we’ll never be able to unsee and hearing stories we’ll never be able to unhear.

Apr 1, 2018 2:35 AM CDT

#ABAToo: House urges all employers to create, enforce sexual harassment policies

In one of its final acts at the 2018 ABA Midyear Meeting, the House of Delegates took a stand against sexual harassment, approving a resolution to urge all employers to create and enforce effective sexual harassment policies.

Apr 1, 2018 1:35 AM CDT

Message to potential candidates: Run, woman, run!

“Challenges and Rewards for Women in Politics: Both Personal and Professional,” a luncheon hosted by the Canadian Bar Association of British Columbia’s Women Lawyers Forum, took place during the ABA Midyear Meeting.

Apr 1, 2018 1:05 AM CDT

The Balance of Power: 2018 Law Day

Law Day is observed annually on May 1 and celebrates the role of law in our society. Events are held across the country on and around that date with the goal of cultivating a deeper understanding of the legal profession and its importance to our nation.

Apr 1, 2018 12:40 AM CDT

Women of the world: Meet 3 human rights lawyers fighting for change in the U.S. and around the globe

“The advantages for women in the human rights field are that the employers tend to pay greater attention to issues of equality, it can contribute to a sense of self-worth and there is often good camaraderie,” says Brittany Benowitz, director of the Justice Defenders Program for the ABA Center for Human Rights.

Apr 1, 2018 12:15 AM CDT

ABA women’s commission updates manual about preventing and addressing sex harassment

While it may seem hard to believe now, many attorneys have been under the impression that sexual harassment was no longer a significant problem in the legal profession, says Wendi Lazar, an employment lawyer who edited a recently updated manual on the topic for the ABA Commission on Women in the Profession.

Mar 26, 2018 3:00 PM CDT

Why are law deans not fired after investigations find misconduct with women?

Of the three law school deans who recently stepped down after sex harassment allegations—two of whom who received sexual harassment findings, while another dean’s conduct was found to be bullying—none lost their jobs immediately, despite criticism from students and alumni.

Mar 19, 2018 8:30 AM CDT

Plaintiffs file motion to settle lawsuit alleging gender discrimination at Chadbourne & Parke

A motion to settle the employment lawsuit brought by female lawyers at Chadbourne & Parke was filed by plaintiffs counsel Wednesday, and the three plaintiffs will reportedly receive between $250,000 and $1 million apiece.

Mar 14, 2018 3:36 PM CDT

How to find the right mentor—especially if you are a female or minority lawyer

Finding the right mentor can be tricky—especially for female and minority lawyers.

Mar 8, 2018 6:09 PM CST

Women lawyers in legal tech careers say: Don’t feel you must go it alone

Mentor and find mentors. Build a team that can speak for you and support that can reassure you. And don't let your fears tell you you are an imposter.

Mar 7, 2018 5:12 PM CST

The judiciary must deal with #MeToo—and with what I know

Time magazine recently named “The Silence Breakers” as its 2017 Person of the Year in recognition of the #MeToo movement and the people who have spoken out about sexual assault. Some of the Silence Breakers led to national storylines chronicling the downfall of powerful men who used their positions to…

Feb 13, 2018 7:00 AM CST