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Report: Most men think their firms advocate for diversity, women disagree

By: Michaela Paukner, [email protected]//November 14, 2019//

Report: Most men think their firms advocate for diversity, women disagree

By: Michaela Paukner, [email protected]//November 14, 2019//

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A new report from the American Bar Association found women are far more likely than men to encounter roadblocks to success in the legal field.

The report from the ABA and ALM Intelligence surveyed more than 1,200 big firm lawyers who have been in practice for at least 15 years. It showed experienced women reported obstacles blocking their “access to success” much more frequently than men. They named as obstacles a lack of access to business development opportunities, perceptions that they are less committed to a career and a lack of opportunities for promotions.

Both men and women reported similar satisfaction levels with the intellectual demands of their jobs as lawyers, but they had different levels of satisfaction with the recognition they receive for their work, opportunities for advancements, commitments to workplace diversity and the leadership diversity of their firms.

Key statistics showing the disparity include:

  • 82% of the managing partners surveyed agreed that their firms were “active advocates of gender diversity.” Ninety-one percent of the men surveyed agreed, but only 62% of the women.
  • 84% of the managing partners surveyed agreed that their firms have succeeded in promoting women into leadership. Seventy-five percent of the men agreed, but only 55% of the women.
  • 74% of the managing partners surveyed said their firms have successfully retained experienced women. Sixty-four percent of the men agreed, but only 47% of the women.

The report said the top reasons women gave for leaving the practice of law included care-taking commitments, the level of stress at work, the emphasis on marketing or finding business, and the number of billable hours required.

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