Women in the Law

What ABA Journal readers can look forward to in 2020

In the news business, you can't take too much for granted. But while 2020 is sure to bring an abundance of surprises, we at the ABA Journal have plans in the works for new series, special projects and revamps of older products. Here's a look behind the editorial curtain at a few of the things you have to look forward to in 2020.

Jan 2, 2020 4:44 PM CST

The financial costs for firms when women and minority lawyers leave

In this new episode of Asked and Answered, Ripa Rashid of Culture at Work talks to the ABA Journal’s Stephanie Francis Ward about how can firms keep female and minority lawyers from leaving and the potentially high cost if and when they depart.

Dec 30, 2019 6:00 AM CST

Gender equality is ‘irrevocable tenet of our society,’ ABA president says

On Wednesday, ABA President Judy Perry Martinez urged members of the South Carolina General Assembly to ratify the Equal Rights Amendment—a proposed constitutional amendment that would guarantee equal rights for all Americans regardless of sex.

Dec 19, 2019 9:15 AM CST

Percentage of black associates in large firms finally tops 2009 level, but not by much

The percentage of black associates in major law firms finally surpassed 2009 figures this year, according to a new diversity report by the National Association for Law Placement.

Dec 18, 2019 1:39 PM CST

Afternoon Briefs: Impeachment articles OK’d for House vote; judge’s dog-fighting remarks didn’t require recusal

House committee approves articles of impeachment The House Judiciary Committee on Friday approved two articles of impeachment against President Donald Trump, sending them to the full U.S. House of Representatives for an expected vote next Wednesday. One article accuses Trump of abuse of power for Trump’s request for Ukraine to…

Dec 13, 2019 4:15 PM CST

How ‘Legally Blonde’ influenced a generation of women lawyers

What was once seen as another rom-com about a sorority girl tackling Harvard Law to get the love of her life back became something much more to female law students and women lawyers. Years later, Elle Woods remains influential for women in the legal field.

Dec 5, 2019 10:24 AM CST

BigLaw firm settles with 5 pregnancy-bias plaintiffs in $200M suit

Five out of seven plaintiffs who sued Morrison & Foerster for alleged “mommy track” bias have settled their claims after a mediation session, according to a court filing.

Dec 3, 2019 11:35 AM CST

Appeals court sees lawyer’s reference to ‘attractive’ judge in brief as a ‘teachable moment’ on sexism

A California appeals court added a “note on civility, sexism and persuasive brief writing” to the end of an opinion to address what it described as a lawyer’s “highly inappropriate” description of a trial judge’s appearance and personal characteristics.

Nov 27, 2019 9:29 AM CST

Why are experienced women lawyers leaving BigLaw? Survey looks for answers and finds big disparities

A survey of 1,262 longtime lawyers and leaders in BigLaw found that women were far more likely than men to say they were denied business development opportunities, refused or overlooked for promotions and perceived as less committed to their careers.

Nov 14, 2019 8:00 AM CST

Diversity in the legal tech community has been slow but steady

In this new episode of the Legal Rebels Podcast, the ABA Journal’s Jason Tashea talks to Kristen Sonday of Paladin, a platform that helps organizations manage, staff and track pro bono efforts, about the slowly growing diversity in legal tech.

Nov 13, 2019 6:00 AM CST

Afternoon Briefs: Madonna sued over late start time of concert; unusual bar ceremony goes viral

Fan sues Madonna for pushing back start time of her concert A Florida man who spent more than $1,000 on three tickets to see singer Madonna in concert at her “Madame X Tour” has sued because she pushed back the start time of her upcoming Miami Beach show from 8:30…

Nov 12, 2019 3:20 PM CST

Inclusion illusion: Diversity’s pain point

Instead of feeling like valued employees, women and lawyers of color often feel like “diversity props” or window dressing—tokens of diversity but without the inclusion.

Nov 1, 2019 3:30 AM CDT

The ethics argument for promoting equality in the profession

Recognizing a lawyer’s ethical obligation to promote diversity bridges the gap between the moral case for diversity and the business case for diversity. It invokes shared values and professional responsibility. To establish that, we have the obligation and the agency to pursue liberty and justice for all, within and outside our practices.

Nov 1, 2019 1:40 AM CDT

Objection overruled! Is Barbie’s new legal career more interesting than yours?

Mattel has unveiled a new Barbie doll that carries a gavel and comes dressed in a black robe with a lace collar.

Oct 7, 2019 4:15 PM CDT

Working Mother’s list of 100 best companies includes these 5 law firms

Five law firms made Working Mother Media’s 2019 list of 100 best companies based on their benefits for families. The five law firms are: Arnold & Porter Kaye Scholer; Dechert; Finnegan, Henderson, Farabow, Garrett & Dunner; Katten Muchin Rosenman; and Pillsbury Winthrop Shaw Pittman. The American Lawyer has a story.…

Sep 25, 2019 1:30 PM CDT