You may encounter challenges as a woman lawyer just out of law school. The legal profession can be very rewarding in many ways. You can not only be a successful lawyer in an intellectually stimulating and challenging field but you can also make a significant contribution to society by helping to uphold truth and justice. A career in law can also provide you with a steady income and allow you to pursue your interests. This was according to Marcy Resnik, who recently reported on a Great Day Live news segment. A mentor can be a great support system for you in the beginning years of your career as an experienced female lawyer.
Many women lawyers have quit the legal profession because of the difficulties they faced in their first years as professionals. This is a hard decision, especially after all of the hard work and effort that went into graduating from law school. This is unfortunate as the legal profession could have lost valuable talent because these women are not able to reach the top and receive the same professional development levels as their male counterparts.
The Profession: Challenges for Women Lawyers
The American Bar Association’s Commission on Women found that women lawyers, especially those of color, face many barriers at work. Women lawyers may be more likely than their male counterparts to be interrupted or misunderstood for non-lawyers. They also tend to have more office housework and less access to top job assignments. These are the three main challenges that women face in a legal career.
Inequalities
Despite having the same experience, women in legal work believe they are not being paid as their male counterparts. This disparity has been evident for decades. It is often worsened by minority women lawyers who may be required to do more office work than their male colleagues.
Sexual Harassment
Women lawyers are often subject to sexual harassment at work. According to the American Bar Association about 7% of white men experience sexual harassment and 25% of women. These comments may be made about women’s appearance rather than their work. According to the ABA report, some women are even losing out on career advancement opportunities due to rejecting sexual advances.
Unequal Burden
For their commitments to extended and immediate families, women legal professionals often face disadvantages. Female attorneys are also less likely to be promoted or make career advancements due to parental leave and pregnancy. Many women want to leave their profession, but they are often prevented from doing so by the financial need to support their families.
Mentorship programs can make a difference for young female lawyers
Mentorship is a relationship between senior lawyers and a novice lawyer. They share their experience and knowledge from many years of practicing law. Mentors are willing to help their mentee, give credit for their guidance and work together towards becoming confident and successful attorneys.
Mentors are role models for young women attorneys. They provide valuable insight and experience that can’t be gained in law school. Mentors can help mentees not only get guidance, but also learn from them how to be successful in business, their interpersonal skills and work habits. Young female lawyers can benefit from mentorship relationships. Mentors will help them navigate their early years and lay the foundation for success in the future.
Mentors can help mentees become more confident and proficient in courtroom. This will allow them to move up the ladder from inexperienced lawyers to partners or high-flying attorneys. Mentors have the opportunity to endorse professional development opportunities and receive help with balancing their personal and professional lives.
