I’ve enjoyed American Lawyer’s chart depicting how many woman at big firms are promoted to partner—and, of course, find most of the results depressing. (See the chart here: Women Partner Watch.) I found the statistics about women making partner to be depressing back when I was in law school, when I was working for law firms, and in all the years since. If you’re female, a lawyer, and want a big career, you still have to face the grim reality that only three of 10 will take the next step up. How do you make sure that you’re one of those three? Bringing in big clients or big accounts never hurts. Finding a big-name mentor can help. Making a name for yourself in your field can also boost the odds. Personally, I’d hire my own publicist and career coach to help me; I wouldn’t leave something as significant as my own career to the whim of the powers-that-be who are above me, especially knowing how fickle or transient those powers sometimes can be. Also take a look at classes above you and the women who made the grade. Do you share their characteristics? Do you want to? Alternatively, of course, you can jump to another firm and try again, or you can choose a different type of entity to work for, one that doesn’t quite so much resemble a fraternity.
Law firm leaders and administrators, meanwhile, have to address morale problems; they might also have to answer to clients who are increasingly pushing for more diversity in firm workforces. Rather than having to put a positive spin on a typically low number, they could, of course, just groom female associates so they would make partner.
No comments:
Post a Comment