Law Firms and Women Attorneys of Color - Obstacles and Successes

Michelle Obama would be proud, even though she's not currently practicing as an attorney.

She would understand why it's essential that we ask the question, "What keeps keep women of color from reaching the highest ranks in law firms?" The glass ceiling is even thicker, higher, and harder for Hispanic, African-American, Native American and Asian-American women lawyers who attempt to break through.

Aware of this inequity, the American Bar Association Commission on Women in the Profession conducted a study to see why this was the case. In 2006, they released Visible Invisibility: Women of Color in Law Firms which asked:

• What attracts women of color to the legal profession?
• Do their work experiences surpass or fall short of expectations?
• How do legal employers hinder or increase job satisfaction?
• Why do women attorneys of color change practice areas and organizations, or leave the profession at an alarming rate?

The report revealed that implicit and explicit bias, exclusion, inadequate support and disparity in compensation were among the obstacles women faced.

Now they're following up the bad news with some good news.

The newly released study, From Visible Invisibility to Visibly Successful: Success Strategies for Law Firms and Women of Color in Law Firms, offers information, insights, and advice gathered from women of color partners in national law firms along with a look at the law firm practices that contributed to their success.

The report can be downloaded for free at the ABA website.

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