A first-of-its-kind report, issued today by the American Bar Association and ALM Intelligence, addresses why senior women are far more likely than men to leave the private practice of law. Entitled "Walking Out the Door: The Facts, Figures, and Future of Experienced Women Lawyers in Private Practice," the report was co-authored by Partner Stephanie Scharf with Roberta D. Liebenberg, senior partner with Fine, Kaplan & Black, R.P.C., and represents the results of a national survey of experienced men, women and managing partners from the nation’s 500 largest firms. The results show that women were far more likely than men to report everyday experiences that blocked their “access to success,” including access to business development opportunities, being perceived as less committed to career, and being denied or overlooked for promotion. “This report, anchored in research conducted in cooperation with ALM Intelligence, has the potential to serve as a basis for profound change,” ABA President Judy Perry Martinez said. After reporting the survey results, Walking Out the Door provides a number of concrete data-based recommendations for law firms to retain and advance senior women. The recommendations “serve as a roadmap to increasing a firm’s retention of experienced women lawyers,” said President Martinez, adding: “women lawyers stay where women lawyers know that the culture, policies and practices drive success and career satisfaction.”
For the full report, please go to http://www.abajournal.com/files/WALKING_OUT_THE_DOOR_-_FINAL_AS_OF_NOV_14_2019_pm.pdf
