Minneapolis, MN — A shift is occurring in the dynamics of the legal industry, illustrated vividly during a recent deposition attended by Katie Bennett, partner at Robins Kaplan LLP. Bennett noted a significant change. “The only man in the room was the videographer,” she said. This marked a broader trend toward gender equity, a topic that is increasingly highlighted in both discussions and statistics within the legal sector.
A notable indicator of progress came from a report by the American Bar Association, which dubbed the current period “The Decade of the Female Lawyer.” Born out of a pivotal moment in 2016 when women first surpassed men in enrollment at ABA-accredited law schools, this trend has continually grown. As of 2023, women make up 56% of the total national law student body.
Despite these gains, women attorneys still navigate a profession historically dominated by men. Barriers range from admission hurdles historically put in place decades ago to subtler forms of current gender discrimination. Though less overt than in past decades, these present challenges are embedded within societal norms, affecting law firms, clients, and even jurors.
As it stands, male lawyers still represent 59% of the legal profession in the U.S., with women at 41%; however, a steady rise in female representation has been noted since 2014 when women comprised only 36% of the workforce. Projection studies suggest that, should current trends persist, gender parity among U.S. lawyers could be achieved within the next two decades.
A significant factor contributing to this shift is demographic changes, as older male lawyers retire and more young female lawyers enter the field. However, despite increased overall presence, women continue to be underrepresented at upper-level positions within law firms. In 2023, women accounted for around 28% of law firm partners, marking an all-time high yet still showcasing a disparity.
Lower in the hierarchy, the scenario appears somewhat different. For the first time in history, women outnumbered men at the associate level in law firms, presenting a slowly but positively changing picture thanks to increases in gender diversity.
Further uplifting news comes from educational institutions. Women constituted over half of law school enrollments across the nation in 2022, suggesting a sustained trend toward gender diversity in the coming years. Locally, law schools in Twin Cities mirror this positive trend, with institutions like the University of Minnesota and the University of St. Thomas witnessing more than half of their enrollments being women.
Beyond student statistics, faculty demographics are also seeing shifts. Women comprised 49% of full-time faculty at ABA-accredited law schools in 2023, with expectations of reaching a majority in the near future.
Amy Seidel, a corporate partner at Minneapolis-based Faegre Drinker, reflected on her experiences since starting her legal career. “The biggest change over the years has been seeing more women assuming partnership and leadership roles,” Seidel noted. She emphasized the importance of visible role models in empowering the next generation of women lawyers.
Seidel also pointed out evolution in the approach to marketing and business development within law firms, moving away from traditionally male-centric activities to more inclusive and family-friendly events.
Bennett stressed the need for intentionality in team building and providing equal opportunities within the firm, proudly stating that her civil rights team achieved an equitable balance. “That means we’re being intentional,” she remarked, underscoring the potential for constructing stronger teams when opportunities are evenly distributed.
As the legal profession progresses into a more balanced future, the ongoing developments reflect both the challenges and strides being made towards comprehensive gender equity.
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