Female Lawyers Earn Less than Male Counterparts.
That headline is comparable to “Dog Bites Man.” Nothing surprising there.
The latest proof that times haven’t changed comes from the newly released Report of the Third Annual National Survey on Retention and Promotion of Women in Law Firms, showing results ofa survey conducted by the National Association of Women lawyers and the NAWL Foundation..
The income disparity exists at all career levels, with the greatest disparity at the equity partner level, with an difference of $87,000. At the associate level, the difference averaged "only" $7000.
Women lag in leadership roles, as well. Even though females make up 48% of 1st and 2d year associates, they make up only 27% of non-equity partners and 17% of equity partners.
The disparity is attributed to women’s comparable reluctance to self-promote, as well as the tendency to value contributions such as mentoring and firm leadership less than business generation.
One interesting finding, however, is that lateral moves, once viewed with skepticism, now tend to benefit the mover, regardless of gender.
Hat tips to WSJ’s Law Blog and the ABA Journal.
