Legal Profession Commons^™

The Impact Of The Economic Downturn On Women Lawyers In The United States, Cynthia Fuchs Epstein, Abigail Kolker

Indiana Journal of Global Legal Studies

Although women have made considerable inroads in the legal profession over the past four decades, a review of their distribution in various types of practice in the United States shows that, compared to their male colleagues, they have been affected disproportionately by the recent economic downturn, although not in every sphere of the profession. This study reviews research, articles in the legal press, and online blogs that report women's access to equity partnerships has been stalled, their representation in part-time employment has increased, and they are disproportionately recruited or diverted to positions as staff or contract attorneys. Women's access to …