ALMResearchBlog

Survey: Women in Large Firms Advance at Same Rate as Men, but Earn Less

According to a survey conducted by the National Association of Women Lawyers and reported in the National Law Journal, the nation's largest law firms are in a bit of a holding pattern when it comes to the advancement of women within the firms. The group's second annual survey shows the numbers of women in equity partnership and management have stayed about the same since last year, while the pay disparity between male and female attorneys has increased at certain levels.

Just released: Survey of Billing Rates at Small and Midsize Firms and Solo Practices

The ALM Research Survey Report on Billing Rates and Practices should not be confused with the recently published National Law Journal Billing Survey. While NLJ's survey focuses on the large firms (the NLJ 250), the ALM Research survey studied billing rates and trends in small and midsize firms and solo practices.

This is our first-ever syndicated survey of billing information for this segment of the legal industry; over 5,000 lawyers responded. The report includes analyses of billing rates and alternative billing practices based on firm size, geography, practice area, client industry, number of years in practice, and gender. Pricing information and further details are available for the full report (print and PDF file) or just the PDF file. Contact Chuck Lowry, director of client relations for questions about the survey.

Minority Associates Survey

The Minority Law Journal’s fall issue carries a report of the Minority Associates Survey, including stories about The Woman Question – why female associates of color are less satisfied with life and work at large firms than male associates of color -- and Exit Strategies – why minority lawyers say goodbye to their firms. The MLJ on-line magazine is available with free registration.

Fewer Women Are Seeking Law Degrees

That was the title of a recent National Law Journal article on the American Bar Association’s statistical report showing that the percentage of women in law schools has declined each year since 2002. According to the ABA, five years ago, women made up 49 percent of law school enrollment. This year, 46.9 percent of law school students are women. The article explores some of the reasons for this trend--a strong economy in 2004-2005 may have led many to go right into the work force; there are more options available to women these days; and, as always, there are the quality of life issues entailed in working as a lawyer in private practice.

NALP Study on Women in the Profession

NALP (National Association for Legal Placement) recently published a report called Women in the Profession, which is part of their on-going longitudinal research project, “After the J.D.,”  which is following the careers of 4,500 lawyers, over a 10-year period, who were admitted to practice in 2000. The study on women is based on a portion of the data collected.

A story in the National Law Journal about the report focused on the fact that fewer women work as solo practitioners and fewer women than men work in private law firms. A few other salient points in the report include men work more hours than women and earn more, men are more likely to join partners for meals and recreation, women report more experiences of discrimination in the workplace, and were less satisfied with their opportunities for advancement.

The full report is available from NALP by clicking here.