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Women in Law

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An article in the Montreal Gazette (see here) summarized well the situation of women in private practice in Quebec, citing interesting statistics:

  • women make up 65 percent of law school graduates
  • women make up nearly half of the members of the Barreau du Québec
  • women make up 30 percent of lawyers in private practice
  • women make up 20 percent of partners in private practice

It certainly isn’t surprising that work-life balance or accessibility to partnership are cited as reasons for leaving private practice. An ongoing project by the Barreau du Québec – “Projet Justicia” – seeks to address, with the participation of over 20 firms, the retention and promotion of women in private practice with the implementation of best practices. This project is modeled on the Law Society of Upper Ontario’s initiative of the same name, in which over 55 firms participate. The Barreau du Québec’s project ends in 2014 and the LSUC’s in 2013. 

I will certainly look forward to reading up on any report that may be issued by either of these Bar associations.

Comments

  1. The Wet One
    August 29th, 2012 at 11:36 am

    Somehow, I’m inclined to write “Toughen up, work hard and leave the childbearing and housework to someone else,” but that just won’t fly.

    That said, surrogates can be hired and if you harden your heart enough and give up on everything else in life, success can be yours.

    Eh, well, I guess I really have nothing to say on this topic.

    However, I have always wondered why these many women in law don’t just start up their own firms with the kind of culture they want that will be a true competitor in the system we have? I betcha a lot of young men would join that firm, and a lot of powerhouse women too. The clients wouldn’t necessarily come the first day, but get enough talent, and they’ll be there. Are there no female visionaries?

  2. Ginger Goodwin
    August 31st, 2012 at 11:08 am

    The links to the videos below describe the American situation for law students and women in particular. Seem to be making the rounds. I wouldn’t think the situation is the same in Canada.

    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZhjhHuMKqgs&feature=player_embedded#!
    Post law school employment.

    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cmALOm3j5Zk
    Women in American law.