Men have historically dominated the legal profession. However, times are changing and more women are pursuing law degrees and legal industry jobs. According to a study done in 2021, women make up 55% of law students in the United States, nearly a 15% increase since 2000. Legal firms that strive to improve their gender diversity benefit from new perspectives and ideas that can lead to a forward-thinking culture and higher client retention rates. Just like their male counterparts, female lawyers have a lot to offer. Below are five reasons firms should hire female attorneys.

Better Case Results?

In the recent Women in Law study by Premonition, researchers discovered that female attorneys win 70 percent of the cases they represent in court. But, what is contributing to these findings? Today, sources indicate that the majority of courtrooms embrace a more collaborative approach. Since many women address difficult situations with an appeal for compassion, the research suggests that they are more likely to help both parties reach a reasonable compromise that many judges will appreciate and respect. Thanks to their empathetic outlook, female attorneys also have the ability to put a jury at ease, causing them to form a stronger connection with their audience and increase the likelihood of their suggestions being considered and accepted.

Increased Ability to Empathize

Attorney-client relationships are crucial to the success of any legal firm. This means that it’s the attorney’s job to create a space in which each client feels that their struggles and experiences are understood. In the legal profession, empathy can have a significant impact on business performance and case results. Some examples of this impact are:

Greater sense of diversity, inclusion, and belonging among employees at the firm;
Higher client retention and satisfaction rates;
Fewer internal conflicts and better results in adversarial situations; and
Increase in sales due to stronger connections with prospective clients.

Studies have shown that women are more commiserative by nature. No matter what the situation may be, clients want to have someone they can trust on their side. Therefore, some studies suggest that firms that hire female attorneys have a higher chance of establishing an empathetic practice in which clients feel understood and cared for.

Refined Social Skills

Dealmaking, compromise, and negotiation are a big part of the job responsibilities for a lawyer. With the majority of cases being settled outside of a courtroom, it’s important for your firm to have attorneys with strong social skills. Too many individuals have ended up with attorneys who are combative and strictly business oriented. Recent research has shown that women approach difficult situations with a collegial attitude that considers the best interest of all parties, which can enhance their ability to connect with others and navigate through difficult situations.

More Women are Going to Law School

Since Arabella Mansfield became the first woman admitted to the bar in 1869, the legal profession has seen a steady increase in female attorneys. These days, female attendance at accrediting law schools is continually increasing. In 2016, research revealed that the number of women enrolled in juris doctorate programs had moved beyond 50% for the first time ever. By 2021, statistics showed that females made up 55% of law school students across the country, while males only made up 44% of that population. Although more women are attending legal school on a yearly basis, they still face a significant amount of adversity. Research shows that gender bias, stereotyping, and school-life balance are just a few of the daily issues women face while pursuing a law degree. Despite these hurdles, female students use these challenges to maintain a strong understanding of the law and to be seen as highly capable practitioners that can easily keep pace with their male colleagues once they enter the legal field.

Unique Level of Trust

Female attorneys give law firms the advantage of providing a unique level of sensitivity that may not always be found at practices with only male attorneys. Statistically, the vast majority of perpetrators in our society are men. This means many victims may be more likely to communicate concerns and share intimate details of their experience with a woman. As a result, it can be concluded that law firms that hire female attorneys are more likely to attract abuse victims as clients because of the sense of security their presence provides.

Hiring more women can significantly change the culture and success of law firms. Female attorneys bring a great deal to the table, providing perspectives and ideas that give their legal teams a coveted edge when it comes to generating impactful results. This leads to a better overall experience for both male and female clients, and increases the likelihood of them promoting the firm that handled their case to anyone in need.

Kate Rech is the owner and Founding Partner at Rech Law, P.C. in Charlotte, North Carolina. Kate completed her undergraduate studies at UNC Charlotte where she graduated with a B.S. in Business Administration, major in Marketing, and a B.A. in Spanish. She then graduated from law school as class valedictorian. Since opening Rech Law in 2010, Kate has helped hundreds of clients navigate through the tough times that almost always accompany family law issues.

March 7, 2023/by NCBA YLD