Women in the Legal Industry: Current State, Job Opportunities, and More

Are you planning to pursue a Juris Doctor (JD) degree to become a strong lawyer? But you’re probably wondering whether or not this competitive industry is a good career option for women.

You can rest assured because female enrollees have outnumbered men in JD programs in recent years. Approximately 56.25% of all students were female in American Bar Association-approved institutions. Due to this, the gender gap grew by 13.40% in law schools in only a decade. 

All of that proves that the participation of women in legal education is something we should celebrate and acknowledge. That means any woman with a passion for law and order should get a JD degree without hesitating. 

In this blog, we will discuss the current state of women in the legal industry, the importance of a JD degree, and more.

The State of Women in Law

Statistics suggest that there’s an 8% job outlook growth in this occupation. Why do you think that is? Well, it’s all thanks to women and their participation in the law. 

Between 1950 and 1970, women made up only 5% of all attorneys. Slowly, this number grew to 38% in 2022. One year later, most of the job roles at famous American law firms were taken up by female associates. This was the first time women outnumbered men in the legal industry. 

Over the years, women have made significant advancements in this profession. However, there’s still work to do. For instance, women are still underrepresented among firm partners. Only 25.65% of all partners are female.

As an aspiring female lawyer, you need to find a balance when transitioning from law school to a professional career. Rising through the hierarchy is still a challenge for most women. 

The American Bar Association (ABA) states that female representation is strong in general counsel roles. However, it’s not the same in the judiciary. Women need advocacy and activism from every member of the legal industry to achieve inclusiveness and progression. Yes, it’s hard to admit, but male allyship can help create an equitable profession.

Needless to say, the future of women in the legal profession is promising. But it’s not devoid of challenges. 

Hence, you can choose a law career if you want to help tip the equilibrium. Many believe that mentorship, strengthened representation, and progressive workplace dynamics can help women lead the legal industry.

Why Do Women Need a JD Degree?

After knowing about the state of women in the legal industry, you’re probably half-convinced about enrolling for a JD degree. The legal industry states that this professional law degree is important for all aspirants who want to practice law in America. 

To be eligible, women will need a bachelor’s degree in political science, economics, or communications. During the first year of the course, you will study contracts, property law, legal writing, etc. You’ll also get to learn advanced analytical and critical-thinking skills. 

According to Cleveland State University, JD degrees are prerequisites for state bar admissions. That means women can sit for the state-wise bar exam only after completing their JD if they want to represent clients in court. The degree can also teach women how to research a case and offer legal advice outside of the courtroom.

After completing this course, women can also go for a Master of Laws (LLM) degree to specialize in specific areas. For instance, if you want to specialize in criminal law, you can get an LLM in Criminal Justice degree.

Government vs. Private Practice: What Sector Should a Female Lawyer Choose?

A study was conducted with 2000 ABA members. Among them, 74% of respondents worked in private practice because it’s a lucrative option. Similarly, 24% of respondents were solo practitioners. Only 8% of those lawyers worked in the government sector. 

As a woman practicing law, you can find many jobs for JD degree graduates in both sectors. Do you want to help innocent people without worrying about monetary benefits? Then, choose government practice and become a public defendant. But if you want to eventually go solo, you should start working in the private sector.

Let’s discuss that in detail.

Government Practice

Most women wouldn’t prefer working in politics or with the government because of gender parity issues. But are you passionate about serving the community by being in legal public service? Then you can:

• Become an assistant attorney with a minimum salary of USD 59,319 a year.
• Work as a municipal lawyer or a city attorney for an average salary of USD 74,530. 
• You can also become a state or federal public defender with a yearly salary of USD 80,177.

Women can choose a policy director role in their state’s legislation office after getting enough experience. However, in the government sector, women need to work twice as hard and use unique ethical approaches to bring about necessary changes and enforce justice.

Private Practice

Women prefer to practice law in the private sector because there’s a high chance of gender equality and workplace flexibility. Moreover, lawyers in private practice usually earn a lot more, irrespective of their gender. The median salary of these lawyers is USD 135,740. 

You can either become a solo lawyer or be part of a law firm. In either case, you’ll have a lot of opportunities in this sector. For instance, you’ll get to represent high-end businesses or individuals and bring them justice in court. 

If you join a reputable firm, you’ll have job security. The private sector also offers women professional development opportunities to enhance their careers.

Similarly, solo practice can help you hone your entrepreneurial spirit and represent a wide range of clients. But you should only go solo once you have gained enough experience. 

In summary, women’s representation in law has increased over the years. Gender diversity in legal education has successfully evolved and welcomed women with open arms.

You were probably worried about the state of women in this industry. Thankfully, this blog sheds some light on the situation. Female participation in law is truly on a positive track.

Even then, getting a JD degree can be tough because of the long hours of legal coursework. But, at least there won’t be any discrimination involved during your course. Once you get the degree, you can easily find jobs either in the private or government sectors.