According to a recent report by JD Supra, there were over 8,000 female lawyer departures in 2021, with a majority leaving the industry entirely. Given the long hours, demanding workload, stressful projects and unpredictable schedules, it’s hard to blame anyone for considering career alternatives—and this is without taking into account the stark reality that women continue to bear a heavier burden of home and family demands than their male colleagues.

The pressing need to sustain and retain female attorneys wasn’t a problem created during COVID-19, but the pandemic exacerbated longstanding gender inequalities within the legal industry. Women in law are invaluable, and law firm leaders need to prioritize making the workplace more sustainable for women:

Adjusting Firm Mindset