Gender Diversity

The Recorder |Commentary

Look Who's the $810K Fat Cat Associate in the Jones Day Gender Bias Suit

Vivia Chen | June 22, 2018

While James Burnham's academic pedigree is solid, it does not evince legal superstardom. But in 2010, he wedded a law school classmate whose father, Robert Mittelstaedt, was the head of Jones Day's San Francisco office.

The American Lawyer |News

Mansfield Rule 2.0 Aims to Boost Law Firms' Diversity Efforts

Meghan Tribe | June 22, 2018

Launching next month with close to 50 law firms already on board, the updated Mansfield Rule will extend to LGTBQ+ attorneys and commit firms to do more to enhance diversity in leadership.

The American Lawyer |News

Blame the Black Box? Jones Day Bias Suit Puts Spotlight on Compensation

Meghan Tribe | June 21, 2018

A gender bias lawsuit against Jones Day puts its compensation model under scrutiny, but the black box approach has its defenders.

The Recorder |News

Ex-Partner Accuses Jones Day of 'Fraternity' Environment, Gender Bias

Scott Flaherty | June 19, 2018

Jones Day is the latest large law firm to face claims of gender discrimination. Wendy Moore, now a partner at Perkins Coie, alleges in a new suit that her former firm operates as a boys' club and marginalizes women.

Law.Com |Podcast

Landing Big Clients: Top Women Partners Reveal How It's Done

Leigh Jones | Vanessa Blum | June 15, 2018

The Careerist's interview with Sharon Nelles and Robbie Kaplan is the first in an occasional series focused on the struggles and successes of women and minority lawyers.

Slideshow

Law.Com |

The Game Changing Potential of Combining Tech, Talent and Diversity: An Interview with Caren Ulrich Stacy of Diversity Lab

Erin Hichman | June 13, 2018

The gender gap, diversity and legal technology: Caren Ulrich Stacy, Founder & CEO of Diversity Lab, explains to me the great strides made in solving the first two and leveraging the third.

The Recorder |Analysis

Seasoned Women Lawyers Gaining Leverage in Salary Talks

Miriam Rozen | June 12, 2018

“I felt very comfortable in negotiations that I wasn't being treated unfairly and I wasn't leaving money on the table,” said patent litigator Esha Bandyopadhyay, who recently joined Fish & Richardson in Silicon Valley. She also said that women should think about asking for leadership positions as they join new firms.

National Law Journal |News

Mississippi Judge Calls Out Judiciary's 'Well Documented' Lack of Diversity

Ellis Kim | June 11, 2018

U.S. District Judge Carlton Reeves' order said the federal judiciary's failure to reflect the public it serves is well documented.

The American Lawyer |Commentary

This Firm Has Gender, Diversity Problems. But It Isn't Hiding Them.

Vivia Chen | June 08, 2018

Dickinson Wright says it's determined to make progress following a report by the University of Michigan that shed light on its numbers.

Corporate Counsel |News

After Starbucks and Nordstrom Incidents, What Should Racial Bias Training Look Like?

Kristen Rasmussen | June 07, 2018

Two of the hallmarks of effective racial sensitivity training are an emphasis on specific behaviors and long-term consistency, experts said.

The American Lawyer |Commentary

This is an Awesome Time to be a Big Law Associate—Not!

Vivia Chen | June 05, 2018

Too much upbeat news makes The Careerist skittish. And there's plenty out there right now for young lawyers.

New York Law Journal |Analysis

Impact of Salary History Bans on Asset Deals

Jeffrey S. Klein and Nicholas J. Pappas | June 05, 2018

In their Employment Law column, Jeffrey S. Klein and Nicholas J. Pappas propose strategies buyers may wish to consider in seeking to comply with California law.

The Legal Intelligencer |News

Judge: Phila. School District Must Pay $500K for Failure to Stop Bullying

Max Mitchell | June 04, 2018

The plaintiffs' attorney said the case may be the first use of Pennsylvania's civil rights law to hold a school district accountable in a case of student bullying.

The Recorder |News

Gender Bias Lawsuit Against Steptoe Dropped in Wake of SCOTUS Decision on Employee Arbitration

Amanda Bronstad | June 04, 2018

An ex-associate who accused Steptoe & Johnson of inequitable pay based on gender has dropped her case in light of last month's U.S. Supreme Court decision upholding arbitration agreements that bar class actions over employment matters.

The Legal Intelligencer |Expert Opinion

Ethics Forum: Questions and Answers on Professional Responsibility

Samuel C. Stretton | May 31, 2018

I saw the proposed amendments to the Pennsylvania Rules of Professional Conduct, particularly Rule 8.4(g). This involves professional discipline for harassment or discrimination. Has this been adopted yet?

The American Lawyer |Commentary

If We Want Gender Equity, It's Time for Quotas

Vivia Chen | May 31, 2018

Clients don't seem eager to help break the chain. More forceful measures are needed.

National Law Journal |Investigation Research

'Boys' Network Slowly Making Room for Gender Diversity in MDL Leadership

Amanda Bronstad | May 29, 2018

Some female and minority attorneys have struck out on their own to get appointments, while many firms are diversifying their hiring or pitching new faces to MDL judges, who themselves are evolving into a more diverse corps.

The American Lawyer |Q&A

Is Sandra Goldstein the Highest Paid Female Partner in Big Law?

Vivia Chen | May 29, 2018

Any way you look at it, the Kirkland & Ellis litigation partner is making fat stacks of cash—particularly at a time when women still lag behind men at most firms.

New York Law Journal |Analysis

When #MeToo Leads to Litigation Against a Church

Barry Black and John B. Madden | May 29, 2018

New York courts have not yet decided whether they may hear sexual harassment lawsuits against religious institutions. Learn more in this Religion Law column by Barry Black and John B. Madden.

New York Law Journal |Q&A

NY Trial Lawyers Decry SCOTUS Decision Allowing Contracts Banning Class Actions

Susan DeSantis | May 29, 2018

The New York Law Journal asked Matt Funk, president of the New York State Trial Lawyers Association and is a senior partner at Pasternack Tilker Ziegler Walsh Stanton & Romano, to share his opinions on the U.S. Supreme Court's recent decision on employment contracts and new laws on sexual harassment and scaffold protection.

Connecticut Law Tribune |News

And the Winner Is … Tribune Announces Attorney of the Year, Presents 2018 Awards

Michael Marciano | May 25, 2018

The 2018 Connecticut Legal Awards brightened the Bond Room at the Hilton Hartford Downtown Thursday night, with nearly 200 attendees on hand to celebrate professional excellence, including the 2018 Connecticut Law Tribune award for Attorney of the Year, which went to the University of Connecticut School of Law's Karen DeMeola.

The Legal Intelligencer |Commentary

Failure to Launch: Why Is Your Firm Failing to Be a 21st Century Employer?

Jessica L. Mazzeo | May 24, 2018

Back in November 2017, I wrote the article, “Why Law Firms Should Already Be Embracing the Mobile Workforce”. That piece mainly focused on firms having work-from-home policies for attorneys and only slightly touched on similar policies for staff. Six months later, it doesn't seem like much has changed.

New Jersey Law Journal |Analysis

But Wait, There's More!  Equal Pay Act Contains Other Important Provisions

Andrew M. Moskowitz | May 24, 2018

The act also includes broad anti-retaliation protections, a six-year statute of limitations, and exposure to treble damages.

The American Lawyer |News

Proskauer Says Partner in $50M Gender Bias Suit 'Cherry-Picked' Pay Data

Scott Flaherty | May 24, 2018

Responding to an amended gender discrimination complaint from partner Connie Bertram, Proskauer Rose disputes the size of her business and her claims of unfair compensation.

New York Law Journal |News

Special Prosecutor Interviewing Women Who Accused Eric Schneiderman of Abuse

The Associated Press | May 23, 2018

The special prosecutor investigating former New York Attorney General Eric Schneiderman has started conducting interviews with the women whose…

The American Lawyer |Commentary

The Tiger Cubs Today; White Man Repents + More!

Vivia Chen | May 23, 2018

Remember poor Sophia Chua-Rubenfeld, daughter of Yale Law School professors Amy Chua (aka Tiger Mom, as if you needed reminding) and Jed Rubenfeld (a person in his own right)? Here's the official postscript: She just graduated from Yale Law School!

The American Lawyer |News

Several States Weigh ABA's Anti-Discrimination Rule

Scott Flaherty | May 22, 2018

With the public's eye trained on harassment and discrimination issues, Arizona and several other states are considering an anti-bias rule for lawyers that predates #MeToo.

The Legal Intelligencer |Commentary

Implicit Bias Training: Helpful Training Tool or Corporate Fad?

Christopher Bouriat | May 22, 2018

Employers—particularly human resources professionals and in-house employment lawyers—have long battled bias in hiring and other employment decisions. Employers have many tools at their disposal, such as anti-discrimination policies, employee handbooks and various trainings.

The Recorder |News

In Former Engineer's Harassment Suit, Uber's Decision to Scrap Arbitration Gets Its First Test

Ross Todd | May 21, 2018

The lawsuit comes just a week after the company announced that it would forgo arbitration and nondisclosure agreements in harassment cases.

The Recorder |News

Ninth Circuit Adopts #MeToo Recommendations Against Sexual Harassment

Ellis Kim | May 21, 2018

The chief judge said the goal is to make policies and procedures more accessible, understandable and effective.

Corporate Counsel |News

For More Diversity, In-House Legal Leaders Say: Be Intentional, Show Bottom-Line Benefits

Kristen Rasmussen | May 21, 2018

On May 18, a group of attorneys from major companies gathered in the Atlanta offices of Greenberg Traurig to share their experiences with building diversity.

New Jersey Law Journal |Best Practices

In the Era of #MeToo, Employers Should Consider Complaint Response Plans

Kristin D. Sostowski | May 18, 2018

In light of the increased number of reports of sexual harassment, and the heightened public expectations of how employers will handle such complaints, advance preparation is time well spent.

Law.Com |News

EEOC, Women Law Profs Settle Bias Suit Against Denver School for $2.7M

Karen Sloan | May 17, 2018

The payment is one of several provisions of a consent decree the school reached with the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission and approved by a federal judge Thursday.

Corporate Counsel |News

Amazon's the Latest Tech Company to Adopt the Rooney Rule: Here Are Some Others

Caroline Spiezio | May 16, 2018

Amazon is putting the so-called "Rooney Rule" in place to diversify its board of directors. But it's far from the first to try this tactic in the technology business.

The Legal Intelligencer |Commentary

Hurry Up and Wait: Indian Foreign Nationals Facing Immigration Backlogs

Karuna Simbeck | May 15, 2018

Immigration paths for many foreign nationals are being methodically deterred by the current administration in Washington, but citizens from India seem to have a multitude of barriers to continue living and working in the United States after completing their college education.

Corporate Counsel |News

Uber CLO Explains Decision to Scrap Mandatory Arbitration Clauses and NDAs Around Sexual Harassment, Assault

Stephanie Forshee | May 15, 2018

Tony West of Uber explained the rationale behind his company's announcement of new policies on how it deals with claims of sexual harassment and assault.

The American Lawyer |News

Top Law Schools Ask Firms to Disclose Summer Associate Arbitration Agreements

Meghan Tribe | May 14, 2018

Yale Law School and 13 other top law schools are issuing a survey to law firms asking them to disclose whether or not they require summer associates to submit to forced arbitration agreements and related nondisclosure deals.

The American Lawyer |News

More Women Accuse Ogletree of Gender Bias in $300M Suit

Scott Flaherty | May 14, 2018

Ogletree Deakins faces allegations of gender bias from a growing number of women who served as shareholders at the labor and employment firm.

Law.Com |Quick Takes

Updated: Roster of Legal Leaders in #MeToo Scandals Grows

Leigh Jones | May 10, 2018

In light of the Eric Schneiderman debacle, here's a rundown of legal leaders involved in some of the more notorious sexual harassment and assault scandals in modern history.

Corporate Counsel |Expert Opinion

Outside Liability in the #MeToo Era: The Viability of Aiding and Abetting Claims

Lynne Hermle and Annie Prasad | May 10, 2018

Executive heads continue to roll in the wake of the #MeToo movement, which now has boards of directors and shareholders in its crosshairs.

Law.Com |Analysis

Inside Track: TED GC Talks About Harassment | After Scandal, New Face at FOX News Legal

Stephanie Forshee | May 10, 2018

In this week's Inside Track: In recent months, many in-house lawyers have been grappling with the implications of the #MeToo movement for their companies. One of these attorneys, TED Conferences' general counsel Nishat Ruiter, opened up about the harassment that has taken place at the organization's past events, and how TED is trying to make sure it doesn't happen again.

International |News

Quinn Emanuel Faces Potential UK Regulatory Investigation After Dismissing London Partner for Inappropriate Behavior

Joseph Evans | May 10, 2018

The U.S. firm reported itself to the regulator after an outside investigation was conducted into claims by two staff members against litigator Mark Hastings.

The Recorder |News

In Gender Discrimination Case, Twitter Says There's No Certifiable Class or Viable Lead Plaintiff

Ross Todd | May 09, 2018

Twitter's lead lawyer, Orrick's Lynne Hermle, told a state court judge in San Francisco that the plaintiff couldn't show that the company's promotion practices caused a disproportionate number of women software engineers to be passed over for promotions.

Corporate Counsel |News

Read the NBC Universal Legal Department's Report on Sexual Misconduct at the Network

Kristen Rasmussen | May 09, 2018

On Wednesday, the NBC Universal legal team, led by the network's GC, released its report, which was spurred by claims from several women that Matt Lauer had acted inappropriately with female colleagues.

The American Lawyer |Analysis

With Schneiderman's Downfall, #MeToo Grips the Legal World

Scott Flaherty | May 08, 2018

New York Attorney General Eric Schneiderman's resignation adds another name to the list of prominent male figures in the legal world who have fallen from grace in the wake of #MeToo.

Corporate Counsel |News

Lingering Gender Pay Gap Plagues US In-House Counsel, Study Says

Sue Reisinger | May 08, 2018

According to a new study from BarkerGilmore, female lawyers in legal departments, particularly female GCs, are still underpaid compared to their male counterparts.

The American Lawyer |Commentary

Shock. Shock. The Mommy Track Is a Dead End!

Vivia Chen | May 08, 2018

Why do we perpetuate the myth that it's viable to avail yourself of every family-friendly offering and never lose your place in the race?

The Recorder |Expert Opinion

On Appeals: Can 'Rizo' Help Eliminate Gender Pay Gap in the Legal Profession?

Kelly Woodruff | May 08, 2018

Most people are aware of Equal Pay Day, which is the approximate day the average woman in the United States must work into the new year to make what the average man made the previous year.

The Recorder |News

Twitter Heads to Court to Fight Class Claims of Discriminatory Promotion Practices

Erin Mulvaney | May 08, 2018

"Holding companies accountable for systemically keeping underrepresented groups out of these leadership positions is an important step in achieving that balance,” plaintiff Tina Huang said.

The American Lawyer |News

Can Wigdor's Jeanne Christensen Make Uber Pay?

Miriam Rozen | May 07, 2018

The sole female partner at plaintiffs firm Wigdor LLP has been in the middle of some of the biggest cases of the #MeToo era.

The American Lawyer |News

MoFo 'Between Disappointed and Angry' Over 'Mommy Track' Lawsuit

Gina Passarella Cipriani | May 04, 2018

"It's just not who we are," Morrison & Foerster chair Larren Nashelsky said of a lawsuit claiming it holds back pregnant women and mothers.

The American Lawyer |Analysis

'Mommy Track' Lawsuit Aside, Many Firms Look to Make Life Easier on Parents

Scott Flaherty | May 02, 2018

Many law firms have continually expanded their support programs for new parents as they discover that official parental leave policies alone do little to end the perception of gender inequality and a "mommy track."

Litigation Daily |Commentary

Daily Dicta: Game, Set and Match for King & Spalding in Xerox Merger Case

Jenna Greene | May 02, 2018

Faced with a devastating court ruling, Xerox on Tuesday threw in the towel, firing its CEO and half of its board of directors to resolve a proxy contest. It's a stunning victory for King & Spalding lawyers and their client Darwin Deason.

Litigation Daily |Commentary

The Women Warriors Behind Gilead's Huge Federal Circuit Win

Jenna Greene | May 02, 2018

Fish & Richardson partner Juanita Brooks, a titan of the IP bar, has been practicing for 40 years. This is the first time she's had a case where both her courtroom team and the in-house lawyers have all been women.

Corporate Counsel |

Some Companies Slow to Embrace #MeToo Workplace Changes: Littler Survey

Erin Mulvaney | May 02, 2018

A majority of the respondents, 66 percent, ranked sexual harassment as a top issue on their radar.

The Mid Market Report |News

Mid-Market Recap: Signs of Momentum for Female Leadership at Midsize Firms

Hank Grezlak | May 01, 2018

The legal profession, particularly when it comes to firm leadership and highest paid partners, remains, amazingly in 2018, overwhelmingly white and…

The Mid Market Report |Analysis

At Midsize Firms, Women Leaders Are on the Rise

Lizzy McLellan | May 01, 2018

A number of midsize law firms have appointed women to their top leadership roles in 2017 and 2018.

The American Lawyer |Commentary

Are Women in Law Finally Empowered to Speak Out Against Inequality?

Vivia Chen | May 01, 2018

The #MeToo movement may give women in the legal profession the strength to speak up over more than just harassment, but inequity of all kinds.

Texas Lawyer |Profile News

A Decade Later, Texas Finally Sees Its First Asian-American U.S. District Judge

John Council | May 01, 2018

Karen Gren Scholer's Obama-era nomination was left pending without a Senate floor vote as the Trump administration took over.

The Recorder |News

Gibson Dunn, Boutrous Sue Harvey Weinstein on Behalf of Ashley Judd

Ross Todd | April 30, 2018

The sexual harassment and defamation lawsuit claims that Weinstein sabotaged Judd's chance to land a role in the "Lord of the Rings" trilogy after she refused his advances at a breakfast meeting.

New York Law Journal |Photo

Hofstra Law Honors Outstanding Women in Law

Staff | April 30, 2018

Hofstra Law held its 3rd annual Outstanding Women in Law awards last week, celebrating women who have made extraordinary contributions to the legal community.

The American Lawyer |News

'Mommy Track Is a Dead End' at MoFo, Associates Claim in New Lawsuit

Scott Flaherty | April 30, 2018

The proposed class action is the latest gender bias case brought by plaintiffs firm Sanford Heisler Sharp, whose other law firm targets have included Proskauer Rose, Chadbourne & Parke and Sedgwick.