Though New Hampshire is one of the smallest Legal Bars in the nation, its recent Ten Year Gender Survey contains important data for the country. In the Granite State and nationally strides have been made, inequality remains. Women are graduating from law schools at unprecedented levels. Social norms regarding traditional roles of women in society are evaporating. However, fewer female attorneys are making partner, fewer are litigators, fewer are in management positions, and, unfortunately, sexist attitudes continue to be observed frequently. This is not a female v. male issue, but an issue that influences the credibility of our profession within society.
DRI is poised to lead the way in promoting “Women in the Law.” That exciting new committee can make a difference if we all get behind it by taking the message to our firms, our SLDO’s and our state bar associations. Further, it is essential to both recognize that our clients want gender and ethnic diversity and to respond accordingly. Traditionally, lawyers lead the way for social change; that change begins at home. Anyone interested in this issue should review the New Hampshire Gender Equality Committee report and is welcome to contact me, Chair, NH Bar Gender Equality Committee, to share ideas and generally collaborate on this issue. By working together, we can continue to make progress toward gender equality for our profession.