Paving the way for future female litigators involves a mix of systemic change, mentorship, advocacy, and visibility. The Women’s Health Litigation Team at Anapol Weiss is led by a nationally recognized group of female attorneys, who actively mentor younger female attorneys.
Here are some practices that can help create an inclusive space for female attorneys of all ages:
1. Mentorship and Sponsorship
- Mentor younger women entering or considering litigation. Share your experiences—both victories and challenges.
- Sponsor them by actively advocating for their promotions, high-profile cases, or leadership roles.
2. Visibility and Representation
- Encourage female litigators to speak at panels, publish articles, and take on visible roles in legal organizations.
- Highlight successful women in litigation, past and present, to normalize women in these roles and offer aspirational examples.
3. Inclusive Workplaces
- Push for policies that support work-life balance—flexible schedules, paid parental leave, and reasonable billable hour expectations.
- Foster a culture where women can thrive without conforming to outdated molds of what a litigator "should" be.
4. Challenge Bias and Gatekeeping
- Speak out against gender bias in courtrooms and firms—whether it's women being mistaken for assistants or being interrupted more often.
- Train hiring committees and partners to recognize unconscious bias and the value of diverse perspectives in litigation strategy.
5. Skill Building and Confidence
- Offer or support trial advocacy training, negotiation workshops, and public speaking opportunities specifically aimed at women.
- Encourage them to take first-chair roles in trials, even early in their careers.
6. Build Community
- Create or support networks and affinity groups for female litigators to connect, share resources, and collaborate.
- Celebrate wins—big or small—to foster encouragement and resilience.
7. Lead by Example
- If you’re a litigator yourself, model a collaborative, assertive, and authentic leadership style that others can emulate.
