Perceived discrimination deters Women from Bar

Lawyers Weekly has reported the results of a recent survey revealing that 17 percent of female law students will not pursue a career as a barrister because they consider the Bar is male-dominated and discriminatory towards women. 

The Career Intentions Survey, a sub-committee of Women Lawyers NSW, launched on 11 April, showed that this belief is one of the top three reasons law students who are female are deterred from a career at the Bar.
“Given the low percentage of female barristers, this perception could be influencing the number of women coming to the Bar,” she said.

The Career Intentions Survey pilot was administered from August to November 2012 via law schools at the University of New England, University of Sydney and University of Western Sydney.  There were 102 participants, composed of 91 female students and 11 males, all of whom will continue to be surveyed at further stages of their career such as on completion of their practising certificate and admission as a solicitor.

32% of female law students reported that they would still consider a career at the Bar, while 18 per cent said they disliked public speaking or court appearances. The latter sentiment, which was not shared by any male law students, recently prompted Women Lawyers of NSW to develop voice training workshops for its members.
 

Read the full story here.
 

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