
Study of Mich. Law Grads Finds Lawyer Moms Earn Up to 35% Less
http://www.abajournal.com/news/study_of_mich_law_grads_finds_lawyer_moms_earn_up_to_35_less/ |
Absolutely true. In my (albeit limited and anecdotal experience), female attorneys are more willing/eager than male attorneys to reduce hours/leave earlier once they become parents.
Why? My theory is internalized gender roles despite our best efforts. And the fact that full time attorney doesn't leave a whole lot for, you know, life. |
OK, but in all fairness, I probably work 35% less - my choice. Personally, I prefer the time with my kids. The cost of earning more money, that is reducing my time with them, is too great for me. Money just doesn't make me that happy. I don't see anything unfair about others who feel different earning more than I do. |
One question is whether this option is really available to everyone-- dads and moms (and singles). I'm a man and when I left my white shoe firm for an inhouse counsel position and explained to them that I thought I couldn't work there while having young children, the hiring partner acted concerned and shocked, but I can't see how anyone really thinks any large firm is family friendly for a full time schedule (and we certainly weren't encouraged to consider part-time work, although a couple of women might have had that schedule). |
Interesting. You're probably right that reduced schedules are easier for women to pull off - because instead of changing firm culture and compensation to something that leaves room for a home life, the firms create a "mommy track" that (I sense) carries a bit of a stigma. (Not at my small firm, but probably at the big ones.) |
Not a lawyer, but I agree with the 22:20 poster. I started at the same time as another woman; she got a giant promotion this year, and she totally earned it. I did not get promoted, but then, I left every evening at 5:30, and she was usually there til 8. I have no resentment towards her. And I know for a fact that she is putting off having children until her career is more advanced. I made the other choice. Luckily, in my organization, these choices are available to men and women alike. I know several men (not as many as women) who have parent-tracked themselves. |
I am a lawyer and a mom and I opted out of big firm life from the beginning before I was married and had kids. I worked at a medium sized firm as a paralegal and the most unhappy people there were women with children. I watched and learned and worked for a small firm and then went out on my own. |
When my DH was at a big firm, there were several women who worked "part-time" (meaning 40 hours/week). One of the male associates requested a similar schedule, because he wanted more time with his small children. They said no.
Sexism hurts men, too. |