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December 16, 2010
Women in Law Week: Lead Like a Lawyer
 Powerful women leaders share traits like the ability to motivate others, a passion for what they do and the dedication to see the job get done. But for women in law and other high-profile fields, sometimes you have to blaze your own trail.
Though firms with more women partners bring in more dollars, few women are being promoted. The reason?
Like in so many other professions, sometimes working hard and doing a good job for clients isn't enough to get promoted to partner.
Marshawn Evans, attorney, author and founder of ME Unlimited consulting firm, agrees. “With clients tightening their budgets for legal fees, women are starting to realize that the magic formula for making the partnership isn’t working anymore.”
To change that, Women in Law advises women to communicate, use positive collaboration, maintain a global perspective and make sure the boss knows exactly what you want. They also encourage authenticity, mentoring, leadership training and evolving the traditional law firm atmosphere.
Bonus PINK Link: Find out Evans' take on the importance of rebranding yourself.
By Shaniqua Christian
"Every case has a risk of loss. However, to get something you have never had, you must be willing to do something you have never done." Marshawn Evans
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Comments
Women in Law
Rainmaking. Pure and simple. To make partner (especially an equity partner) you had better not just "do great work" but be able to bring in new business. (assuming we're talking about private firms, and since many judges are elected and not appointed, many of them will need to have the funds from doing well in a private firm to run for office).
I am shocked this was not mentioned in the article on why women are being "held back" in law firms. And think it's a conversation that absolutely needs to happen on day one of any legal career in the private sector. Probably at day one of law school. And maybe before anyone signs up for a student loan for law school.
Women in Law being promoted
You have been talking all week about women lawyers as if they are the only profession that counts. Please note there are also other professions that count besides lawyers. There are Women Accountants also and many of them are being promoted. And if they are not there is the the American Society of Women Accountants to help women network in all phases of accounting and finance around the country. Plus there are other professions also that women have been able to excel in.
Women in Law Week
There is no doubt that women in many if not all fields are excelling at an unprecedented rate. As this is "Women in Law Week," we are focusing on trends and success strategies of women lawyers and how their leadership styles, job skills and strategies for promotion can work for other professions as well. We will also be featuring fields like "Women in Sports," "Women in Banking" and "Women in Science" in upcoming Little PINK Books. As always, we appreciate any and all feedback that can help us make Little PINK Book the best online resource for career women.