For Female Lawyers, Bias Persists

Although evidence suggests that law firms have become more inclusive over the years, a recent study indicates that there is still a long way to go for female attorneys of color who seek advancement at the country's largest law firms.

According to Catalyst's Women of Color in U.S. Law Firms survey of 25 such firms, top barriers to advancement for minority women include shortages of similar role models and influential mentors or sponsors, and of opportunities for informal networking with influential colleagues. The report suggests these remedies:

? Create opportunities for dialogue and discussion between minority women and others in the workplace.

? Pair each woman of color with an influential partner or sponsor.

? Monitor and track the career development of minority women.

? Be specific about management's accountability for the firm's diversity goals.

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