NewsBlack Female Attorneys Face More Challenges In The Workforce

Black Female Attorneys Face More Challenges In The Workforce

Black women often endure racial prejudice and sexism as they scale the legal corporate ladder. A recently published joint study from Kanarys, Inc. and the National Bar Association Women Lawyers Division highlights the issues affecting this demographic. To conduct their study, State of Black Women in the Law DEIB Assessment Report, the organizations surveyed Black female members of the NBA WLD, its affiliate chapters, and other legal organizations to gather data. 

“Before I co-founded Kanarys, I practiced law as a private equity attorney for over 12 years, and it was the inequities I faced as a Black woman in law that motivated me to dedicate my life to creating systemic change within DEIB,” she said.

“While this report revealed great progress, the results also show that there is still much to be done. We hope the findings will accelerate progress within the legal industry and beyond and foster an inclusive and equitable culture for Black women.”
Krystal Studavent Ramsey of the NBA WLD also discussed the disparities, saying, “Black women remain significantly underrepresented in the legal profession, and growth is sluggish. To drive progress, it was necessary to evaluate the true experiences and sentiments of Black women lawyers.” She continued, saying, “We hope this report helps organizations understand the work that needs to be done to further the advancement of Black women in the legal industry.” 

Kanarys, Inc. and NBA WLD are strong advocates for diversity efforts within the workforce. Kanarys, Inc. is a technology-centered company committed to helping organizations incorporate strong DEI values and challenging bias in the workforce, and the National Bar Association Women’s Lawyers Division helps address issues that most impact Black women lawyers. 
Additional findings from the assessment report revealed that 66% of participants experience a lower-than-average sense of belonging, and 14% would hesitate to report DEIB conflicts to the responsible leadership out of fear of retaliation. However, 67% of participants also shared that they believe their opinions matter in the workplace. 

The study exposed underlying issues in the legal workforce for Black women, issues that have long been overlooked and downplayed. With this study, Kanarys, Inc. and NBA WLD hope to enact dramatic changes in how Black female attorneys are treated during their corporate ascent. 
RELATED CONTENT: 13 Attorneys General Draw Party Lines Around DEI Initiatives in Letter

Source: Black Enterprise

Arts Clayton highlights unique art around the world

As a nonprofit organization...

NBA superstar Damian Lillard finally gets traded

Portland Trail Blazers guard Damian Lillard. (Photo credit: Shutterstock.com / Keeton Gale) Damian Lillard has finally been traded. The superstar point guard, formerly of the Portland...

Black Press of America honors leaders at NNPA Awards

Founder and Head of Mission of the Diaspora African Forum H.E. Dr. Erieka Bennett, Baltimore Ravens quarterback Tyler Huntley, activist Erica Ford, Democratic National...

Biden Administration to Remove Medical Bills from Credit Scores

Vice President Kamala Harris said on Sept. 14 that the Biden administration has started the process of removing medical bills from people’s credit scores. The...

Hollywood Writers Guild Strike Nears Resolution with Tentative Agreement

Hollywood’s protracted labor conflict has taken a significant step towards resolution. The Writers Guild of America, representing over 11,000 screenwriters, said the 146-day strike...

LEAVE A REPLY

Please enter your comment!
Please enter your name here

Latest

NBA superstar Damian Lillard finally gets traded

Portland Trail Blazers guard Damian Lillard. (Photo credit: Shutterstock.com...

Black Press of America honors leaders at NNPA Awards

Founder and Head of Mission of the Diaspora African...

Newsletter

Don't miss

NBA superstar Damian Lillard finally gets traded

Portland Trail Blazers guard Damian Lillard. (Photo credit: Shutterstock.com...

Black Press of America honors leaders at NNPA Awards

Founder and Head of Mission of the Diaspora African...

Biden Administration to Remove Medical Bills from Credit Scores

Vice President Kamala Harris said on Sept. 14 that...