Female lawyer experiences belittling comments
By MaryAnn Bennett
Standard-Examiner Contributed
Fri, 07/29/2011 - 1:30pm
I am a 26-year-old female, attorney from an East Coast law school that was 51 percent men and 49 percent women. I felt like an equal until I moved back to Utah. In Utah, 77 percent of attorneys are male while only 23 percent are female. I feel like I have been treated differently, stereotyped, and even harassed because of my gender. Recently, at a continuing legal education course, I asked an attorney with 18 years of experience if I could ask him question. His response? "Sure. But only because I think you're cute."
Once, without my consent, a male client reached over to tuck a piece of my hair behind my ear so that I could look "better" in court. Later he invited me to go shooting with him while mentioning his wife and kids were out of town.
If I had a dollar for every time someone asked "Are you a paralegal?" right after finding out I work for a law firm, I'd be rich.
At one hearing, even while wearing a suit and carrying a file, I was asked "Are you represented by an attorney?" as I approached opposing counsel.
I feel like male lawyers don't have these same experiences. It can be uncomfortable to be a woman lawyer. I have to develop thicker skin. I hope by sharing my feelings, more people will be aware of the disparity and avoid making other women after me experience the same discomfort.
MaryAnn Bennett
Ogden
