First, The people I work with are mostly the exception to the rule. They respect me for not only my brain, but also my ability to form sentences and think coherently. In other words, they are not pompous, idiotic, stuck in the 1950's boneheads. And then there are the other people. Yes, those other attorneys whom I have dealt with over the years who just do not get it.
See, I graduated from law school. Yup, did pretty well too, was on that law review thing, published some articles, won a few moot court competitions. Oh did I mention I passed the bar exam and they gave me a license to practice law? Yup, oh and wonderful firm which as been in existence in this great state for over 92 year hired me and believes in me? Yup, they allow me to do more than bring them coffee and be patted on the back, yeah they hired me as a lawyer and let litigate and draft pleadings and respond to discovery. Call them crazy, but they do not think I am some "little girl" "dear" "darling" or "ma'am." Oh they also do not patronize me, grab my elbow and put their arms around my back and speak down to me like I don't understand English.
Yup, I get this treatment from some other people who I see across the courtroom. They tend to be older gentlemen, but I have experienced this from some younger folk, they also tend to be southern. I mean, its 2014 people! Women have been practicing law for quite some time now, they are managing partners of large firms, sit on the state bar, they even allow us to sit on the Supreme Court!
Ok, my rant is over for the day. What about you? Do you experience sex and gender discrimination in your field?
Wait, there are WOMEN on the Supreme COURT!?!?! ;)! JK
ReplyDeleteFrustrating men still think they are better than women, le sigh.
You're a badass lawyer and I'm super proud of all you've accomplished. Make em beg for mercy friend!
ROOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOAR!!! You got the eye of the tiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiger ;)!
There are always going to be dumb people out there, no matter where you are. You just keep on being the kick-A woman you are and prove them wrong!
ReplyDeleteYou tell em! I love this by the way my smart and gorgeous friend!
ReplyDeleteJust as long as you dont wear a white dickie thing like Ruth Ginsberg. haha! Just kidding. Its a huge accomplishment to pass the bar and have your license. My step sister graduated from Georgetown with law degree. Unfortunately, you just cant escape the good ol boy attitude here in the South!
ReplyDeleteRight now yes but Im not in my field I'm working here for now (receptionist) fetching coffee and answering phones but when I am a teacher I doubt I will have any issues.
ReplyDeleteLynn you're so special. You're beautiful and a lawyer - you are a threat to many people. Sad, but true. But that is what I admire soo much about you. I am constantly judged for my looks, CONSTANTLY. Even online. But I will never change, ever. Just because a woman likes hair, makeup, and is in touch with a sensual side does not mean she is an idiot or slutty. I, Liz Taylor, am breaking sterotypes on a daily basis :)
ReplyDeleteIt does not surprise me that you still get this from some people, but at least it's better! At my current profession, I get this ALL the time, but I guess I knew that when I agreed to be a SAHW and my husband is a tease, hehe.
ReplyDeleteUnfortunately I experience it two fold, being a minority & a woman attorney. The good old boys are running rampant down here in Houston, especially in my practice area. There have been times where I have been in smaller counties outside of Houston and gotten called out by baliffs asking me if I'm supposed to be sitting in the attorney section, a judge has even asked if I was the defendant in a pro se case I had and I was like yeah no, this guy right here is the pro se defendant I'm here for the plaintiff. It gets tough sometimes, even within my firm. I don't get the dinner invites and when I do something it's cute or a nice touch etc. BUT, on the positive side I guess it works it's advantages because they never expect this little lady to kill them in trial or out negotiate them on big deals! Keep on striving!!! :)
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