SCBA Survey Reveals Gender Bias: 38.5% Women Lawyers Find Profession Discouraging

A Supreme Court Bar Association survey on women advocates shows significant challenges in the profession.

Of 301 respondents, 38.5% described their professional experience as discouraging, while 57.8% said women do not have equal leadership opportunities. Gender bias was reported by 33.1% of 299 respondents, with many noting occasional or frequent bias.

Marriage and childcare created hardship for several respondents, including 38.2% after marriage and 56.8% after childbirth.

Work life balance emerged as the most cited challenge, followed by job opportunities, pay parity concerns and inadequate mentorship. 

A majority (64.1%) said they would recommend a legal career to girls.