The Pipe Dream of Equality
A core ambition of the legal profession remains equality.
Various efforts over the years have attempted to redress an imbalance that has had a firm grip for centuries. A recent article for International Women's Day highlighted the range of important contributions women have made in the legal sector throughout history, and yet this is only so impressive because of the way that white men have dominated the law for so long.
Colleges and universities encourage women and people from minority backgrounds to pursue legal education, law firms have equal hiring practices and generous maternity leave, and the Judicial Appointments Commission is required to consider the importance of equality alongside the talent of any applicant when deciding who should become a judge.
Despite these best efforts, the legal profession is still viewed as one that is almost designed so that white men can succeed.
Why does this remain the case?