Although women represent nearly one third of the legal industry, only about 19 percent of partners at American law firms are female, according to an August study the Institute for Inclusion in the Legal Profession.
These numbers are mirrored in Canada with underrepresentation of female lawyers in top-level jobs and very few partners who are women.
This suggests not only problems with retention and promotion but overall satisfaction with law firms as gender-embracing places to work.
For the full Washington Post article by Catherine Ho go to: http://www.washingtonpost.com/business/capitalbusiness/despite-gains-women-continue-to-be-underrepresented-in-laws-top-jobs/2011/09/12/gIQAUsjFdK_story.html
For the original report from the Institute for Inclusion in the Legal Profession go to: http://pdfserver.amlaw.com/nlj/Final_IILP_2011_Review.pdf