Women in Law

Have any other associates struggled with having a lot of anxiety over your firm hiring a new associate that works in your practice area? I’m already comparing us a lot, worried my work will decrease, … more

I accepted an offer for a new job, gave my notice, and am going through a stressful two weeks. Everyone at my current firm seems resentful that I’m leaving and every day is very uncomfortable. Now my … more

Give me your best tips for projecting gravitas as a soft-spoken petite woman in a male dominated industry.

Going to my first ~real~ trial the week after next (my only other trial was a 1 day zoom bench trial). 5 days in a different city. Give me all the tips and tricks.

Would you leave a job you absolutely love and could see yourself at for decades for a $165k raise at a job you aren’t sure if you’ll have the same kind of future at?

Anyone have recommendations for an affordable family lawyer in Chicago who handles custody issues? Don’t want to send an RFR on my firm listserv for obvious reasons. Thank you in advance!!

Sexism.

How do you all deal with sexism from opposing counsel? Both the partner (male) on the case and I have told opposing counsel (old white male) that I am the point of contact on a case. We have re… more

How do you work towards demonstrating ownership and confidence in the workplace? I recently received feedback that I should be more assertive with my work product. How do I do this without stepping on… more

am i crazy to consider switching from PI to family law?

Leaving after mat leave: I’m currently on mat leave and I have come to the conclusion I don’t want to continue in big law. How long after coming back would you wait to give notice? I get back early De… more

For the pregnant lawyers or parents: if you requested to WFH while pregnant, when did you make the request? How did you word it? I’m about 33 weeks and am going to have a convo with the head of my gro… more

I feel like my age + kids is really catching up to me. My brain does not have the normal function of holding massive amounts of information and being able to analyze like it used too. Nowadays I’m luc… more

What do women do after kids ? After one I could keep the late nights going and meet hours. After 2 I just cant think or function anymore. I really don’t know what is next. I feel like a full time job … more

Thoughts on going to a networking event 9 months pregnant? Not my first pregnancy so the belly has already been a topic of conversation since like 5 months and I’ll just brace myself for that to be th… more

What are you including in your cover letters for new roles these days?

Does anyone have a US based recommendation for a career coach or something like that? I’m feeling “stuck” in my current role, with no upward advancement opportunity but good personal benefits and want… more

Ladies! Going to be in an office for the first time in several years. What are all the things you keep in your office? What are the little things that make it nicer to spend your time in, make it more… more

Any advice for handling pregnancy in big law? Somewhat concerned about the stress levels and late nights/staying healthy while also not letting my teams down. Any tips would be greatly appreciated!

I’m heading to law school in a few weeks and was wondering if anyone would be willing to connect and share a little bit about their practice and surviving 1L. Particularly interested in working in Chi… more

Hi all, I just had a newborn and was denied paid family leave by CA, the reason being that they assumed my firm will pay my full salary (this is not true and I had noted that firm will only top up the… more

Newborn mom. Looking for advice/insight on returning to work, caring for a baby and the managing household 🥲 how do you do it???

Have you ever had your firm headshot taken and then not able to see options to choose from? I started at a new firm and got headshots taken, there were at least 25 photos taken, and in every job I’ve … more

What is the risk of being laid off when you are pregnant? I’m a mid level associate who has received a negative review from one partner (but positive from all others) that really impacted my yearly re… more

Need work/trial shoe recommendations. Comfortable kitten heels, preferably a block heel. Thanks!

Just began my second trimester of pregnancy (will be my first). No one at my firm knows yet, and the annual review/raise conversation happens in a month. Assuming I can conceal it until then, should… more

I’m an 8th year at a big law firm in NYC where I’ve been for a few years. It’s recently become super toxic, with my group firing a few associates and putting everyone on edge that they’re next. Not a … more

New partner looking to decorate and finally set up office. I’ve never really had anything other than files but feel like now’s the time to decorate/fill with useful non work items. What’s something yo… more

first baby is almost one and i just tested positive for pregnancy - it was planned since I’m no spring chicken and I wanted to give my little one a sibling but can’t help feel guilty and nervous to le… more

Asking for a friend, at your law firm how long was the maternity leave for TWINS (or other multiples) including paid/unpaid if the birthing mom is the attorney? A number of decent firms allow for six… more

Any advice on how to give notice and keep my relationship with my boss? I love my boss, but this opportunity is too good to pass on. When I left my last job, I was changing specialties so leaving was … more

Thoughts on the firm, ArentFox?

I’m a personal injury attorney who left my job in June 2025 due to a toxic work environment. That experience made me realize I no longer want to litigate. I’ve been seeking in-house or pre-litigation … more

Has anyone made the transition from corporate law to family law? Would love to hear about your experience and whether you like your job now.

How often do you think about leaving your firm before doing so? The market doesn’t feel great at the moment

Should I wear a suit/suit skirt to a final round in house interview at a large technology company (not a startup)? Or would a dress with a blazer suffice?

My mom was let go from a big pharma company after she raised some issues that could get them in legal trouble. Looking for a recommendation for a kickass lawyer not afraid of big pharma, but also once… more

I’m currently in-house, have been for almost 19 years. I’m exploring options with large defense firms. I know in-house jobs tend to be coveted, but I’m curious as to why? I’ve been an atty for 23 year… more

I was sexually harassed by a client’s vendor. I reported it. HR botched it. The HR head asked me why I didn’t stop the situation from happening. They said that it never would have happened to them. Th… more

I received an offer for a lateral position at a firm that I really want to work for. No red flags. The billable hour requirement is 135/month while I consistently hit 170+ right now. I’m so close to b… more

Ladies, I’m a first year income partner and my husband just got a job across the country in a city that my firm doesn’t have an office in. Our relationship is rocky (I moved for him once before and ha… more