Sexism

The Pink Ghetto: Sexual Harassment Is Part And Parcel Of A Woman’s Career In Law

Have you experienced sexism or sexual harassment during your legal career?

By Staci Zaretsky on April 07, 2017 1:28 pm

sexuam harassmentWelcome back to The Pink Ghetto, a series where we take a look at some of the most appalling stories from one of the most sexist industries in the world: the legal profession. Today, we’ll take a look at the sexual harassment that women are subjected to at various stages of their careers. These are real emails that we’ve received from real readers.

When you see things like this happening, say something. Together, we can inspire the change necessary to stop this disturbing behavior from being so prevalent in the law.

I attended a dinner recently with a group of about 75 attorneys. Upon walking in, I was greeted by a male attorney about twice my age. I complimented him on his bow tie and he said, “I’d like to take you and tie you up like a bow tie.” Being a bit shocked and having no idea how to respond, I walked off to hang up my coat. Then, a JUDGE told me that he kept getting me mixed up with “another tall attractive blonde female.” I mean, I guess that could be a compliment, but it was the delivery, that other older men were standing there, and the fact that he was just commenting on my appearance that made me uncomfortable.

I thought maybe I had invited these comments by the way I was dressed but I had on a scarf and wool coat when the bow tie comment was made. And after that, I had on a high neck dress, a jacket, tights, and flats. Then I got upset that I had even looked for a way to blame myself.

I’m a 3L working for criminal defense attorneys. A male attorney that I run into probably twice a week has asked my (male) boss multiple times IN COURT, while I’m standing next to him, “when can I have her?” He follows me around telling me that I’m a “woman of good taste” and I should “come work under him.”

I’m thankful that last week, my boss set him straight in a judge’s empty chambers and told him to stop the harassment or he would encourage me to report it.

I was interviewing with a law firm during my 2L year to see if they had any clerk positions. During the interview the managing partner asked how I looked in a skirt. I was confused and asked him what he meant. He said they didn’t have any clerk positions available but they we’re hiring receptionists. Hands down the most sexist comment I’ve ever heard.

Do you have a law school or law firm story you’d like to see appear in The Pink Ghetto? Please email me with “The Pink Ghetto” in the subject line (or find me on Twitter: @StaciZaretsky). You will be kept anonymous. Submissions are always welcome!

Staci ZaretskyStaci Zaretsky is an editor at Above the Law. She’d love to hear from you, so feel free to email her with any tips, questions, or comments. You can follow her on Twitter or connect with her on LinkedIn.