Welcome 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 more instances of the sexism and sexual harassment women are subjected to in their careers as lawyers. 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. We owe it to ourselves and future generations.
I was groped and propositioned by a drunk practice group leader at a firm-sponsored event. This was at an Am Law 100 firm. I complained. I was told it wasn’t the first time he’d done something like this. I was told action would be taken. Action was taken — he was placed on firm’s management committee. I began looking for a new job in the middle of the economic crisis and left as soon as I could.
A few years ago, an extremely religious attorney I worked with (the man had a bible on his desk) sent me multiple texts one night telling me his wife was out of town and asking me to meet him for drinks.
I also had an attorney send me an email while we were negotiating a settlement agreement to tell me that I was “easy on the eyes.”
People tell me that I look mean and need to smile more. Is it any wonder that I have a “mean” face?
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When I began practicing in 2004, I worked at a three-attorney firm. The owner of the firm had a collection of photos of naked women in sexual poses that he used as his computer screen saver. I told him that speaking to him about cases while he looked at breasts made me uncomfortable. He laughed.
Do you have a law school or law firm story you’d like to see appear in The Pink Ghetto? Email me (subject line: “The Pink Ghetto”) or find me on Twitter, @StaciZaretsky. You will be kept anonymous. Submissions are always welcome.
Staci Zaretsky has been an editor at Above the Law since 2011. She’d love to hear from you, so please feel free to email her with any tips, questions, or comments. You can follow her on Twitter or connect with her on LinkedIn.