A National Bar Association (NBA) survey finds black women lawyers continue to experience high rates of discrimination and bias. During 2022, 163 members of the NBA WLD and other Black women’s legal organizations were surveyed. The survey found that 70% of Black women lawyers had experienced or witnessed discrimination and bias in the workplace.
The discrimination and bias included being mistaken for administrative staff, being excluded from networking opportunities, and being subjected to microaggressions.
The survey also found that Black women lawyers were more likely to leave their jobs due to discrimination and bias compared to their white counterparts.
The NBA has made a number of recommendations based on its finding including expanding pipeline opportunities beginning in high school and through law school; investing in the hiring and promotion of Black women (especially in mid-level and senior/executive positions); using metrics to track and better understand the work experience of Black women lawyers; celebrating the success of Black women, inside and outside of the organization; and supporting inclusive and equitable work environments.