For generations, practicing law was a man’s game. The challenges of female lawyers in India are unique on many fronts and restrict opportunities provided to them thereby impeding the furtherance of their career prospects and accomplishments.
This study, “The Cost of a Vowel: How the Gender-Marked Job Title Affects Ratings Of Female Lawyers,” and other such research papers on gender bias informs us about several accountabilities that female lawyers in India grapple with every day. All these (such as gender discrimination, infrastructural challenges and societal biases) act like hindrances preventing women from taking full advantage of interests in legal practices.
In this article, we explore these challenges and the probable solutions that can lead women lawyers to be the fulcrum of change.
Challenges of Female Lawyers in India
Despite advancements, female lawyers in India still face significant challenges. Financial issues, gender stereotypes, and a lack of infrastructural support are prevalent.
A recent survey conducted among 230 women lawyers says that moderate role conflict is experienced by nearly half (49.81%) of them. Also, that 80.45% of female lawyers are economically vulnerable, particularly during the early years in their careers where clients usually choose male lawyers over them for most complex cases.
It is true that in a male-dominated society, women are often considered as having less capability compared to men when it comes to the practice of law. Habits die hard, and these growth-restraining tendencies are further reinforced by societal norms.
The challenges of female lawyers in India include the proverbial ‘glass ceiling’ that remains intact, as women struggle to advance to senior roles in law firms or as judges. The lack of infrastructure in court complexes, such as inadequate restrooms and daycare facilities, further hampers the productivity of female lawyers.
Women in Law Careers: Battling Gender Bias
Gender bias in legal professions is one of the most pervasive challenges for female lawyers. A study titled “The Cost of a Vowel” explores how language perpetuates stereotypes.
Female lawyers using feminine job titles, such as ‘avvocata’ (in gendered languages like Italian) are rated lower than male counterparts with masculine job titles like ‘avvocato’. The courts in India are also not untouched from this bias and more often than not women lawyers take a backseat vis-a-vis their male counterparts.
Research has found that women in law careers face high levels of harassment, discrimination and unconscious bias which can make the path to leadership seem more difficult. Seven percent of female lawyers said they’d been sexually harassed on the job, and half told researchers there was implicit or explicit gender bias when it came to important case opportunities.
Women are often underestimated in the legal profession despite their capabilities to do so, which makes it hard for them to flourish.
Female Lawyer Challenges: Work-Life Balance and Professional Growth
Work-life balance is one of the biggest challenges of female lawyers in India. Women are also expected to be caregivers first and this is a hard hurdle for many women who cannot do the numerous obligatory but time-consuming “high-powered” lawyer things outstanding their professional success. This further creates a state of high role conflict, and 25.27% reported that they are struggling severely with managing both the responsibilities between work and family pressures.
This struggle is compounded by a lack of institutional support. While male lawyers are often expected to prioritise their careers, female lawyers are pressured to maintain the dual role of career and family caretaker. For many, the absence of maternity leave or flexible work arrangements further complicates their ability to grow professionally.
Gender Bias in Legal Professions: The Glass Ceiling Effect
The ‘glass ceiling’ is an ever-present reality in the legal profession, not just in India but worldwide. Female lawyers face significant barriers when trying to ascend to higher positions in law firms or judiciary roles. The societal belief that men are better suited to leadership and complex legal matters prevents many women from being recognised for their capabilities. This is particularly evident in court cases, where 50% of female lawyers are overlooked in favour of their male counterparts.
In male-dominated legal environments, women find it challenging to break through the biases that hinder their progress. The ‘glass ceiling’ results in fewer women in decision-making positions and limits their ability to influence the legal profession.
Legal Career Advice for Women in India: Overcoming the Barriers
While female lawyer challenges are vast, there are steps that can be taken to overcome these barriers. Women in law careers must be equipped with the tools and networks to combat these biases. Mentorship programmes, networking opportunities, and support from legal institutions can make a significant difference in helping women break through these limitations.
The study by Burlacu, Cappelletti, Marzadro, and Tondini highlights the importance of strong professional signals, such as
- affiliations with prestigious law firms,
- years of experience, or
- success in national exams.
These achievements can help offset the negative perceptions that gender bias in legal professions often fosters. Furthermore, female lawyers must actively engage in professional networks to build social capital, which is crucial for career growth.
Additionally, reforms at the institutional level are necessary to promote gender equality. Law firms must implement policies that encourage gender diversity and provide the infrastructural support women need, such as daycare facilities and flexible work arrangements. Encouragingly, initiatives to address gender bias are gaining traction in some parts of the legal profession, and this momentum must continue.
Conclusion: Empowering Female Lawyers in India and Beyond
The challenges of female lawyers in India are not unique to the country but are part of a broader global issue. Women in law careers face gender bias, role conflict, and systemic barriers that limit their professional growth. However, through targeted reforms, mentorship, and professional development, these barriers can be overcome.
Legal career advice for women in India should focus on building strong professional networks, addressing unconscious bias, and advocating for greater gender diversity in leadership roles. As female lawyers continue to break through the “glass ceiling,” their contributions will not only enrich the legal profession but also pave the way for future generations of women to pursue successful legal careers.
