The Emory Chapter of the Georgia Association for Women Lawyers (GAWL) encourages increased awareness and discussion of legal issues concerning women and challenges facing women in the law. GAWL-Emory invites judges, politicians, lawyers, and professors to speak on a broad range of topics such as health law, domestic violence, sexual harassment, employment discrimination, feminist legal theory, and the challenges facing women in the legal field. Other activities include a mentoring program, student-led live and silent auction, and our annual conference. Emory-GAWL also sponsors an annual charity auction to fund a grant for a student working in a public interest position that supports women.
The support for women in law is present but limited. The percentage of women has grown over the years, but it is still not even 1/3 of the field's male population. In 2019, only 21% of equity partners identified as women and a paltry 3% were women of color. On average, women lawyers are paid less than their male counterparts at firms in the roles of associates, non-equity partners, and equity partners. Perhaps even more disturbing than the pay gap is that 50% of women lawyers reported unwanted sexual conduct at work. The profession has come a long way with including diversity, but it still has a long way to go. We need support to make the necessary changes happen. All growth begins somewhere, and we are asking you to invest in us so that we can raise up women in law.
