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Subject says it all - are women diverse for law firm recruiting purposes?

No.

For purposes of a few 1L S.A. programs they are, but for the most part women are close to proportionately represented in entering associate classes (as they are in law school enrollment).

That's what I thought. Thanks.

bdubs wrote:For purposes of a few 1L S.A. programs they are, but for the most part women are close to proportionately represented in entering associate classes (as they are in law school enrollment).

Problem isn't in recruitment. Problem is in retention.

zweitbester wrote:

bdubs wrote:For purposes of a few 1L S.A. programs they are, but for the most part women are close to proportionately represented in entering associate classes (as they are in law school enrollment).

Problem isn't in recruitment. Problem is in retention.

This. Just compare the number of 1st-3rd year female attorneys to senior female attorneys to female partners at biglaw firms. You quickly see the problem is retention and promotion.

If your question is "should I apply 1L diversity positions" the answer is yes

presh wrote:No.

Yes. This was the whole point of Affirmative Action

jas1503 wrote:

presh wrote:No.

Yes. This was the whole point of Affirmative Action

This is responding to a statement I did not make. Law firms, in the current climate, don't have problems attracting female applicants so there's no need for a diversity push. Assuming OP is asking if she is more likely as a woman to be hired at a law firm, which is implied by the question she asked, the answer is no.

As far as 1L diversity associate positions, the only real way to know for sure is to look at the terms of the position itself because different firms have different requirements. Generally though, firms are looking for minority applicants and occasionally LGBT applicants. It might be worth a shot to apply as a woman if they either mention that as a factor in or have vague requirements like "showing a commitment to diversity."

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rad lulz wrote:My take is if you're not a white straight male it's worth it to apply

The level of commitment to "diversity" varies

May as well just go for it

It takes like 15 mins to apply for these things

And even then, if you're a white straight male from a very low income background, it might still be worth it to apply.