COUNCIL FOR DIVERSITY AND INCLUSION
Breaking Barriers : Advancing Equity for Women in Law
by Barbara Bush , Esq .
As a proud member of the Council for Diversity and Inclusion for the Sarasota County Bar Association and a mother of two little ones , I am honored to write about a topic that is both deeply personal and professionally significant to me : the progress women have made in the legal profession .
A significant development that directly impacts female attorneys across Florida and in our Bar Association is the Lactation Space Bill , SB 144 . It ’ s hard to believe it ’ s been a year since SB 144 passed , mandating that all courthouses provide private lactation spaces . Thanks to this legislation , every courthouse in our county now offers a lactation space — an essential resource for attorneys balancing the demands of a challenging profession with the needs of their families . This milestone represents the tireless advocacy of groups like the Florida Association for Women Lawyers , whose commitment to policies that support women in the workplace has made a lasting difference .
In 2024 , the ABA Profile of the Legal Profession revealed that for the first time , women make up the majority of law firm associates and represent a significant percentage of federal government lawyers . However , despite this progress , barriers to full equality persist , particularly at senior levels , where men continue to dominate key roles like law firm partnerships , federal judgeships , and corporate counsel positions .
The challenges of balancing a demanding legal career with motherhood are a key factor in these disparities . The long hours and high expectations often make it difficult for working mothers to thrive without substantial support systems in place . To foster true gender equity , it ’ s crucial for the legal profession to create more inclusive , flexible environments that enable women to succeed both professionally and personally . This includes providing options like parental leave , flexible work arrangements , and mentorship opportunities to help women navigate the unique challenges they face .
The significance of policies like SB 144 goes beyond physical accommodations . They symbolize a shift in recognizing the needs of working mothers and the importance of fostering an equitable workplace . For many women , the availability of such spaces represents a
18 | THE DOCKET - FEBRUARY 2025