COUNCIL FOR DIVERSITY AND INCLUSION
Breaking Barriers : Women on the Bench and the Path to Equity
As we celebrate Women ’ s History Month , it is an opportune time to reflect on the progress women have made in the legal profession and the judiciary . The journey of female attorneys and judges has been one of perseverance , resilience , and groundbreaking achievements . This year , the Sarasota County Bar Association ’ s Council for Diversity and Inclusion is proud to host Women on the Bench , a special event featuring a panel of four esteemed judges from Florida ’ s 12th Judicial Circuit . This discussion will shed light on the challenges and opportunities that come with being a woman in the judiciary and emphasize the importance of mentorship in fostering the next generation of legal professionals .
A Legacy of Trailblazing Women
by Jill Bowen , Esq . Berlin Patten Ebling , PLLC
Women ’ s history in the legal profession is one of determination and defying the odds . When Arabella Mansfield became the first woman admitted to a U . S . bar in 1869 , she opened doors that had been firmly closed to women for centuries . Even so , it would take over a century before Sandra Day O ’ Connor shattered another barrier by becoming the first woman to serve on the U . S . Supreme Court in 1981 . Since then , we have seen steady — though still incomplete — progress in achieving gender equity in the legal field .
Today , women make up approximately 38 % of the legal profession , but they remain underrepresented in leadership roles . According to the National Association of Women Judges , only about 35 % of state court judges are women , even though women have comprised nearly half of law school graduates for decades . This disparity underscores the importance of conversations like Women on the Bench , which bring visibility to the experiences of female judges and create a platform for meaningful dialogue about breaking barriers .
Women on the Bench Virtual Panel
The Women on the Bench panel discussion will provide attendees with a unique opportunity to hear firsthand from four accomplished female judges as they discuss the realities of the judiciary from a woman ’ s perspective . The conversation will focus on key themes , including :
18 | THE DOCKET - MARCH 2025