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Juris Education interviewed Tamra Katcher, President, Women Lawyers in Bergen, for an exclusive look at what sets the Trial Advocacy Program apart.
I live and practice in New Jersey. I say this because I can only speak to what I have witnessed and experience in that area. The practice of law differs from state to state so my experience may not be the same as others.
I have been practicing for 26 years, and my practice focuses on criminal law. When I first started practicing, there were one or two female judges. There were a number of women who were practicing law, but the large majority were men. I cut my teeth as an assistant prosecutor so I was always in court honing my craft. The prosecutor’s office also had a large number of female attorneys and over the years there have been a number of female prosecutors running the office. As a result, I never felt different from my male counterparts. When I went into private practice, things changed a bit. It took time to develop my reputation as a female attorney who did not have the power or prestige of the prosecutor’s office behind her. I had to learn to stand on my own two feet. For the most part, my career has gone smoothly as it pertains to being a woman in what remains a male-dominated career. I do find in a small percentage of situations that I am still asked my name because court staff is checking in clients and they think I am a client. I have been asked to go through the magnetometer in court when I have seen male attorneys walk right through. As a single mom, I have sometimes had to bring my child to court with me and have had court staff tell me that my child cannot be in court or had to sit outside – or believed that I was a client and not an attorney merely because I had a child in tow. I am quick to correct those misconceptions (and my child never sat outside a courtroom!) but the fact that these interactions still occur makes me sad and question the advancements that have been made on behalf of women in the legal community.
That being said, what I have experience cannot be compared with what the women who have come before me in this profession experienced. I have heard many stories over the years. One specific story that I always remember is that women had to wear skirts in court and were not allowed to wear pants. I am thankful to those women who chose this profession before me because their sacrifices allow me to have the career that I have.
The legal profession has come a long way, but it still has a long way to go toward demonstrating 100% support for female attorneys.
Women Lawyers in Bergen was founded in 1976 by women who were shattering the glass ceiling for women lawyers in Bergen County, as well as other northern NJ jurisdictions. They came together as the minority in the profession. They practiced in different areas of the law. They came together to support each other in the male-dominated legal community.
Over the years, Women Lawyers in Bergen (WLIB) has continued in the footsteps of our founders. We have become an integral part of the legal community in Bergen County and Northern New Jersey. Each year we have a wide variety of programming to assist our members in growing professionally and personally. We present continuing legal education classes to our members and the community – most of the classes are taught by our members. We host events that promote awareness of WLIB, networking, and camaraderie with the legal community, such as the Judicial Reception honoring newly appointed female judges, the Judicial Law Clerk luncheon so our members can meet the new judicial law clerks, and we co-host the Annual Diversity in the Law dinner. We promote mental health awareness for our members by presenting talks with mental health professionals. More recently, we embarked on a mentorship program whereby WLIB members are paired with law students at Seton Hall Law School. Through the mentorship program, students can reach out to their WLIB mentor about career advice, coursework advice, or any other guidance they may need to insure success in their studies and career choices. We have also begun working with the judicial law clerks who are right out of law school. We offer networking opportunities for them to meet WLIB members who may be hiring; we host a seminar for the law clerks to get information on resume writing and interviewing; and, we offer a free membership to law clerks and law students so they can join the organization without a financial investment. WLIB also has its own quarterly newsletter that provides our members an opportunity to write and publish articles and get notoriety for their expertise.
Law schools should be sure to have student organizations that support women. These organizations do not have to be women-only organizations but should focus on women in the law reaching their full potential. Law schools should develop internships with various firms, organizations, and agencies to encourage networking and growing student resumes. Law schools should also be sure to promote mental health awareness as all attorneys are people too and having a strong sense of person and not just of profession will go a long way. Law schools are in a position to connect female students with leaders in the legal community. Law schools should have mentorship programs so female students can find and connect with female practioners who will give them advice and guidance. Law schools collaborate with law firms that support female attorneys.
Finally, it is important for female attorneys to understand that there are so many kinds of law that can be practiced. Everyone can find where they fit best – which firm, which type of law, what area of the world. There are so many options. Law schools should think broadly so that their students can think broadly. Provide options and not allow female students to think that they must practice a certain type of law because they are female. Every area of the law needs strong and smart female attorneys.
Everyone in every profession needs a mentor, or someone to guide them through the trials and tribulations of a career. Early in one’s career, mentors can provide vital insights to help make employment decisions. Even before graduating from law school, a mentor can help lend perspective on what courses may be beneficial after graduation. As time progresses through a career in law, mentors can be a sounding board when there are problems. A person may have different mentors throughout their career depending on where they are, who they work for and with, and what they see as their future.
The best way for aspiring lawyers to build those relationships is to get involved. Get involved in law school organizations. Ask your guidance or career services department about bar associations in the area that may offer low cost or free memberships and go to their meetings and events. Take advantage of internships that are available through law school – paid or unpaid. Attend networking functions at the law school. Enroll in any mentorship opportunities that are available. Get out there and get involved. The more people who know you and your work ethic, the more support you will have when it is time to make the transition from law school to practicing law.
Women who are interested in the legal profession must get involved and find the support network that is going to allow them to flourish. Women are still the minority in the legal field. It is still a male-dominated profession. Women must find a place where they fit well and are going to grow as people and professionals. Women who are trying to make their way in the legal community must always be prepared and must always put their best foot forward. Joining the local bar association is an excellent way to meet people who can help navigate the landscape of the legal community. Developing a strong reputation in each woman’s area of practice will reap short and long-term benefits.
For more information on Women Lawyers in Bergen, visit https://womenlawyersinbergen.org/.
Juris Education is proud to interview experts at the nation's most renowned law schools for insights on what makes their programs unique and how they shape career-ready law students.
