Women's Day 2025: The lawyers who fought for representation in Bar bodies
In 2024, a group of women initiated the fight for inclusivity in Bar bodies, aiming to even the scales in the legal profession.
Mar 10, 2025, 04:41 IST
In a historic move last December, the Supreme Court of India called for the implementation of women's reservation in bar associations and councils across Delhi on a trial basis.
The State Bar Councils, established under Section 3 of the Advocates Act, 1961, are statutory bodies responsible for regulating the legal profession and legal education within their respective states. They also serve as representatives of advocates, working in their interest.
On International Women's Day 2025, we honor the pioneering women lawyers who have tirelessly advocated for greater representation within bar associations and the broader legal profession. Despite notable progress, women continue to face challenges in achieving equitable participation in legal leadership roles.
Current Landscape of Women in Law
In the United States, women have made significant strides in the legal field. Since 2016, they have constituted the majority in ABA-accredited law schools, reaching 56% of the student body by 2023. Women now represent 50.3% of law firm associates and are projected to become the majority of full-time law school faculty members by 2025. However, disparities persist at senior levels, with men comprising 72% of law firm partners.
Advocacy for Representation in Bar Associations
Women lawyers have been at the forefront of initiatives to enhance their representation in bar associations. Organizations such as the National Association of Women Lawyers (NAWL) and the International Bar Association's Women Lawyers' Committee (WLC) have played pivotal roles in this endeavor. Established in 1899, NAWL provides leadership and resources to advance women in the legal profession and advocates for equality under the law. Similarly, the WLC empowers its global membership to engage, network, and share knowledge, striving to level the playing field in the legal profession.
Challenges and Ongoing Efforts
Despite these efforts, representation gaps remain. A 2021 study revealed that only 2.04% of elected representatives in State Bar Councils were women, indicating minimal progress in subsequent years. To address these disparities, bar associations continue to implement programs aimed at promoting diversity and inclusion. For instance, the American Bar Association's Commission on Women in the Profession is dedicated to securing full and equal participation of women in the ABA, the profession, and the justice system.
Celebrating Milestones
International Women's Day 2025 also serves as an opportunity to celebrate significant milestones. Notably, Barbara Mills KC made history by becoming the first Black barrister elected as chair of the Bar Council, representing 18,000 barristers in England and Wales. Her leadership underscores the importance of diversity in legal representation and serves as an inspiration for future generations.
Looking Ahead
As we commemorate the achievements of women in law, it is crucial to acknowledge the ongoing efforts required to achieve full representation. The collective commitment of individuals and organizations continues to drive progress toward a more inclusive and equitable legal profession.