The idea that law is an “old boys club” is a common perception, often portrayed in TV Legal Dramas like Suits, The Good Wife, and Ally McBeal which show legal environments where the main characters—often women—struggle to be taken seriously by their male colleagues, and clients. These characters must frequently prove themselves more capable and wittier than their male colleagues to advance in their careers.
While it’s true that historically, women have been underrepresented in leadership positions within law firms, the profession is evolving. Many firms are actively working to break down the “old boys club” mentality and create more diverse environments. At Attwells, for example, 50% of partners are women with around 70% of all staff are women.
The important takeaway is that you don’t need to fit a particular stereotype to succeed in law. It doesn’t matter if you’re a man or a woman, whether you play golf (which is seen as male-dominated legal networking) enjoy other hobbies, or whether you come from a specific background. Law is a profession that values dedication, skills, and potential—qualities that anyone, regardless of gender or background, can possess, and here at Attwells, we are continuously working to break down the barriers into Law.