Women Criminal Defense Attorneys: ABA President Laurel Bellows Demonstrates True Commitment to Women Lawyers

ABA President Laurel Bellows isn’t just giving lip service to the cause of women in law; she is taking action.  During her ABA Presidency she has wasted no time working to combat the real problem that women still face in the field of law and throughout all sectors of business in this country.  Still today, women face pay inequality and a huge disparity of power in law firms. Bellows drafted a letter which outlines her position and commitment to this issue, and it is well worth your time to read.

She also started the ABA Gender Equality Task Force in August 2012 which is divided into six working groups to address different areas of concern such as pay equity, the development of a woman-to-woman business referral network, and the creation of a women’s general counsel summit, among others.

Bellows has consistently spoken about her commitment to women’s issues during her presidency and is outspoken and direct about her objectives.  Just days ago, she opened the Day of Women celebration by telling the crowd that “our work is not over.” Take a look at the speech she gave marking International Women’s Day below:Laurel Bellows has demonstrated that she is not afraid to confront the inequity that women still face in law. It would be easy for her to just accept her position and not stir the waters, but she sees beyond her presidency and is focused on the inequalities that still exist for female lawyers. It not only takes women in positions of power to effectuate change for women… but once in power a woman has to have the courage to stand up, speak out, and take action.  Laurel Bellows has done all of this and more. Bravo!