Women Criminal Defense Attorneys: Young Women Lawyers Still Fighting to be Taken Seriously
It is hard for a young lawyer to make it in the world of criminal defense—and it is doubly challenging for young women lawyers. I just found this interview with two young women criminal defense attorneys from Chicago, who opened up their own law firm fresh out of law school. They shared the experience of being underestimated and struggling to be taken seriously. They discuss being called “sweetie”, “honey”, and “the girls” routinely, and even regularly mistaken for paralegals or secretaries. The two women are Katie Kizer and Amanda Graham, and they formed Kizer & Graham, LLP in 2012, right after graduating from DePaul Law School.
The two women were highlighted in Chicago Business’s 20 in their 20’s series, and there discussed the challenges of being underestimated, even among lawyers and professionals in the criminal justice system. Specifically, they talked about how difficult this can be when it occurs in the presence of a client. In the end they rely on their work to overcome these challenges. I particularly loved hearing that, once they begin talking, the “sweetie” comments usually stop. They also shared their view on the benefits that youth brings to the representation of the accused, and stated that they hope to never lose their hunger and spirit. Their discussion is honest and forthright and what ultimately comes through is their passion for their work and for their clients.
For those of us that have been in the trenches for a while, the beginning of our career seems like a lifetime ago. But I can still remember being treated like a young and naïve “girl” rather than a capable and dogged criminal defense lawyer. It is amazing that as much as things change, in many ways they stay the same. Although I was disappointed that this struggle is very much the same for women criminal defense attorneys in 2013, I appreciate that what has changed is the freedom to engage in an honest dialogue about these challenges. I think that is the real difference. Twenty plus years ago a woman trying to make her way in criminal defense would have never openly discussed her struggles, for fear of being ostracized in the field. I for one applaud this discussion and these two young women that have the courage to jump in the ring and fight it out rather than staying on the sidelines. Bravo Ladies!! You are doing work that any lawyer, of any age, should be proud of!
I hope that all of you can take a few moments to watch the video below. It is truly inspiring!