Presumed Equal: What America's Top Women Lawyers Really Think About Their Firms, by: Lindsay Blohm and Ashley Riveira

The book featured this week in the Ms. JD Summer Book Series is slightly different than most others.  Presumed Equal has been published based on anonymous responses from female associates and partners at 105 of America's top law firms. The purpose of the book itself is to provide current, first-hand observations of 'women at the top' in America's law firms.

The topics covered in this book include everything from work-life balance, advancement and mentoring, to gender discrimination and firm leadership.  Because the information has been taken directly from women attorneys, issues are also addressed on a firm specific basis.

This book can serve as a tool for law students seeking information about firms pre- and post-interview, as well as for ideas about helpful questions to ask during interviews.  This book serves equally well women lawyers who are either looking to make a lateral move, or seeking to affect policy regarding women-related issues at their own firms.  It is first and foremost a reference manual, but one worth knowing about.

It is also worth noting, however, that because this book is based on responses from female lawyers, this 2006 edition of the book may no longer be entirely up-to-date.  The information can still be useful, but keep the currency of the date in mind when using this book as a resource.