Southern Ms. Part II: An Advantage of the Opt-Out Assumption?

jessie — Sat, 15 Dec 2007 13:36:59 -0600

It seems that some women in the Mid-South may be benefitting from the assmption that they will opt-out. A friend is interviewing for associate positions with BigLaw firms here. One veteran local lawyer gave her the following tidbit, which I found just fascinating: it's easier for a woman to get an associate's position in this market than a man, because the assumption is you'll work hard and devote yourself to the firm for five years or so and then leave to have children, i.e. you'll never be in competition for partnership.

Supreme Court Builds Barrier to Equal Pay for Women

Chicana — Tue, 29 May 2007 16:25:55 -0500

Another barrier has just been built as 5 men on the US Supreme Court (guess who?!) have ruled against a woman's pay discrimination claim. While I have not been able to read the opinion, the article clearly indicates that the majority author of the opinion, Alito, would like to find any way possible to deny relief to the woman, citing her failure to file a grievance after each and every paycheck. Ginsberg's heated dissent is right on point and fires back at the all male majority. I think people, including many women and this Supreme Court are far too quick to ignore discrimination against women or simply justify the inequities in the workplace. Frankly, it pisses me off!

Read more about the Ledbetter v. Goodyear Tire & Rubber Co. decision [links to New York Times].

Employment Discrimination

Southern Ms. Part II: An Advantage of the Opt-Out Assumption?

Supreme Court Builds Barrier to Equal Pay for Women