Study Finds Black Women Leaders - Including Lawyers - Are More Ambitious But Less Supported At Work

A new study from McKinsey and LeanIn.org finds that Black women leaders are more ambitious than other women at their level, but are more likely to have their competence questioned and have less support from their company and supervisors compared to their colleagues.

“Many Black women leaders find themselves caught in a dysfunctional, non-reciprocal relationship with the workplace—continuing to contribute to and support organizations that clearly don’t nurture us in return.”

Upsettingly, Black women also ranked last in their experience of receiving workplace support—managers showing interest in their career, checking in on their well-being and promoting inclusion—as compared to other identities. Similarly, Black women ranked near last in experiencing sponsorship and allyship as well as psychological safety.

Now more than ever, It is crucial to recognize and support women of color, especially Black women, in the legal field as they bring unique perspectives and experiences that enrich the profession. By elevating and empowering these women attorney leaders, we can promote diversity, equity, and inclusion, ultimately leading to a more just and equitable society.

Check out this article in Forbes to learn more about the study.

https://www.forbes.com/sites/danabrownlee/2022/10/21/black-women-leaders-are-more-ambitious-but-less-supported-at-work-mckinsey-and-lean-in-study-finds/?sh=5fcab3136e48