Washington Courts: Press Release Detail

Justices to discuss 'glass ceiling' facing women lawyers in Washington

March 06, 2002

Washington Supreme Court Justice Barbara Madsen and Chief Justice Gerry Alexander will discuss results of a major survey on women’s status in the legal profession during a luncheon forum by the Seattle City Club this Friday, March 8th. 

The "Glass Ceiling Survey", administered in 2001 by a task force representing several bar and public interest organizations, surveyed law firms across Washington State to obtain objective data on the status of women and minorities within private law firms.

Results state that while there has been progress in the status of women attorneys, they have not reached the level of compensation, participation in firm governance and professional attainment of men.   The project was underwritten in part by the Washington Supreme Court Gender and Justice Commission, chaired by Justice Madsen.

In celebration of International Women’s Day, the City Club forum will review the status of women’s leadership in several sectors of the working world.  Additional panelists for the forum will include Judith Ramseyer, of Heller Ehrman; Assunta Ng, Publisher of the Northwest Asian Weekly and Pam El, Vice President of Communications for Terra Beam.   KPLU Law and Justice Reporter Paula Wissel will moderate the session.

The Washington Supreme Court holds the distinction of having the largest female representation of any supreme court in the nation, with four out of the nine elected justices.   Justice Madsen serves with fellow women justices Justice Bobbe J. Bridge, Justice Faith Ireland and Justice Susan Owens.

The Glass Ceiling Survey is available via the Washington State Gender and Justice Commission website at:  www.courts.wa.gov/commission/genderandjustice/publicat.cfm

Contacts:  Justice Barbara Madsen, 360-357-2037; Chief Justice Gerry Alexander, 360-357-2029; or Gloria Hemmen, Administrative Office of the Courts, 360-705-5290. 

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Washington Courts Media Contacts:

Wendy K. Ferrell
Judicial Communications Manager
360.705.5331
e-mail Wendy.Ferrell@courts.wa.gov
Lorrie Thompson
Senior Communications Officer
360.705.5347
Lorrie.Thompson@courts.wa.gov
 

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