Balance for Better on International Women’s Day

Today is International Women’s Day and I’m inspired by so many powerful stories of women around the world. The theme of this year’s campaign is #BalanceforBetter, which really resonates with me. I’m proud to work for a company that continually pushes itself to embrace diversity and gender equality—to make that balance a priority. As a female attorney, the road was not always smooth, but I’m proud to be in a role where I feel empowered. In October 2017, the American Bar Association reported that 35 percent of attorneys in the U.S. are women, and 26.4 percent of Fortune 500 general counsel are women. Both represent a growing number, which is a positive sign, but as a whole, we aren’t there yet.

Here’s something to think about. Women couldn’t vote until 1920. Women couldn’t apply for a credit card (without a husband co-signer) until 1974. The first woman to serve on the Supreme Court didn’t become a reality until 1980.

As a member of the senior team here at JAMS, I feel fortunate to help promote and lift other women within the walls of my workplace and outside of the workplace. I’ve helped other women pursue careers in law and have made the case for the promotions of deserving women who step up in their roles each day.

Many organizations have embraced a diverse workplace, including JAMS. A number that I’m pleased to share is that 72 percent of all associates at JAMS are women and 46 percent of our senior management team are women. Our neutral panel numbers are increasing as well. Balance truly does drive a better working environment and I’m happy to celebrate that.

Read more from Kim in her latest article, “A Brightening Horizon for Diversity in the Dispute Resolution Profession,” that appeared in the American Bar Association’s Women Advocate Newsletter.