Scharf Comments on Prospects for Women Lawyers

Stephanie Scharf was asked to comment in the Miami Herald about the prospects for women lawyers progressing in private practice law firms. Ms. Scharf, a past president of the National Association of Women Lawyers, commented on the need for firms to offer flex-time work opportunities in order to attract and retain experienced women lawyers. Taking her lead from policies offered by Schoeman, Updike & Kaufman, Ms. Scharf observed that minimum hours requirements may not be a good “one size fits all” policy; what is key is for an attorney to serve the client fully and well, a standard that is compatible with flex-time employment. Ms. Scharf also commented on a current initiative of the National Association of Women Lawyers, which encourages concrete ways for firms to make more women equity partners. "Firms are realizing they won't have diversity if they let things stay as they are.''