Page 7 - Delaware Lawyer - Winter 2019

EDITOR’S NOTE
Kate S. Keller
Women’s issues have never been more relevant. With the #MeToo movement, an ever-growing social media focus on efforts for equality and increasing media coverage, change is on the horizon. Corporations, universities and the sporting industry have all taken steps towards gender equality. Yet, for women in the legal profession, progress has been comparatively slow. The Winter issue of Delaware Lawyer highlights success stories and challenges faced by women attorneys in Delaware.
In “Quieting the Sentiments,” Judge Susan Del Pesco traces the efforts of women throughout history who worked to remedy the injustices experienced by American women. Through legislation and other efforts, advancements have been made to close the gender equality gap. However, as the article notes, the journey is far from over.
Next, Jennifer Leonard discusses the problem and effects of the diminution of women in the legal profession, who after all, enter law school in equal numbers as their male counter- parts. The article offers a progressive approach for embracing gender equality in the legal community as it prepares to wel- come a new generation of attorneys eager to balance the scales.
The third article, “Being First in the First State,” details the rise to leadership of three of Delaware’s female legal trailblazers. Judge Del Pesco discusses with Kathy Jennings,
Betsy McGeever and Doneene Keemer Damon what it was like to start out in a male-dominated profession and what obstacles they faced. The article ends with important insights for new female attorneys entering the still predominantly male workplace.
Finally, the last article is a roundtable discussion about what it’s like to be a diverse woman in the Delaware bar. Women of color make up less than 20 percent of associates nationally, and only 3 percent of equity partners. Clearly, there is a need for better representation. Esteemed panelists from the bench and public and private sectors discuss the need for cultural changes and inclusion of minority females in the legal profession.
The issue’s “Of Counsel” piece pays tribute to another Delaware female trailblazer, Kathleen Furey McDonough, the first woman Chair of Potter Anderson & Corroon, LLP’s ex- ecutive committee. McDonough’s tireless work ethic, coupled with her sense of service to others, led to her groundbreaking role at her firm. She serves as a role model not only to those in her firm, but to all in the bar.
Kate S. Keller
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