The Bias Black Women Attorneys Face In The Legal Profession

As published in WLRN:

In a profession where expertise is paramount, bias and exclusion persist. Rosalyn Sia Baker-Barnes, the first Black woman to lead the Florida Bar, recounted a telling incident: upon entering a courtroom, the judge delayed proceedings, assuming she wasn't in charge. Such moments are stark reminders of the deep-seated bias that Black women attorneys face.

This experience is far from isolated. A 2023 survey by the Women Lawyers Division of the National Bar Association revealed that 70% of Black women attorneys have encountered or witnessed discrimination at work. Nearly half feel compelled to educate colleagues about diversity and equity, simply due to their racial identity.

The underrepresentation of Black women in the legal profession is striking. They comprise just 4. 1% of all U. S. lawyers. Systemic barriers have long guarded this exclusive space, making access difficult for women of color. Despite these obstacles, Black women have fought for their place. Attorney Ashley V. Gantt, a Florida state representative and president-elect of the Gwen S. Cherry Black Women Lawyers' Association, has faced similar dismissals.

She recalled being mistaken for a lawyer's assistant, despite having the docket in front of her.

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Rosalyn Sia Baker-Barnes: A Trailblazing Attorney** Rosalyn Sia Baker-Barnes is a highly accomplished attorney who has made history by becoming the first Black woman to lead the Florida Bar in its 77-year history. With over 20 years of experience as a board-certified civil trial lawyer, she has established herself as a respected expert in personal injury, medical negligence, and product liability.

Baker-Barnes' journey to the top has not been without its challenges. Despite her impressive credentials, she has faced bias and exclusion throughout her career. She has recounted instances where she was mistaken for someone else or assumed not to be in charge, simply because of her racial identity. These experiences have not deterred her, however, and she has continued to push forward, paving the way for other Black women attorneys.

As a leader in the legal profession, Baker-Barnes is committed to promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion. She has spoken out about the stark underrepresentation of Black women in the legal profession, citing a 2023 survey that found 70% of Black women attorneys have experienced or witnessed discrimination at work.

Her own experiences and those of her colleagues have informed her advocacy for change.

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When Rosalyn Sia Baker-Barnes walked into a courtroom one morning for the first day of trial, the judge glanced across the room and said they'd begin when the attorney arrived. Even now, as the first Black woman to lead the Florida Bar in its 77-year history, she still encounters people who assume she isn't in charge. Moments like these, she said, are sharp reminders of how deeply bias runs in a profession that often questions the legitimacy of Black women attorneys.