Project Summary

This study examined barriers to the advancement and retention of women lawyers in Utah. The following report summarizes findings from a statewide survey and in-depth interviews with women lawyers and judges across the state. To analyze changes over time and compare Utah against national trends, the survey replicated the 2010 Women Lawyers of Utah (WLU) survey and the 2018 survey administered by the American Bar Association (ABA). We find evidence of substantial gender and racial bias in Utah’s legal profession and minimal improvement over time on key bias indicators.

Project Authors

Dr. Christy Glass
Professor of Sociology
Utah State University

Dr. Marisela Martinez-Cola
Assistant Professor of Sociology
Utah State University

How does the experience of women lawyers in Utah compare to the experience of women lawyers nationally?

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How has the experience of women lawyers changed over time between 2010-2020?

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Voices from the Margins

Women of color and Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, and Queer (LGBTQ+) lawyers remain underrepresented in Utah’s legal profession. As a result, these professionals were underrepresented in our survey findings, which makes statistical conclusions about their experiences difficult. To correct that limitation, we provide insights into some of the unique challenges these professionals face in Utah based on in-depth interviews.

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