Despite women now outnumbering men in law school enrollment, the legal profession remains predominantly male with a ratio of 61.5% to 38.3% according to recent data from the American Bar Association. The persistent challenge has raised the question of how to increase diversity in a historically male-dominated field.
Approaching this question from the trenches of practice in a male-dominated area, Lisa Alter, the founding partner of the renowned music and entertainment firm Alter Kendrick & Baron, shares her experience and insights. Internationally recognized as a top lawyer in the music industry, she offers a unique perspective on the challenges – and opportunities – faced by women lawyers in this field.
Alter started her career with the initial intention to focus on the area of film and television. However, her passion for music and the law was sparked during her tenure at The Rodgers & Hammerstein Organization. Despite early hesitations about navigating the historically male-dominated music industry, Alter was able to build a reputation in the industry through her expertise in copyright law, which set her apart from many of her older, male counterparts.
Alter argues that to be successful in a male-dominated practice area, lawyers need to develop strong skills, listen well, advocate without being argumentative, and always act with integrity. She emphasizes the importance of precision in drafting documents and encourages creative thinking when identifying and mitigating legal risks. Furthermore, she highlights the significance of the women lawyers at Alter Kendrick & Baron, as they help to counter the notion that the music industry is predominantly a male field. Lastly, she states the crucial role they play as mentors and role models for future generations of women who aspire to work in this area.
In conclusion, while challenges persist in breaking into and thriving in male-dominated practice areas, trailblazers like Alter illustrate that not only is it possible, but women can also use their unique skills and perspectives to reshape these sectors in the industry.