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may appear ungrateful and even hostile. I encourage you to look past that and to invest the time necessary to form a connection.

In fact, how about if we totally change the paradigm? Instead of helping a woman AFTER someone has abused her, let’s figure out how we stop that someone from committing the abuse in the first place. Let’s figure out how to educate the woman so that she understands her value and makes better choices regarding her relationships. Let’s assist her in finding resources that provide a moment to take a breath and think clearly about her next step, and finally, let’s empower that woman to succeed so that she can help others. We do this through legal services, but we also do this through emotional and physical support services. If you believe this is an area in which you’d like to volunteer, please contact Tami Williams and we will get you connected with a program that would love to have your help.

For women in the law, progress has been made. The TulsaCountyBarAssociationhadwomenmembersin the 1940s. Considering there were only 4,447 female attorneys in the United States in 1940, that’s pretty good. And, our numbers haven’t stopped growing. Including myself, four of the last five presidents of the Tulsa County Bar Association have been women. Our membership is strong and consists of women who have created their own firms as well as those who are shareholders in larger firms.There are still challenges, like the fact that women generally bear the primary responsibility for childcare, the lack of access to flexibleandremoteworkingschedules,therealgender pay gap, a lack of sponsorship, and an unconscious bias. However, as more women are able to “chart the path” those challenges will lessen.

I see firms like mine – Barber & Bartz working to make that change. I know the Directors of the firm will read this and, hopefully, agree when I say that it isn’t perfect. Even so, I have seen a strong effort to minimize or eliminate the challenges listed above. I witness examples of that effort reflected in the male attorneys of our firm who participate in zoom meetings from home while their small children are napping because their spouse is at the office and they are taking their turn to care for their child. I have seen it shown in the flexibility afforded attorneys to set their production goals not based on a demand from management,butratherasanexpressionoftheircareer goals as well as a need for real work/life balance. There are many other examples and Barber & Bartz isn’t the only firm making these types of efforts. It’s a proclamation of understanding and care – and it’s a good thing.

So, join me this month as we reflect on the law and women. As for women and the law, there will always be a need for assistance because, at least for the foreseeable future, there will be women who are marginalized, abused, beaten, and treated as property to be bought and sold. And, while those women need help, it’s up us as the legal community to provide education, assistance and resources. Regarding women in the law, my hope is that one day we won’t need a dedicated monthly publication to highlight the contributions that women have made to the legal profession because when women play a significant role, it won’t be remarkable…it will be expected.

Untilthen,let’ssupportwomen–firstbyhelpingthose in need and second by extending the path already charted by others beyond our steps. TheTulsa County BarAssociation is committed to doing both.

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