How Identity Influenced an Alternate Public Defender's Career at Los Angeles County
Rachel, an Alternate Public Defender, reflects on the significant progress made for women in the legal field, noting that while "women have to work a little bit harder to earn the same amount of respect," the courtroom now boasts strong female representation and a collaborative environment where colleagues daily impress.
Gender in the Workplace, Law, Public Defense, Legal Profession, Women in Law
Advizer Information
Name
Job Title
Company
Undergrad
Grad Programs
Majors
Industries
Job Functions
Traits
Rachel Cala
Alternate Public Defender
Los Angeles County
University at Buffalo
Pepperdine Law -- Juris Doctorate
English
Government & Public Sector, Law
Legal
Scholarship Recipient, Took Out Loans, Worked 20+ Hours in School, Student Athlete
Video Highlights
1. In the legal field, women are well-represented and highly skilled, making significant contributions.
2. Despite progress, women might need to work harder to gain the same level of respect as their male counterparts.
3. The interviewee feels fortunate to work alongside impressive female colleagues who inspire her daily.
Transcript
As someone who identifies as a woman, how has that not impacted how you navigate your career?
Being a woman and a lawyer is so much different now than it would have been 50 years ago, in my parents' generation. Now, when I look around, women are very well represented in the courtroom.
Some of the best legal minds I have access to are women. I do feel like women have to work a little harder to earn the same amount of respect in the courtroom, but I also feel like we've come a really long way.
I feel really grateful, privileged, and lucky to be able to practice with some of my female colleagues. They impress me every day.
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