February 2022 Tulsa Lawyer Magazine

may appear ungrateful and even hostile. I encourage are taking their turn to care for their child. I have you to look past that and to invest the time necessary seen it shown in the flexibility afforded attorneys to to form a connection. set their production goals not based on a demand from management, but rather as an expression of their career In fact, how about if we totally change the paradigm? goals as well as a need for real work/life balance.

Instead of helping a woman AFTER someone has There are many other examples and Barber & Bartz abused her, let’s figure out how we stop that someone isn’t the only firm making these types of efforts. It’s from committing the abuse in the first place. Let’s a proclamation of understanding and care – and it’s a figure out how to educate the woman so that she good thing. understands her value and makes better choices regarding her relationships. Let’s assist her in finding So, join me this month as we reflect on the law resources that provide a moment to take a breath and and women. As for women and the law, there will think clearly about her next step, and finally, let’s always be a need for assistance because, at least for empower that woman to succeed so that she can help the foreseeable future, there will be women who are others. We do this through legal services, but we marginalized, abused, beaten, and treated as property also do this through emotional and physical support to be bought and sold. And, while those women need services. If you believe this is an area in which you’d help, it’s up us as the legal community to provide like to volunteer, please contact Tami Williams and education, assistance and resources. Regarding we will get you connected with a program that would women in the law, my hope is that one day we won’t love to have your help. need a dedicated monthly publication to highlight the contributions that women have made to the legal For women in the law, progress has been made. The profession because when women play a significant Tulsa County Bar Association had women members in role, it won’t be remarkable…it will be expected. the 1940s. Considering there were only 4,447 female attorneys in the United States in 1940, that’s pretty Until then, let’s support women – first by helping those good. And, our numbers haven’t stopped growing. in need and second by extending the path already Including myself, four of the last five presidents of charted by others beyond our steps. The Tulsa County the Tulsa County Bar Association have been women. Bar Association is committed to doing both.

Our membership is strong and consists of women who have created their own firms as well as those who are Sincerely, shareholders in larger firms. There are still challenges, like the fact that women generally bear the primary Kara Vincent responsibility for childcare, the lack of access to TCBA President, 2021-2022 flexible and remote working schedules, the real gender 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