Report on the Experience of Lesbians and Gay Men in the Legal Profession

The Committee on Lesbians and Gay Men in the Legal Profession undertook a survey of lesbian and gay attorneys and legal workers in New York City. The Committee believes the responses it received and reports below are reasonably representative of the experiences of lesbians and gay men practicing law in New York City. The survey results indicate that despite the legal prohibition of discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation, significant barriers exist to lesbians and gay men fulfilling their potential as attorneys. Several recommendations are made to legal employers to help eliminate such barriers and fully develop and utilize their lesbian and gay attorneys and staff. Committee on Lesbians and Gay Men in the Legal Profession Arthur S. Leonard, Co-Chair Joan B. Lobis, Co-Chair James M. Williams, Secretary Rolando T. Acosta* Janet Gallagher Carol H. Arber Elbert N. Gates Carlos Ball* Marcy Louise Kahn* Deborah Batts Robert C. LaMont* Kathleen Conkey Donald E. Maher Carmen A. Corrales Sara L. Mandelbaum Betty W. Ellerin Charles D. McFaul Paula L. Ettelbrick Mitchell B. Nisonoff Sandra R. Farber* Sandra E. Rovira Anthony Feldmesser* Cynthia Schneider** Alexander D. Forger* John E.H. Stackhouse * Member of the Subcommittee on Employment Practices. ** Chair of the Subcommittee on Employment Practices