Response # 27

The competence gap that exists between male and female lawyers is important. The definition of the competence gap is when a female attorney or any attorney has to continually keep proving themselves to demonstrate that there know what they are doing. Some consequences that women have to face do to this theory, is that they are somewhat discriminated against at taking on big cases for large firms or losing important potential clients. This can become very discouraging for a female and can drive them out of the firm or even the profession. Some techniques that male attorney’s will use against a female attorney is try to prove that the female attorney is not capable of her position as an attorney. Or they will try to prove that she has missed a huge point in proving her case, which would make her unqualified to win a case. This can lead to a very emotional trial. Female attorney’s who cannot handle the consistent criticism would break down and it would prove the male attorney’s point. AN example of this is seen in the movie “Class Action.” The male attorney and female attorney are representing two different sides of the case. It happens that the woman is the daughter of the male attorney is the movie. Throughout the movie he tries to show to her and the court that she is not as qualified of an attorney as he is. Therefore, the evidence he produces and the statements he makes are more valid than hers. She does very well at countering back at his invalid statements because she is a very good attorney. She has to also prove to her partners in the firm who are males that she is able and qualified to take on such a large client who brought in so much money to the firm.