While women in law have made a lot of progress in the past 40 years, it is still rare to see women in positions of power within some law firms. For women attorneys just entering the field of law and for those who are trying to climb the corporate ladder of success, there are a few common mistakes which could negatively impact their career. Let’s take a look at a few:

1. Many women lawyers fail to network with those in positions of power.  While it is important to create a network of people operating at the same level as you, you also need to create inroads with those who are already in the positions you want to attain in the future.
2. Too many women lawyers make the mistake of not finding the right type of mentor.  Some of the most accomplished attorneys find that traversing the politics of a law firm is made easier with a seasoned mentor.
3. Working for a law firm which does not fit your lifestyle.  If you want work/life balance, then choose to work for a firm which encourages it and has policies which support work/life balance. For example, working for a firm which allows associates to work part-time could be beneficial for women with children.
4. Underestimating the value of appearance and failing to build your personal brand. It’s an unfair reality, but women are judge by their appearance more than men.  That’s why women attorneys must make sure that they build a professional brand which gives the right impression to those who could influence the trajectory of their career.