States and the federal government sent more women to argue before the Supreme Court this term than last, although the historic gender gap only changed slightly with men still garnering a much larger share of appearances.
With arguments for the current term ending April 27, the numbers show law firms sending about the same number of women advocates to the high court lectern despite pressure to create more opportunities for them.
In recent terms, the number of arguments made by women has fluctuated between 12% and 21%. In cases this term, woman argued 24% of the time—or 38 of 162 total arguments. Twenty-three of them came from either state or federal governments compared to 16 last term. Law firms sent up just 11 female lawyers compared to 10 last term.
The Supreme Court bar is overwhelmingly white and male.
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