The Noteworthy Absence of Women Advocates at the United States Supreme Court

19 Pages Posted: 6 Oct 2016 Last revised: 14 Mar 2017

Date Written: October 4, 2016

Abstract

Arguing before the U.S. Supreme Court is considered one of the most prestigious accomplishments in a litigator’s career. However, during the last five terms, women consistently make up less than one fifth of this elite club. This article takes a closer look at the advocates that argued before the Supreme Court during the 2015-2016 term as well as those who appeared more than once in a given term over the past six years. It explores the possible causes of the deficit in women advocates including gender disparity in Supreme Court clerkship experience. It strives to start a dialogue about how the gender gap in Supreme Court advocacy can be closed.

Suggested Citation

Mika, Jen, The Noteworthy Absence of Women Advocates at the United States Supreme Court (October 4, 2016). American University Journal of Gender, Social Policy & the Law, Vol. 25, No. 1, 2017, Available at SSRN: https://ssrn.com/abstract=2848019

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