Originally Posted by Iucounu
http://www.abajournal.com/news/article/25_percent_of_lawyer_moms_leave_the_workplace_study_finds

A study finds that in comparison to medicine, where only 6% of mothers leave the work force, 25% eventually do so in law. The need for family-friendly work policies is cited.

Who needs more lawyers?

Professions with an "up-our-out" career ladder demanding total commitment to make partner (or get tenure) will have more women dropping out, because they want to spend time with their children and in general, "have a life". Men do too, but a higher fraction of them are willing to sacrifice everything for their careers.

At many law firms and consulting firms, you need to make partner or leave. Doctors are not pushed out of medical practices in the same way, and this can make medicine a more appealing profession for women.

"To see what is in front of one's nose needs a constant struggle." - George Orwell