Maximizing professional potential through purposed choices about where to launch and how to continue a legal career is of critical importance for women today. Although graduation rates for women are about equal to those of men, the same cannot be said of their advancement. Thinking through key issues and asking relevant questions which will illuminate employer ideology and work policy practices is central to shaping one’s own career as well as to the general success of women in the legal profession. Currently an information gap exists between known research on the subject of practicing women attorneys and the necessary tools to utilize this information to promote progress. The Cheat Sheet is a vital resource for women law students and newly-admitted attorneys that bridges this information gap. It asks poignant questions concerning: (a) statistical and background information; (b) partnership and advancement; (c) leadership and accountability (d) business development and networking; (e) workplace flexibility (including time management and work/life balance); and (f) mentoring. Organized around these six key indicia, the cheat sheet empowers women with the ability to discern an employer’s commitment to women’s retention and advancement. The purpose of the questions contained in the cheat sheet is to identify key issues on topics that have consequences on the success of women. Thus, the cheat sheet should be used as a guide rather than a verbatim script. Women should be sensitive to the central theme of each issue and raise the questions in the most appropriate settings and with the individual most suited to discuss them accurately and honestly. Use of the cheat sheet is multifaceted. It is applicable to all legal employers, including law firms, in-house counsel, government entities, not-for-profit organizations, and academic institutions. The cheat sheet can also assist women who are making lateral moves as well as serve as a guide for more experienced women attorneys in the shaping of their employers’ policies. 

Women’s progress in the profession requires a comprehensive, cross sector approach. Continued monitoring of the topics identified by the cheat sheet is essential to the advancement of all women. The benefits of such advancement are countless. Not only will continued work in this area enhance the professional capacity of women, but it will also result in programs and policies that inure to the benefit of all lawyers. Utilize the cheat sheet as a stepping stone to a meaningful and successful legal career.