While still disadvantaged, women and black/African-Americans made small gains in US law firms in 2016 compared to 2015, according to the National Association for Law Placement Inc’s annual diversity report. The number of African-American associates at law firms nationwide has declined nearly every year since 2009, except in 2016, when there was a small increase. About 2.76 per cent of partners in 2016 were minority women, and they continue to be the most underrepresented group among partners nationwide. Only 1.81 per cent of partners are African American.

Cost a problem

Commentators said that one problem for prospective students was a lack of role models and mentors out there and that the single biggest hurdle was the cost with prospective students not being aware of financial assistance or waivers available at certain law schools.