Much work remains, she says, as systemic gender inequality still pervades the legal profession and there is more that can be done to help fix problems like the pay gap.

“Many of the issues are very similar to what we have been talking about … for decades,” she says, citing sexual harassment, equal pay and fairness. Despite gains, there hasn’t been enough progress to fully close the wage gap, and anything short of full equality is not enough. “You’ve got equal pay issues that resonate through society,” she said.

While many of the issues inhibiting women have not changed, there is a new, younger generation of lawyers making their voices heard and providing a fresh perspective, she says. However, those voices hardly echo those of preceding generations. Millennials and Baby Boomers, she notes, have different priorities when it comes to women’s issues. “They really see the world differently. “Everybody has a different on-ramp.”

One example she gave to illustrate her point is the stong support presidential candidate Hilary Clinton has seen from older women who value her long career and experience, compared to younger women who are not connecting with Clinton in the same way. 

Mayes says, though, all women regardless of age should not have to tacklethe equality problem alone. It is incumbent upon men, who are still in the majority of power positions, to do their part to help bring gender equality. And, organizations must support inclusive workplace cultures in order for true equality to take hold.

For example, a subtle change in how jobs are advertised can go a long way, too. “Elegant, simple,” fixes like positing job descriptions that use the phrase “salary negotiable,” can help cut pay discrepancies.

Mayes says that one helpful resource in the fight for fairness is the “Grit Toolkit,” an initiative aimed at helping bolster women’s equality. She says women who embody the spirit of the toolkit are tough, not easily disgruntled and are ready to prove the “naysayers” wrong.

“The Grit Project educates women lawyers about the science behind grit and growth mindset--two important traits that many successful women lawyers have in common,” according to information from the ABA. “By providing the tools to assess and learn these traits, the Grit Project enhances the effectiveness as well as the retention and promotion of women lawyers.”

The toolkit provides strategies to “apply the grit approach” to a law career and includes; how to speak up when in class, while looking for a job and after receiving a bad academic grade; resources for law schools, law firms, bar associations and women’s organizations; and other relevant literature and information.

“The Toolkit is the first step in a series of projects that the Commission on Women is implementing to educate women lawyers on the power of these important traits,” according to the ABA.

Find more information about the toolkit here.