Why Are Younger Female Lawyers Exiting the Malaysian IP Practice Despite Its Lack of a Glass Ceiling?

Time Stamp: March 10, 2023 2:30 PM
Source Node: 2512077

Malaysia is a country with a rich history of intellectual property (IP) practice. Despite its lack of a glass ceiling, the number of younger female lawyers exiting the Malaysian IP practice is on the rise. This article will explore some of the reasons why this is happening and what can be done to help reverse the trend.

One of the main reasons why younger female lawyers are leaving the Malaysian IP practice is due to the lack of support and recognition they receive from their peers and superiors. Despite the fact that Malaysia has laws in place that protect women’s rights, there is still a pervasive attitude among many male lawyers that women are not as capable as their male counterparts. This can lead to younger female lawyers feeling like their contributions are not valued or respected, leading them to seek out more supportive environments.

Another reason why younger female lawyers are leaving the Malaysian IP practice is due to the lack of career advancement opportunities. Many IP firms in Malaysia are still dominated by male lawyers, making it difficult for female lawyers to climb the corporate ladder. This can lead to feelings of frustration and discouragement, causing many young female lawyers to look for other opportunities outside of the Malaysian IP practice.

Finally, the lack of mentorship opportunities for younger female lawyers is also a factor in why they are leaving the Malaysian IP practice. Many of the senior male lawyers in Malaysia are reluctant to mentor younger female lawyers, which can make it difficult for them to gain the experience and knowledge they need to succeed in the field. Without mentorship, younger female lawyers may feel like they are not receiving the guidance and support they need to reach their full potential.

In order to help reverse the trend of younger female lawyers exiting the Malaysian IP practice, there needs to be greater recognition and support for their contributions. Female lawyers should be given equal opportunities for career advancement and mentorship, so that they can reach their full potential and be successful in their chosen field. Additionally, there needs to be greater awareness among male lawyers about the importance of supporting and respecting their female colleagues. By creating an environment where everyone is respected and valued, more young female lawyers will be encouraged to stay in the Malaysian IP practice.