Men Repeat at Lectern—Firms, U.S. Drive Supreme Court Gender Gap

Five men argued in 13% of U.S. Supreme Court cases this term, underscoring a persistently wide gender gap at the lectern that’s driven in many instances by the U.S. government and star systems at Big Law firms.

Men outnumbered women advocates 125 to 28 at arguments during the term that started in October and ended May 4. Women argued 18% of the time—a figure that’s fluctuated between 12% and 22% since 2011.

“We can and should do better,” said Deutsch Hunt’s Ruthanne Deutsch, who argued her first Supreme Court case this term.

The Supreme Court bar is overwhelmingly white and ...