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Women Lawyers Outearn Men in Top US Companies
1 Oct
Summary
- Senior women lawyers in large US companies are earning more than male counterparts.
- General counsel roles show women earning 16% more than men.
- Stock awards are a key factor in women's higher compensation.
A recent Equilar study indicates a significant shift in compensation for senior women lawyers in top US companies. These women are not only closing the gender pay gap but are actively outearning their male peers, particularly in the general counsel role. In 2025, women in this position saw an approximate 16% pay premium over men. This remarkable financial success is largely attributed to enhanced negotiation of stock awards, a critical element of executive compensation. The study highlights a trend where strategic negotiation of these awards is proving more fruitful for women, contributing to their elevated earnings compared to their male counterparts in similar high-level corporate legal positions.
