Let’s face it – the legal field remains largely male-centric.
Legal career inequality
Just take a look at these numbers –
- In 2010 - only 31% of all lawyers were women.
- And in 2023 - this number has only increased to 39%.
So, while progress has been made - female lawyers still face challenges like - gender bias and fewer leadership roles.
For women - success in law requires more than talent - it demands persistence, resilience, and a commitment to change.
One inspiring example is Ashley Rae Rawlins - founder and CEO of Rawlins Law, APC - and a top San Diego car accident lawyer.
Known as “Car Crash Ash,” she has proven that women can excel in this male-dominated profession.
In this blog – we will look at who Ashley is, the challenges she’s overcome, and what female attorneys can learn from her.
So, who is Ashley Rae Rawlins?
Ashley Rae Rawlins is a highly regarded attorney and the founder of Rawlins Law - a San Diego personal injury law firm. Raised in Dalton, Massachusetts, a small town in Berkshire County - Ashley’s dream of becoming a lawyer began when she was just six years old.
Unlike many who come from families of lawyers - Ashley had no family ties to the profession. Yet, she was drawn to the idea of standing up for what was right and advocating for those who needed help.
Her journey was not easy. After earning her degrees and graduating from Western New England University School of Law - Ashley took a significant leap. She packed up her life and moved across the country to Southern California to pursue her goal of becoming a San Diego car accident lawyer.
Passing the rigorous California State Bar Exam was a challenge. But she met with her trademark determination - proving that her passion for the law was stronger than any obstacle in her path.
The practice areas at her San Diego personal injury law firm include - car accidents, personal injury, and other legal matters - with a strong focus on helping those who have been hurt.
Also, Ashley offers a free case evaluation - so clients can get the help they need without the pressure of upfront costs.
Law - a male-dominated profession
The legal industry has long been dominated by men. While strides have been made toward gender equality - female attorneys still face significant hurdles.
Did you know?
This clearly shows the huge gap.
And the truth is - women often have to work harder to gain the same recognition as their male counterparts and face stereotypes that question their competence or commitment.
And guess what?
These challenges are even greater for women who start their own law practices. Female-led law firms are still uncommon - and women in this field often face doubts from both peers and clients.
In fact – data shows that - in 2020, women held only 12% of managing partner roles in law firms - and 27% of practice group leadership roles.
So, to put it simply - the journey is tough, but as Ashley's story shows, it's definitely possible.
The challenges female attorneys face
Female attorneys often face more than just their caseloads. Gender bias - whether obvious or not - can make the work environment tough.
Society often judges women more harshly for mistakes, and they must prove themselves repeatedly. Also, the lack of female mentors in top roles makes it even harder - as it’s difficult to find relatable advice for handling the challenges of the legal field.
Ashley Rawlins faced these obstacles when she decided to start her San Diego personal injury law firm. Moving across the country - building a career in a new city - and competing in a tough field all required great strength and belief in her goals.
These experiences have helped shape her into the advocate she is today - honest, ethical, and compassionate.
How Ashley is making a difference?
Ashley’s career is about more than just winning cases. Her goal has always been to put people first. While working for other law firms - she noticed that clients often felt ignored - treated more like numbers than people.
This made her want to create a law firm - where empathy, communication, and trust were the main focus.
One of Ashley’s clients, Bruce Beeks - shared how her approach changed his life after a car accident with his grandchildren. At first - the insurance company tried to blame Bruce - but Ashley’s careful work and strong defense led to a fair settlement that gave Bruce’s family peace and financial relief.
This is just one example of Ashley’s commitment to her clients as a San Diego car accident lawyer.
Beyond her work with clients - Ashley is also active in the legal community. She serves on the board of the Consumer Attorneys of San Diego and is part of several legal groups.
Her recognition as a "Rising Star" by Super Lawyers in 2020 and 2021 highlights her hard work and influence.
The numbers don't lie - proven success
Ashley’s proven process has led to remarkable results for her clients. Here are just a few examples of her successful settlements as a San Diego car accident lawyer.
- $250,000 policy limit settlement in a car crash case – start to finish in less than 9 months.
- $500,000 settlement for a car crash client who was rear-ended – start to finish in less than 1 year.
- $100,000 car accident settlement in less than a year.
Lessons female attorneys can learn from Ashley
Ashley’s journey as the founder of a San Diego personal injury law firm offers valuable lessons for female attorneys.
Persistence pays off
Ashley moved from Massachusetts to California and passed the California Bar Exam. This shows her determination. Female attorneys can learn that perseverance can open doors - even in tough situations.
Empathy is strength
While the law can be tough - Ashley’s caring approach proves that empathy is not a weakness but a strength. Clients describe her as thorough, kind, and dedicated. Female attorneys can learn that showing care for clients can set them apart.
Create your own opportunities
Ashley started her own San Diego personal injury law firm to do things differently. She built a practice focused on honesty, ethics, and putting clients first. For female attorneys with limited opportunities - Ashley’s journey shows that creating your own path can lead to success.
Balance and resilience
Staying balanced is important in a high-pressure job. Ashley enjoys sports, golfing, and traveling, which help keep her grounded. Female lawyers can take inspiration from how she balances work and personal life for long-term success and well-being.
Breaking barriers and inspiring change
Ashley Rae Rawlins is more than just a successful San Diego car accident lawyer - she is a trailblazer in the legal field. Her journey shows that - with hard work, empathy, and the courage to break the mold - female attorneys can thrive in a male-dominated profession. Ashley’s story is an inspiration to any woman looking to make her mark in the legal world.
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