The law is a hot profession to depict in Hollywood. We can all recall countless movies focused on the legal field. Hollywood has a tendency to exaggerate situations and only cast the most beautiful specimen. However, films do have a tendency to bring to light the issues of a layperson. Films such as Legally Blonde, Erin Brockocich, and The Verdict feature women in the legal field. The women in the films struggle with the same issues women face in the actual workforce. Women in law must face discrimination and objectification in the workplace, must work in a primarily male dominated field, and try find balance in their home lives. These issues in the profession have been existent since women began working in law. However, is possible for a woman to turn their disadvantages in their favor? American Bar Association continues to explore ways to improve female lawyer retention rates and satisfaction in the profession. Legally Blonde stars a seemingly ditzy blonde, Elle, hell-bent on proving to her ex-boyfriend that she can be “serious.” Elle is devastated by her break-up with Warner, the Ken to her Barbie. She attempts to win him back my attending law school at Harvard and transform herself into the type of woman that he envisions marrying. In their break-up scene, Elle exclaims, “You're breaking up with me because I'm too... blonde... Then what? My boobs are too big?” (Legally Blonde, 2001). This scene exemplifies Elle’s constant worry that she is judged based on her appearance. She believes that if she were to be more accomplished in the life, then Warner would realize her potential. Despite the doubt of her parents and friends, Elle is admitted into the prestigious law school. On her first day, Elle learns that Warner has become engaged to his former prep school girlfriend and new classmate, Vivian. She makes the choice to stay and excel in law school. Even though Elle received the same acceptance to Harvard as her peers, Elle does not find respect among her colleagues. She is ostracized by her fellow students and is continually sexually objectified in the film. In her dormitory room, Elle overhears Vivian talking about a party. Vivian decides to invite Elle, but insists she wear a costume to her party. Elle shows up in silky pink Playboy bunny costume, fluffy ears and fishnets- the whole ensemble. She quickly learns she has fallen into Vivian’s trap and is the only one in costume. When Warner sees Elle in the costume, he comments, “Hey, well, don't you look like a walking felony” (Legally Blonde, 2001). Excited by this newfound attention, Elle chats Warner up and discusses her desire to go for the highly competitive internship with their mutual professor. Warner laughs half-heartedly and explains to Elle that she will never get the internship because she is simply not smart enough. Elle finally comes to the realization
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Elle, along with the selected classmates, are assigned to assist in the defense of the Callahan’s client, Brooke Windham, a workout legend accused of murdering her spouse. During the trial, Elle follows her instincts and is able to aid in several breakthroughs in the case. Impressed by her work, Callahan meets one-on-one with Elle in his office. Callahan makes sexual advances towards Elle. Appalled, Elle immediately rejects Callahan and runs from the office. Callahan yells as Elle is leaving, “Too bad. I thought you were a law student...who wanted to be a lawyer!” (Legally Blonde, 2001). Callahan’s last remark in this specific scene was particularly infuriating. He is insinuating that Elle did not truly want to be a lawyer if she were not willing to compromise her values and perform degrading acts to further her career. Sadly, “sexual harassment in the workplace is a common experience among women.” According to a poll conducted by ABC News/Washington Post poll, “one in four women has experienced workplace sexual harassment” (citation). These women are not just a statistic, but individuals that have been victimized. As a female, myself, I can say that I have first-hand experience of sexual harassment in the workplace. I find this scene between Callahan and Elle especially cringe-worthy because I can recall the same feeling of shock and disrespect that Elle experiences in Legally Blonde. Although rates of harassment have slowly declined in the last decade, it is still an issue that running rampant in the professional
Elle, along with the selected classmates, are assigned to assist in the defense of the Callahan’s client, Brooke Windham, a workout legend accused of murdering her spouse. During the trial, Elle follows her instincts and is able to aid in several breakthroughs in the case. Impressed by her work, Callahan meets one-on-one with Elle in his office. Callahan makes sexual advances towards Elle. Appalled, Elle immediately rejects Callahan and runs from the office. Callahan yells as Elle is leaving, “Too bad. I thought you were a law student...who wanted to be a lawyer!” (Legally Blonde, 2001). Callahan’s last remark in this specific scene was particularly infuriating. He is insinuating that Elle did not truly want to be a lawyer if she were not willing to compromise her values and perform degrading acts to further her career. Sadly, “sexual harassment in the workplace is a common experience among women.” According to a poll conducted by ABC News/Washington Post poll, “one in four women has experienced workplace sexual harassment” (citation). These women are not just a statistic, but individuals that have been victimized. As a female, myself, I can say that I have first-hand experience of sexual harassment in the workplace. I find this scene between Callahan and Elle especially cringe-worthy because I can recall the same feeling of shock and disrespect that Elle experiences in Legally Blonde. Although rates of harassment have slowly declined in the last decade, it is still an issue that running rampant in the professional