Page 30 - April2019_BarJournal

BarJournal WOMEN IN LAW

JULY/AUGUST 2015
feaTure here’s to the good guys

BY RACHELLE KuZNICKI ZIDAR

n the midst of seemingly endless stories fine men I have had the privilege to know and In contrast, it was my undergraduate
of men abusing their position and power learn from as well as to encourage the young male Constitutional Law and Philosophy
to subjugate women I can’t help but feel women out there entering into the professional professors at Bowling Green State University
lucky, if not downright blessed. I have world. Know that despite what you see in the (shout out to Dr. Ludd and Dr. Child) who
Ibeen fortunate in my personal and news, lots of guys out there want you to do well encouraged me to pursue a career in the legal
professional life to be surrounded by men and will treat you well. That’s not to say you field when I was equivocating between going
who have encouraged and mentored me won’t ever be the recipient of a crass comment into law or medicine. A male law school
while at the same time managing to behave or two, I certainly fielded my share, particularly professor at Cleveland-Marshall College
themselves. One would think this is a truly during my stint as a waitress. But by and large, of Law recommended me for a summer
rare occurrence given the headlines of recent decent guys back off when rebuked or even clerk position when his former male student
years. I know that’s not true however, and I just given a cold shoulder. And most guys (who was then working as a partner in a law
know my experience is not that unusual. It’s are decent. I know it’s not always the case but firm) contacted him asking for candidates.
just one that seldom, if ever, gets publicity. fortunately for me, I have never had a man in That male partner (now President of our
I felt compelled to share my fairly mundane a position of power or influence condition my firm) encouraged and coached me in the
story to express appreciation for the genuinely opportunity on me being exploited in any way. moot court competition I was involved in at
law school. We won that, by the way. I was
offered a full time position after clerking
in what was, at the time, a predominately
male litigation department. Since then,
I have had the distinct pleasure to learn
from some of the finest male trial lawyers
in Lorain County, if not Northern Ohio
(Rich Panza and Dan Cook). Other male
lawyers at my firm have been true personal
and professional mentors to me. They
challenged me and gave me the confidence
and opportunity to develop into a skilled
litigator. I was even invited on golf outings.
When my husband and I started a family, I
decided to take an extended leave of absence
to raise my young children. I was told by the
male leaders of my firm that they respected
my decision and would welcome me back
if and when I chose to return. They did
welcome me back and made me a partner.
I have worked at my firm for over 20 years
now and can say I have been surrounded by
men I admire and who are as dedicated to
their own families as they are to their careers.
These men exist. These are the good guys,
and they deserve a pat on the back. I can’t let
this opportunity pass without thanking my
husband as well. We just celebrated our 25th
Anniversary and he has always championed
my personal and professional ambitions while
building a successful career in his own right.
30 | Cleveland Metropolitan Bar Journal clemetrobar.org