5 Simple Steps to Fight Age Discrimination June 2014 | Page 2

It’s interesting that age discrimination exists in, of all things, the legal field. Paralegals and legal professionals, particularly in the Baby Boomer generation, are reporting age discrimination as the number one reason to be turned down for a job or promotion. Age discrimination is common, yet hard to prove. Didn’t get the job? Is it a poorly written resume or cover letter? Can’t seem to move up the law firm ladder? Is it lack of updated skills or poor performance? To be sure that you have faced discrimination, it’s necessary to step up to the table and thoroughly review your job performance, appearance, skills, resume and qualifications. How old is old? FACTS: • There are 76.4 million Baby Boomers in the U.S. today – But – it’s no longer the largest group • Baby Boomers represent close to one-quarter of the estimated 2012 population of 314 million • There are approximately 1 million U.S. lawyers; and 250,000 - 300,000 paralegals • Average age of paralegal student: 36 – 38 • Average age of law student, top school: 24