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Fewer Women, Minorities At Major Law Firms In 2010

LOS ANGELES (AP) — The share of women and minority attorneys at major lawfirms has dropped for the first time in more than a decade.

The Los Angeles Times reported Sunday the decline was less than one percentage point but that recruiters fear it could have a long-term effect.

That's because firms will see fewer minority and women candidates for partnership down the road.

It is the first time the National Association for Law Placement has seen a drop in minorities and women in the 17 years the organization has compiled statistics on firms with 700 lawyers or more.

Hiring has been slow to resume in the legal profession since the economy slumped.

(© Copyright 2010 The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.)

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