Gender and the Consulting Academic Economist

Abstract

We surveyed academic economists on their experiences and perceptions of legal consulting. Nearly two-thirds have consulting experience and 40 percent have consulted within the last five years. Base hourly rates average $244, with a median of $200. Women are less likely than men to have served as consultants and charge lower rates than comparable men, but there are few differences by gender in willingness to consult. Women report substantially more negative bias and are less likely to consult in complex cases or to have a high profile role in litigation.