3466	Assessment
Abstract	Well done.
Research Question	The research questions are clear and sensible.  It might, however, be useful to make the most direct statement of those questions, opening of bottom paragraph on p. 1, stand out more.  Also, the simple term "factors" is perhaps too vague even in this context, so the proposal might at least provide examples.
Literature Review	The literature review is well done.
Data	The data seem appropriate for the project and how the data will be used is explained clearly.
Causal Interpretations	Stating generally that the hypotheses are based on the literature review leaves us a bit unclear what the proposal means.  Are they empirical expectations - essentially projections - based on the empirical patterns found in earlier research, without any particular causal foundation.  Or, are they empirical derivations from ideas about the mechanisms that differentially affect lawyers according to race and sex?  Either can be okay.  And for either, it helps if the proposal shows more clearly how the hypotheses relate to sources in the literature.
Research Value	This is stated clearly in the introduction.
Timetable	The schedule is fine.
Citations & Biblio	The referencing structure is well done.
Quality of writing	Well written.
Priorities for Revising for Final Draft	This draft proposal is in good shape.  Simply continue to develop.  Probably taking an initial look at the data while continuing to search the literature are most important.
Miscellaneous Notes	Note: last paragraph, p. 5, first sentence, "There is no doubt". Note: p. 6, perhaps set off that long paragraph with a subheading, or use a transition, as it seems ill fit and jarring as is.