50 BEST LAW FIRMS for WOMEN 2014
By Anonymous | |
Proquest LLC |
EQUITY PARTNERS
18%
NONEQUITY PARTNERS
34%
REDUCED HOURS
8%
Talented attorneys thrive at this firm, which provides female partners with access to customized coaching, global leadership training and a major women's initiative. moms may take advantage of 18 fully paid weeks of maternity leave, scheduling flex and
Chapman and
EQUITY PARTNERS
19%
NONEQUITY PARTNERS
28%
REDUCED HOURS
5%
This firm made big changes in January, replacing its strict billable-hours tracks with "flexible hours expectations" that more directly emphasize professional development. associates stay energized with free concierge services, wellness fairs, onsite yoga classes and fresh fruit deliveries.
Cooley
EQUITY PARTNERS
22%
NONEQUITY PARTNERS
N/A
REDUCED HOURS
9%
Women appreciate this firm's alternative work options, subsidized backup care and generous parental leaves. those looking to on- and off-ramp are connected to colleagues who have done so. if they do take extended breaks, they may be able to return via a one-year training program.
EQUITY PARTNERS
13%
NONEQUITY PARTNERS
33%
REDUCED HOURS
16%
Solid mentoring and sponsorship programs draw many people to this firm. in 2013, 53% of all incoming associates were female; some will eventually pursue leadership roles in the women attorneys network (which holds 30+ events annually).
EQUITY PARTNERS
20%
NONEQUITY PARTNERS
29%
REDUCED HOURS
7%
Opportunity knocks for women at this firm, where they're 60% of new equity partners. special business development initiatives propel rising attorneys, and remote and reduced-hours work does not preclude promotion. subsidized family backup care debuted in 2013.
EQUITY PARTNERS
18%
NONEQUITY PARTNERS
N/A
REDUCED HOURS
10%
To create formidable female leaders, management here regularly reviews the professional needs of high-potential associates and works with practice group heads to arrange key assignments. tech stipends boost flexibility. reduced-hours lawyers have been making partner since 1994.
EQUITY PARTNERS
18%
NONEQUITY PARTNERS
N/A
REDUCED HOURS
11%
While 10% of lawyers here officially use flexible schedules, there's an additional option (recently introduced) that allows people to phase back to work for three months after a long leave. that's good news, since the firm just upped paid parental leave from 90 days to 18 weeks.
EQUITY PARTNERS
18%
NONEQUITY PARTNERS
24%
REDUCED HOURS
11%
Under the direction of this firm's management committee, a new pilot program helps female partners develop executive presence and enhance their leadership and rainmaking skills. women head three offices and six practice groups here; junior female attorneys are guided by senior mentors.
EQUITY PARTNERS
18%
NONEQUITY PARTNERS
21%
REDUCED HOURS
8%
Working from home and other off-site locations is supported by this firm, which makes it easier for attorneys by dispensing remote access passwords and 24/7 it aid. steady progress continues for women: in february, they were 50% of the nonequity partners earning equity roles.
EQUITY PARTNERS
12%
NONEQUITY PARTNERS
26%
REDUCED HOURS
13%
The women's initiative here is a powerhouse, educating attorneys about industry trends, staging work life discussions, proffering mentors, running retreats and hosting a yearlong leadership program. through project x-factor, members make connections with potential fortune 500 clients.
Global
EQUITY PARTNERS
21%
NONEQUITY PARTNERS
33%
REDUCED HOURS
9%
Great benefits make this firm a standout, among them up to 16 weeks of fully paid maternity leave, adoption aid (
EQUITY PARTNERS
18%
NONEQUITY PARTNERS
53%
REDUCED HOURS
25%
Female attorneys here upgrade their business development skills by working closely with experienced partners, consultants and members of the women's leadership committee. a new crossmarketing series generates clients and contacts. mothers share an affinity group.
Finnegan,
EQUITY PARTNERS
19%
NONEQUITY PARTNERS
31%
REDUCED HOURS
11%
A slower route is a-ok at this firm, where an attenuated partner track allows associates to cut their hours by 40% if they choose. the women's forum grants insight into leadership, pro bono work and personal balance. office perks include child care.
EQUITY PARTNERS
14%
NONEQUITY PARTNERS
19%
REDUCED HOURS
6%
Moms cheered when this firm recently boosted paid maternity leave from 12 to 18 weeks and upped adoption leave from 4 to 10. reduced schedules are also available-since 2009, 47% of female equity partners have earned their positions while using one.
Frankfurt Kurnit Klein & Selz
EQUITY PARTNERS
38%
NONEQUITY PARTNERS
25%
REDUCED HOURS
10%
With its wide range of inspiring speakers and events, this firm gets women talking about ambition, self-belief and overcoming barriers. at present, 50% of attorneys and 43% of practice group leaders here are female; they can utilize flex schedules, tech stipends, sabbaticals and backup care.
Fredrikson & Byron
EQUITY PARTNERS
33%
NONEQUITY PARTNERS
N/A
REDUCED HOURS
31%
The board of directors at this firm increases the visibility of female attorneys by placing them on key committees and in other major roles. to expand their reach, up-andcomers may join the internal women's network or mothers' group. anyone working 80% time retains partnership eligibility.
Gibbons
EQUITY PARTNERS
15%
NONEQUITY PARTNERS
24%
REDUCED HOURS
8%
After a birth or adoption, attorneys here may cut their hours by 40% for a year (then by 20% for as long as they like) with no effect on promotion. mobile tech facilitates remote work. emergency child care is subsidized at 88%. a leadership academy and business plan workshops inspire women.
Godfrey & Kahn
EQUITY PARTNERS
18%
NONEQUITY PARTNERS
N/A
REDUCED HOURS
6%
Lawyers here can flex and reduce their hours or telecommute; at regular intervals, they speak with advisors and practice group leaders about how these arrangements are working. new moms get 12 paid weeks offand may "ramp up" for a month when returning to work.
EQUITY PARTNERS
14%
NONEQUITY PARTNERS
30%
REDUCED HOURS
7%
Through its owning your success advanced leadership program, this firm helps aspiring female equity partners to manage teams, obtain sponsors and build a brand. attorneys may take 18 paid weeks offto adopt or give birth-and can access transition coaching for new moms.
EQUITY PARTNERS
28%
NONEQUITY PARTNERS
28%
REDUCED HOURS
25%
Dedicated leadership courses motivate female attorneys at this firm. a development manager ensures those with reduced schedules still get great assignments. mothers bond at parenting lunches, take on-site yoga classes and use emergency dependent care (new this year).
18%
NONEQUITY PARTNERS
33%
REDUCED HOURS
7%
Backed by its women's initiative and six diversity councils, this firm has been intensifying its sponsorship, training and development of female attorneys, recently launching the lead & succeed program, which prepares them for high-profile roles. flex options appeal to associates.
EQUITY PARTNERS
28%
NONEQUITY PARTNERS
7%
REDUCED HOURS
17%
When elizabeth sharrer became chair of this firm in January, it tipped the balance of the management committee, increasing female membership from 40% to 60%. mentoring and retreats await members of the in-house women's forum. reduced hours and sabbaticals are available.
EQUITY PARTNERS
18%
NONEQUITY PARTNERS
N/A
REDUCED HOURS
15%
Customized schedules allow attorneys here to scale back their hours, telecommute, work on a project-to-project basis or even (in the pathways to success program) take up to five years off. the firm's leaders promote proactive sponsorship and practice planning; mentoring options abound.
Ice Miller
EQUITY PARTNERS
24%
NONEQUITY PARTNERS
23%
REDUCED HOURS
10%
Female equity partners chair 75% of the committees at this firm (hiring, diversity and inclusion, professional development) that affect the career growth of female associates and counsel. leadership programs, formal mentors and alternative-hours arrangements help attorneys succeed.
Jenner & Block
EQUITY PARTNERS
15%
NONEQUITY PARTNERS
31%
REDUCED HOURS
6%
Now marking its 100th anniversary, this firm clearly supports the advancement of women: in 2013, its female leaders included managing partner susan levy and the coo, cfo, cto and cmo. new business development workshops and a women's forum engage partners.
EQUITY PARTNERS
17%
NONEQUITY PARTNERS
31%
REDUCED HOURS
9%
Expectant moms who work here can take up to six months offafter giving birth (with their billable-hours targets adjusted accordingly). the firm's work life/development task force carefully evaluates its flex programs, leave policies and training, upgrading wherever needed.
EQUITY PARTNERS
14%
NONEQUITY PARTNERS
31%
REDUCED HOURS
3%
The quality of attorneys' work matters more than where it gets done, this firm believes. with that in mind, management revised its flexible scheduling policy in 2013, outlining all available alternative work options and addressing the needs of parents returning from leave.
Global
EQUITY PARTNERS
17%
NONEQUITY PARTNERS
36%
REDUCED HOURS
5%
Formal mentors, training programs and business initiatives for women help attorneys here expand their horizons. mothers-to-be earn 18 fully paid weeks off. top moms include vice chair ora fisher and office managing partners karen silverman and michele Johnson.
Lindquist & Vennum
EQUITY PARTNERS
22%
NONEQUITY PARTNERS
39%
REDUCED HOURS
12%
Telecommuting is common at this firm, and anyone who puts in at least 25 hours per week is eligible to receive full benefits. to further satisfy attorneys' work life needs, management is thoroughly reviewing flex policies and practices. women were 44% of new hires in 2013.
Littler
EQUITY PARTNERS
28%
NONEQUITY PARTNERS
49%
REDUCED HOURS
13%
Women chair this firm's board of directors, comprise 30% of the management committee and head 14 practice groups and 13 offices. influential partners advocate for diverse, high-performing associates. participants in the flex-time attorneys program work off-site and can choose their hours.
EQUITY PARTNERS
17%
NONEQUITY PARTNERS
15%
REDUCED HOURS
4%
Thanks to this firm's permissive flex and time-offpolicies, attorneys here are able to take a real break when they need it. importantly, promotions are based on their overall contributions, not just their rainmaking efforts. for parents and elder caregivers, subsidized backup care offers relief.
EQUITY PARTNERS
17%
NONEQUITY PARTNERS
28%
REDUCED HOURS
8%
Coaches and mentors guide female associates as they develop business here, showing them how to obtain and retain clients. more than 30 networking events provided entree to industry titans in 2013. talks by respected critical thinkers enlighten members of the women's initiative.
EQUITY PARTNERS
18%
NONEQUITY PARTNERS
37%
REDUCED HOURS
6%
The future looks bright for women at this firm. in 2013, they earned 29% of all equity partner promotions (up from 13% in 2012); among those women promoted, 38% worked reduced hours. as their careers go forward, many take part in dedicated mentoring groups and coaching programs.
EQUITY PARTNERS
11%
NONEQUITY PARTNERS
24%
REDUCED HOURS
15%
Quarterly luncheons run by the women lawyers network here help female attorneys advance, exploring firm financials, client relationships and the path to partnership. paid maternity leave lasts 18 weeks; adoption aid, subsidized backup care and flex schedules also support parents.
EQUITY PARTNERS
17%
NONEQUITY PARTNERS
N/A%
REDUCED HOURS
18%
With annual retreats for female partners, a new 10-month business development series and 19 u.s. affinity groups, this firm has appeal. new mothers enjoy reduced hours and special mentoring and lactation programs; anyone who works 67% time can still become an equity partner.
EQUITY PARTNERS
21%
NONEQUITY PARTNERS
N/A%
REDUCED HOURS
3%
Flexibility is so ingrained here that 90% of attorneys work remotely during the year, and there's a reduced schedule (with no minimum-hours requirement) on the partnership track. paid parental leave stretches for four months. in 2013, 75% of new equity partners were moms.
Neal, Gerber &
EQUITY PARTNERS
14%
NONEQUITY PARTNERS
33%
REDUCED HOURS
15%
Coming together across all levels and practices, this firm's female attorneys gather in mixed teams each quarter to share goals and forge alliances. a formal counsel track (with fewer hours) presents an alternative to the partnership route. in 2013, 40% of women worked reduced schedules.
EQUITY PARTNERS
20%
NONEQUITY PARTNERS
45%
REDUCED HOURS
7%
Born from a global merger in 2013, this firm boasts many prominent women, among them five u.s. practice heads and managing partner linda addison. attorneys can access flexible, reduced or part-time schedules while nabbing top assignments and tracking toward partnership.
O'Melveny &
EQUITY PARTNERS
12%
NONEQUITY PARTNERS
50%
REDUCED HOURS
6%
Targeted training helps female attorneys here develop clients and exert influence. those seeking an unorthodox work arrangement may participate in the custommize program, where they can job-share, work off-site, reduce their hours or take extended leaves.
EQUITY PARTNERS
19%
NONEQUITY PARTNERS
N/A
REDUCED HOURS
9%
Making partner here doesn't have to mean following a rigid schedule. increasingly, it's about utilizing custom career tracks and practicing day-to-day flexibility. lawyers get unlimited time offfor illness, vacation or personal reasons. mentoring circles and affinity groups provide community.
EQUITY PARTNERS
15%
NONEQUITY PARTNERS
38%
REDUCED HOURS
14%
The parents affinity Group at this firm helps attorneys transition back to work post-baby and explains family benefits, leave policies, estate planning and more. special business development sessions, all-female work retreats and gender-based assignment reviews aid women.
EQUITY PARTNERS
18%
NONEQUITY PARTNERS
21%
REDUCED HOURS
19%
With 12 parents on its board of directors, this firm is aware of what families need. it has made flexible work arrangements ubiquitous, while a new task force (initiated by mid-level associates) explores satisfaction with reduced-hours options.
EQUITY PARTNERS
22%
NONEQUITY PARTNERS
43%
REDUCED HOURS
9%
New chair kimberly Johnson tops this firm's list of accomplished female lawyers, which also includes 30% of its office managing partners. an in-house university offers training, mentoring and career planning, while a formal flex policy and backup care assist many families.
Global
EQUITY PARTNERS
23%
NONEQUITY PARTNERS
20%
REDUCED HOURS
8%
In 2013, women were 36% of this firm's leaders (up from 31% in 2012) and 43% of its executive committee (up from 40%). to help more female associates and partners move into equity roles, two pilot programs provide them with sponsorship, training, coaching and business development grants.
EQUITY PARTNERS
22%
NONEQUITY PARTNERS
33%
REDUCED HOURS
6%
Leaders here assess all client teams (as well as all pitches, proposals and presentations) to make sure that diverse attorneys are well represented. an affinity group and new leadership academy accelerate the rise of women. paid parental leave was just increased to 18 weeks from 12.
EQUITY PARTNERS
16%
NONEQUITY PARTNERS
22%
REDUCED HOURS
8%
To help its attorneys meet their personal responsibilities, this firm endorses alternative schedules, unlimited vacation days and a nonpartnership track. work life liaisons at all sites provide guidance, and an upcoming program for new hires will address finding balance.
EQUITY PARTNERS
24%
NONEQUITY PARTNERS
35%
REDUCED HOURS
7%
Women are 30% of the executive committee here. firmwide retreats and thoughtful development activities (gender-specific leadership training, work life integration education, coaching for high-potential associates) help more female attorneys make partner.
EQUITY PARTNERS
21%
NONEQUITY PARTNERS
N/A
REDUCED HOURS
7%
In 2013, this firm monitored women associates on reduced schedules to ensure they kept progressing toward partnership, stepped up lateral recruiting of female partners (and tracked their participation in business opportunities) and held 135+ key networking events.
Thompson & Knight
EQUITY PARTNERS
16%
NONEQUITY PARTNERS
34%
REDUCED HOURS
8%
Back in 1973, managing partner emily parker was the first female lawyer hired by this firm (where she now sponsors and mentors many others). today, a dynamic women's initiative, progressive flex policies and great child care benefits attract top talent.
WilmerHale
EQUITY PARTNERS
24%
NONEQUITY PARTNERS
N/A
REDUCED HOURS
7%
Famed for its flexible career paths, this firm allows attorneys to take up to a year offto deal with a family medical crisis or welcome a new child (at least 12 weeks are fully paid). it also offers myriad work life balance programs, smart dependent care solutions and an active women's leadership initiative.
Methodology
The 2014 working mother & flex-time lawyers 50 best law firms for women application includes more than 300 questions about workforce representation; time offand leaves; child care; flexibility; leadership, compensation and advancement of women; and development and retention of women. profiles are culled from the applications and reflect 2013 data.
EQUITY PARTNERS = Equity partners who are women
NONEQUITY PARTNERS = Nonequity partners who are women
REDUCED HOURS = Lawyers working reduced hours
15
WEEKS IS THE AVERAGE FULLY PAID MATERNITY LEAVE OFFERED AT THE BEST LAW FIRMS.
"Achieving a critical mass of women in top law firm roles will require that women take strategic risks and also that firms reconsider how compensation is assessed, promotion decisions are made, business development credit is awarded, clients are billed and leadership positions are filled."
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84%
OF THE BEST LAW FIRMS OFFER SICK-CHILD CARE.
Copyright: | (c) 2014 Working Woman |
Wordcount: | 2921 |
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