50 Best Law Firms for Women
by Pamela Weinsaft (New York City)
When we think of the life of a lawyer in a big firm, we often think of the time commitment it takes to get to be partner.
In the past, women attempting to balance life and work have been unceremoniously pushed off the equity partnership track. The times are changing, however. While one still must put in the time and effort, top firms are now competing with one another to get and keep top talent.
Working Mother, in conjunction with Flex-Time Lawyers, published its second annual list of the Top 50 Law Firms for Women this month. The list recognizes the efforts of firms aspiring to hire the top female attorneys, including the availability of flexible work arrangements, in-house networking, mentoring and management training to enable the female lawyers develop the skills and contacts they need to advance to the partnership level.
The following are the 5 firms with 500 or more U.S. lawyers with the highest percentage of female lawyers promoted to equity partner from 2003 to 2007:
(1) Sidley Austin LLP – According to the firm, 18% of Sidley Austin’s current equity partners were promoted while working reduced hours. There is a focus here on mentoring, with an informal mentoring circle providing a chance for female associates to connect with the more senior female attorneys.
(2) Heller Ehrman – Based on a study conducted in 2007, the firm created a list of best practices to retain women lawyers and increase the number of women in leadership roles. The firm also sponsors recruiting programs to facilitate the return of “lawyer moms” who have opted out of the profession.
(3) Shearman & Sterling – Committed to diversity, female associates are encouraged to join one of the many affinity groups within the firm, including WISER (the Women’s Initiative for Success, Excellence, and Retention)–the firm’s largest–which enables women at all levels in the firm to interact. Flexible or reduced hours and associate mentoring (formal and informal) round out the firm’s offerings.
(4) Jenner & Block – Female equity partners make up one third of the management committee. The firm also has a mentoring program that connects first-, second- and third-year associates with senior associates and partners. Training is a priority, with the firm providing management training for lawyers on a quarterly basis.
(5) Cleary Gottlieb Steen & Hamilton – The firm’s commitment to work-life balance can been seen in the newly formalized flextime policy, which allows lawyers to set their own schedules, as well as the firm’s acceptance of telecommuting as a work option, and generous paid and unpaid maternity leave.
The Top 50 list included other well-known firms including Arent Fox; Sullivan & Cromwell; Baker & McKenzie; Covington & Burling; Hogan & Hartson; Morgan, Lewis & Bockius; Davis Polk & Wardwell; Debevoise & Plimpton; Fox Rothschild; Fried Frank Harris Shriver & Jacobson; Paul, Weiss, Rifkind, Wharton & Garrison; and Morrison & Foerster.
