Best Law Firms for Women in 2015

Working Mother and Flex-Time Lawyers just named this year’s 50 Best Law Firms for Women 2015.  The ABA Journal listed many of the factors that were considered in assessing which firms emphasized the promotion and retention of female attorneys. Many of the firms on the list were large law firms which have put significant resources into making the workplace more female friendly.

Interestingly enough, the law firms that made the cut had more women equity partners than the national average (17%). It is about time we see more female partners! The number of rainmaking female partners has also been increasing. In 2014, 11% of firms had 3 or more rainmaking partners. In 2015, this number increased by 5%, which is incredible.

Some of the firms that made the list are:

• Holland & Hart

• Ice Miller

• WilmerHale

• Cooley

• Debevoise & Plimpton

• Finnegan, Henderson, Farabow, Garrett & Dunner

• Katten Muchin Rosenman

• Morrison & Foerster

• Vinson & Elkins

It is amazing how the conversation around the retention and cultivation of female attorneys continues to unfold. Even a decade ago, I would never have imagined how much change we would see. Law firms are (finally) realizing that they need to be conscious of what women want and require in a professional working environment if they want them to continue to practice at the firm. Law firms are offering part time and flex options, remote working arrangements, child care and generous parental leave plans.“

Culture eats strategy for breakfast”is a quote by the CEO of Microsoft that has always intrigued me.  I could not agree more with him on this point. Culture really does matter, and I sense that what distinguishes the firms listed in the article above is that they have proactively developed a culture that respects and promotes women.  In my opinion, this, more than any of the other qualifications considered in coming up with the list, is what sets the winners apart.