Reduced-hours lawyers get their own support group.

This nine-office firm with headquarters in Atlanta makes new moms feel welcome by easing their transition back to work with automatic phase-back.  Private lactation rooms are available at all of its locations, and its New Mother Welcome Back program pairs attorneys returning from maternity leave with colleagues who have young children for informal mentoring. Last year, the firm held a quarterly series of New Parent Lunches where employees could swap advice and gather tips from noted speakers. (One featured a nutrition expert who spoke about the importance of eating healthy during pregnancy and addressed common children’s nutritional issues.) Flex schedules are gaining in popularity: Over the past two years, the number of associates working a reduced schedule has grown to 23 from one, and lawyers who work reduced hours are eligible for equity partnership.

Female nonequity partners: 16%

Female counsel: 33%

Female associates: 47%

Female lawyers promoted to nonequity partner, 2004–2008: 18%

Female lawyers promoted to equity partner, 2004–2008: 16%

Lawyers working reduced hours: 4%

Lawyers working reduced hours, 2004–2008: 1%

Weeks paid maternity leave: 12

Weeks paid paternity leave: 3

Weeks paid adoption leave: 12

Offer phase-back program for new moms?: Yes

Offer reentry program for lawyer moms?: Yes

Offer formal flextime program for associates & counsel? Yes

Lawyers working flextime schedule: 3%

Offer support groups for reduced-hours lawyers?: Yes

Female equity partners: 15%

Female nonequity partners: 16%