New moms get 18 weeks paid maternity leave.

Women here have a strong voice when it comes to hiring practices, compensation and promotions.  Nearly half of the lawyers hired at this Houston-based firm last year were women, and a female lawyer chairs the compensation committee. Plus, five of the 19 attorneys who sit on the committee that decides partnership promotions are women. The firm is a founding member of the Project for Attorney Retention, which works to reduce attrition among lawyers by promoting work/life balance and the advancement of women. Mentoring circles for women are available, as are several career development programs for female lawyers. Last year, the Women’s Initiative Team hosted a three-day executive women’s retreat for attorneys and clients featuring seminars and networking opportunities.

Female equity partners: 16%*

Female counsel: 44%

Female associates: 51%

Female lawyers promoted to equity partner, 2004–2008: 29%

Lawyers working reduced hours: 9%

Lawyers working reduced hours, 2004–2008: 2%

Weeks paid maternity leave: 18

Weeks paid paternity leave: 2

Weeks paid adoption leave: 18

Offer phase-back program for new moms?: No

Offer reentry program for lawyer moms?: Yes

Offer formal flextime program for associates & counsel?: Yes

Lawyers working flextime schedule: n/a

Offer support groups for reduced-hours lawyers?: Yes

*Law firm does not offer nonequity partnership