Telecommuting is very much a part of this Chicago-based firm’s approach to work life balance. Just ask Liz Stern, a partner at the firm’s Washington, DC, office, who works full-time but telecommutes on Fridays so that she can spend more time with her two sons, Alex, 17, and David, 11—Liz was elected managing partner of the office last year. The firm, with nine offices in the States and 58 worldwide, also takes a progressive approach to work schedules. Pamela Dayanim, a new partner in the Washington office, works full-time but takes time each morning to drop her kids at school, and also makes a point of leaving work each day at 6 p.m. So she’s home for dinner. She often works later in the evening, but this flexible arrangement suits her. The firm’s commitment to adapting to the realities of modern family life has certainly paid off for its women lawyers—the North American offices’ new partner class for 2011 is about 80% female.

Female Equity Partners 19%

Female Nonequity Partners 31%

Lawyers Working Reduced Hours 11%