Hearing how other women with children have achieved career success can be a real comfort to working moms. At this law firm, female partners have long offered professional guidance to up-and-coming women attorneys, but last year they also began mentoring newly hired female associates, women heading out on parental leave and those returning from extended breaks. As some moms can be away for six weeks to five years while raising children, these partners’ insights into the culture of their firm often prove invaluable. Inspiring moms include nationwide practice leaders Susan Serota and Jenny McCall; both have profit-and-loss responsibilities— and two kids.

Chair James Rishwain

Chief HR Officer Deborah Johnson

Women managers/execs 46%

Women hires in 2011 52%

Average weeks of fully paid maternity leave offered 12

Offers paid paternity leave? Yes

Offers paid adoption leave? Yes

Women in affinity groups in 2011 33%

Offers backup child care? Yes

Employees working flexibly 80%