This San Francisco–based 50-office firm launched the Women’s Leadership Initiative in 2008 to ensure that women attorneys achieve positions of power and influence. The aim of this program, led by Littler attorneys with the assistance of outside consultants, is to teach women how to move into leadership positions. The firm’s commitment to female power is reflected in the numbers: Women make up 38% of the nominating committee, 25% of the board of directors and 24% of the managing shareholders committee. In addition, firmwide, 31% of all practice group leaders are women. And the future looks increasingly rosy: Last year, more than half (60%) of the lawyers promoted to equity partner were women.

Female Equity Partners 27%

Female Nonequity Partners 44%

Lawyers Working Reduced Hours 4%

Women make up 58% of their associates

At this San Francisco–based law firm, the nation’s largest representing employers and management in labor disputes in labor disputes, recruiting women is a priority. The numbers tell the story: From 2004 to 2008, 65% of its associate hires were female, as were 45% of its lateral counsel hires and 25% of its equity partner hires. But that’s only part of the Littler Mendelson tale. Leadership training targets women lawyers across its 46 U.S. offices, and the firm offers groups for women and lawyers of color.

Female equity partners: 24%

Female nonequity partners: 39%

Female counsel: 45%

Female associates: 58%

Female lawyers promoted to nonequity partner, 2004–2008: 26%

Female lawyers promoted to equity partner, 2004–2008: 41%

Lawyers working reduced hours: 2%

Lawyers working reduced hours, 2004–2008: 0%Weeks paid maternity leave: 12

Weeks paid paternity leave: 2

Weeks paid adoption leave: 2

Offer phase-back program for new moms?: No

Offer reentry program for lawyer moms?: No

Offer formal flextime program for associates & counsel?: Yes

Lawyers working flextime schedule: 3%

Offer support groups for reduced-hours lawyers?: No