A woman leads the elected compensation committee, the firm’s chief diversity partner is a woman, and women serve as department heads, deputies and practice group leaders.

This Washington, DC–based firm is widely recognized as a democratic, collegial firm. Key aspects of its culture help lawyers participate in the life of the firm and its decision-making. For example, important decisions are made through the vote of the partners, with each partner accorded a single vote. This means firm leadership has to engage with all partners as it sets its course. Women play important leadership roles within the firm. In 2010, they held three of the eight elected positions on the executive committee, the firm’s governing body. A woman leads the elected compensation committee, the firm’s chief diversity partner is a woman, and women serve as department heads, deputies and practice group leaders. They’re also significant rainmakers.

Female Equity Partners 17%

Lawyers Working Reduced Hours 7%

46% of their associates are female.

This Washington, DC–based firm engages in pro bono matters that are particularly important to women and families. (Recently, for example, it represented a group of female CIA agents challenging discriminatory treatment in disciplinary actions.) It is committed to crafting work schedules that meet the needs of its attorneys, including reentry lawyers like Julia Court Ryan, a mother of four who recently returned to the firm on an 80% schedule and was promoted to counsel shortly thereafter.

Female equity partners: 18%*

Female counsel: 33%

Female associates: 46%

Female lawyers promoted to equity partner, 2004–2008: 20%

Lawyers working reduced hours: 6%

Lawyers working reduced hours, 2004–2008: 6%

Weeks paid maternity leave: 18

Weeks paid paternity leave: 4

Weeks paid adoption leave: 18

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: 2%

Offer support groups for reduced-hours lawyers?: No

*Law firm does not offer nonequity partnership.