Grants 18 weeks paid adoption leave.

When nearly 100 Latham attorneys welcomed new babies into their families last year, this global firm was at the ready to help the moms and dads transition back to the office at a pace that worked for them. A new program lets lawyers cut back their hours for as long as six months upon returning from parental leave. Reduced hours are also available firmwide, and last year 80 lawyers took advantage of the option, including 44 associates. Every associate on a reduced schedule is paired with a coordinator who serves as a resource and mentor, and the associate remains on the partnership track. In 2008, a Parents’ Forum debuted in the New York City office to encourage the exchange of ideas about juggling work and family. Partner Michèle Penzer serves on Latham & Watkins’s executive committee and also cochairs its diversity committee.

Female equity partners: 17%

Female nonequity partners: 30%

Female counsel: 42%

Female associates: 44%

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

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

Lawyers working reduced hours: 5%

Lawyers working reduced hours, 2004–2008: 4%

Weeks paid maternity leave: 18

Weeks paid paternity leave: 10

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?: No

Lawyers working flextime schedule: 0%

Offer support groups for reduced-hours lawyers?: Yes