blurb

A new affinity group called PLAY—an acronym for “parenting, lawyering and you”—lets attorneys share the fears, joys and solutions of being a working parent. This Chicago-based firm shines when it comes to helping women advance, too: A woman serves on the seven-seat executive committee, and the firm’s first COO is a woman, who also serves as general counsel. An active women’s network sponsors events aimed at developing professional and personal skills.

Female equity partners: 22%

Female nonequity partners: 38%

Female counsel: 42%

Female associates: 58%

Female lawyers promoted to nonequity partner, 2004–2008: 38%

Female lawyers promoted to equity partner, 2004–2008: 33%

Lawyers working reduced hours: 11%

Lawyers working reduced hours, 2004–2008: 12%

Weeks paid maternity leave: 12

Weeks paid paternity leave: 2

Weeks paid adoption leave: 12

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? Yes