Offers reduced-hour lawyers their own support group.

Associates don’t worry about an “up or out” policy at this Seattle-based firm, which is known for its intellectual property and litigation practices. Lawyers can develop at their own pace without jeopardizing their future. Reduced-hours associates remain on the partnership track, and at some offices full-time associates can pick their own billable-hour target and compensation level. In 2008, Perkins hired a consultant to interview those who resigned to better understand why.

Female equity partners: 15%
Female counsel: 39%
Female associates: 48%
Female nonequity partners: 32%
Female lawyers promoted to nonequity partner, 2004–2008: 33%
Female lawyers promoted to equity partner, 2004–2008: 20%
Lawyers working reduced hours: 10%
Lawyers working reduced hours, 2004–2008: 10%
Weeks paid maternity leave: 12
Weeks paid paternity leave: 4
Weeks paid adoption leave: 8
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: 1%
Offer support groups for reduced-hours lawyers?: Yes