Press Releases

 

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57 Law Firms Recognized for “Tipping the Scales” Towards Gender Parity  in New Partner Classes

2022 New Partner Report Shows Decline in Percentage of Women New Partners

Washington, DC (November 4, 2022) – Yesterday, during the Diversity and Flexibility Alliance’s Annual Conference, fifty-seven law firms were recognized for having 50% or more women in their 2022 U.S.-based new partner classes.  The firms, recognized as “Tipping the Scales,” were identified through the Diversity & Flexibility Alliance’s New Partner Report, a compilation of public data released each year since 2012.

The Report revealed that 40.2 percent of new partners from 206 major U.S. law firms in 2022 were women, which represents a decrease from last year’s figure of 40.9 percent.  Further, when looking at a representative sample (only AmLaw 100 & Alliance member firms), 40.3% of new partners were women in 2022, which represents a substantial drop of 2.1% from last year’s figure of 42.4%. More information on the report can be found here.

Other highlights include:

  • The average new partner class increased substantially (by 2.4 attorneys), despite the decrease in the share of women.
  • The nation’s top grossing firms had significant declines in the share of women in their new partner class.  In fact, firms in the AmLaw 50 and AmLaw 51-100 had significant declines in the shares of women of 4.2% and 4.9%, respectively.
  • The number of firms with a 50/50 split or greater of women in the new partner class decreased from 67 firms in 2021 to 57 firms in 2022.
  • For Diversity & Flexibility Alliance member firms, 42.9% of attorneys promoted to partnership were women, representing a 2.7% higher share of female partners compared to the overall share of women in this year’s new partner class (40.2%).
  • The number of firms reporting no women in their new partner class decreased from eight to six, however.

“While the overall dip in women new partners may seem inconsequential, any step backwards in a trend towards gender parity is concerning. Additionally, when looking at the representative sample of larger AmLaw 100 firms, the decline of 2.1% in women partners was more significant,” said Manar Morales, President & CEO of the Diversity & Flexibility Alliance. “The legal industry must be mindful of these trends and renew its commitment to increasing the share of women partners by focusing on the recruitment, retention, and advancement of women,” she added.

To reap the benefits of gender parity, the Diversity & Flexibility Alliance advises that law firm leaders pay close attention to building a pipeline of women and focusing on equity in their work distribution, mentorships, training, pay and evaluation systems. Additionally, firms are encouraged to develop intentional and inclusive hybrid working initiatives that benefit everyone.  It is important to note that many Alliance member firms have made systematic changes and taken intentional steps towards increasing gender diversity and therefore have seen quantifiable results in their promotions of a higher share of female new partners than nonmembers.

The “Tipping the Scales” firms recognized for having 50% or more women in their 2022 new partner class included:

 

1. Akerman

2. Arnold & Porter**

3. Baker Donelson

4. Bilzin Sumberg

5. Boies Schiller Flexner*

6. Bracewell

7. Brown Rudnick

8. Choate Hall

9. Clark Hill

10. Cole Schotz

11. Cole Scott

12. Davis Wright Tremaine**

13. Day Pitney

14. Debevoise & Plimpton

15. Dechert

16. Dickinson Wright

17. Epstein Becker & Green*

18. Faegre Drinker Biddle & Reath 

19. Fisher & Phillips

 20. Foley Hoag*

21. Fox Rothschild 

22. Fredrikson & Byron

23. Haynes & Boone

24. Hinckley Allen

25. Hirschler

26. Hughes Hubbard & Reed

27. Jenner & Block

28. Jones Day*

29. Kutak Rock

30. Lane Powell

31. Lathrop GPM**

32. Loeb & Loeb

33. Marshall Dennehey

34. McCarter & English

35. Michael Best

36. Miller & Chevalier*

37. Nelson Mullins

38. Offit Kurman

 39. Parker, Hudson, Rainer & Dobbs 

40. Porter Wright

41. Robinson & Cole

42. Rutan & Tucker

43. Schulte Roth & Zabel

44. Shook, Hardy & Bacon*

45. Smith Gambrell

46. Squire Patton Boggs

47. Steptoe & Johnson

48. Stoel Rives

49. Thompson Coburn

50. Tucker Ellis

51. Vorys

52. Warner Norcross + Judd

53. Wiley Rein*

54. Willkie Farr & Gallagher

55. WilmerHale

56. Wolf, Greenfield & Sacks

57. Womble Bond Dickinson*

 

*Firms that have been recognized as “Tipping the Scales” for at least three years.

** Firms that have been recognized for all four years since we began the “Tipping the Scales” recognition. 

Diversity & Flexibility Alliance Member Firms are highlighted in orange

The Alliance has been compiling this data since 2012, when the data revealed that women only made up 33% of new partners.  It is important to note that, in 2021 as well as this year, the Alliance expanded the number of law firms included in the report, examining all public data from law firms in the AmLaw 200 (versus only AmLaw100 in previous years), as well as Alliance member law firms.  New partner data was collected from 206 law firms this year versus 187 firms in 2021.  For purposes of comparing data and trends to previous years, a Representative Sample was identified in this and last year’s report, including firms in the AmLaw100 as well as member firms.

The Diversity & Flexibility Alliance’s New Partner Report is a yearly compilation of data from the nation’s largest and top-grossing law firms (206 this year) examining the gender breakdown of attorneys promoted to partnership in their U.S. offices.  The data is based upon publicly available firm announcements and other self-reported sources on new partner classes with an effective date of promotion between October 1, 2021 and September 30, 2022.  Eight firms from the AmLaw 200 were not included because either data was not available or they had no partner promotions.

For ten years, the Diversity and Flexibility Alliance has collaborated with organizations to develop non-stigmatized flexible work policies that promote inclusive work cultures and help to advance more women into leadership positions. The Alliance provides practical research-based solutions, training workshops, and strategic advisory services that increase organizational effectiveness through diversity and flexibility.

 

Contact: Manar Morales

manar@dfalliance.com

301-580-2490

 

 

 

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Diversity & Flexibility Alliance Announces its 2022 Award Honorees

Awards to be Presented During Virtual Annual conference on 11/3

 Washington, DC (October 12, 2022) – Today the Diversity & Flexibility Alliance announced its 2022 Award honorees.  The awards will be presented virtually during the Alliance’s Annual Conference, Cultivating a Holistic Work Culture: The Power of People, Purpose & Productivity on Thursday, November 3.  Registration links and more information are available here.

“Each year, leaders and professionals responsible for diversity & inclusion, talent recruitment and retention, professional development and human resources come to our conference to connect with peers and experts and learn about best practices, cutting-edge research and the latest innovations in diversity and flexibility,” said Manar Morales, President & CEO of the Diversity & Flexibility Alliance. “We are thrilled to be honoring the trailblazers, visionaries and innovators of 2022 who are leading their industries towards a more flexible and inclusive future of the workplace.”

The Diversity & Flexibility Alliance will be honoring the following individuals and organizations:

  • Anne Chow, Former CEO, AT&T Business, will receive the Alliance’s 2022 Luminary Award for her consistent dedication to combating unconscious bias, advancing diversity and inclusion, and developing strong future leaders. (See the full press release here.)

 

  • Jason St. John, Managing Partner, Saul Ewing LLP, will receive the Alliance’s 2022 Flex Leader Award for his passionate support of and unwavering dedication to offering flexible working options to all employees.   (See the full press release here.)

 

  • The 2022 Flex Impact Award will go to law firm, Sheppard Mullin for its Unplug & Recharge Program which provides Associates and Special Counsel with up to 40 hours of “recharge time” annually. In addition to Sheppard Mullin, an international professional services firm will also receive the 2022 Flex Impact Award. (See the full press release here.)

 

  • The 2022 Flex Success Award honorees will be: Sheehan Sullivan, Partner, Davis Wright Tremaine and her client Carolyn Glenn, Senior Counsel, Kaiser Foundation Health Plan; and Sarah D. Rodriguez, Partner, Shutts & Bowen LLP, and her client Jamie Smith, Partner, MHP Management, LLC. This award recognizes Partners at Diversity & Flexibility Alliance member law firms who have achieved success while working a reduced hours schedule as well as a client who has been integral to making workplace flexibility so successful. (See the full press release here.) 

 

The Diversity & Flexibility Alliance’s annual conference brings together General Counsel, Chief Diversity Officers, Human Resources executives, Chairs and other leaders from corporations, trade associations, financial services firms, and prominent law firms, who network and collaborate on issues related to diversity, flexibility, talent retention and the future of work.  During the conference, the Alliance will reveal the latest research and trends in diversity & inclusion and work flexibility, as well as innovative leave and hybrid working initiatives.

The Diversity & Flexibility Alliance is a think tank that collaborates with organizations to develop non-stigmatized flexible work policies that promote inclusive work cultures and help to advance more women into leadership positions.  The Alliance provides practical research-based solutions, training workshops, and strategic advisory services that increase organizational effectiveness through diversity and flexibility.

Contact: Manar Morales

manar@dfalliance.com

202-957-9650

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Law Firm Partners and Clients to be Honored for Attorney-Client Partnerships That Support Flexible Schedules

Diversity & Flexibility Alliance 2022 Flex Success® Awards to Be Presented Virtually on Nov. 3

Washington, DC (October 12, 2022) – Today the Diversity and Flexibility Alliance announced that its 2022 Flex Success® Award honorees will be: Sheehan Sullivan, Partner, Davis Wright Tremaine and her client Carolyn Glenn, Senior Counsel, Kaiser Foundation Health Plan; and Sarah D. Rodriguez, Partner, Shutts & Bowen LLP, and her client Jamie Smith, Partner, MHP Management, LLC.

The Flex Success® Award recognizes partners at Diversity & Flexibility Alliance member law firms who have achieved success while working a reduced hours schedule along with a client who has been integral to making workplace flexibility so successful. The Awards will be presented on November 3 during the Alliance’s virtual annual conference, Cultivating a Holistic Work Culture: The Power of People, Purpose & Productivity, during which all honorees will be speaking.  Registration is available here.

“These highly-respected law firm leaders are a true testament to the value that flexibility can bring to an organization,” said Manar Morales, President & CEO of the Diversity & Flexibility Alliance. “With the support of their clients and firms, these exceptional partners have managed high-profile case loads, held leadership positions within their firms, mentored colleagues, and volunteered their time, while also devoting time to their personal commitments.” she added.

Sheehan Sullivan, Partner, Davis Wright Tremaine and her client, Carolyn Glenn, Senior Counsel at Kaiser Foundation Health Plan.

Davis Wright Tremaine partner, Sheehan Sullivan is a nationally recognized employment litigator and valued member of her firm’s leadership, serving on the Executive Committee, as a founding member of the Diversity & Inclusion Committee, on the DEI Client Engagement Committee, as current Chair of the Attorney Evaluation Committee, as the firm’s Reduced Hours Coordinator and as Chair of the Flexible Schedules Attorneys Affinity Group.

Sheehan began working at an 85% reduced hour schedule twelve years ago when her first child was 2 years old.  Since then, she has developed a successful employment litigation practice and maintained a high-profile client list including Fortune 100 companies. Sheehan has served in the Wage and Hour Defense Institute and on the Editorial Board of the leading treatise on the FLSA (The Fair Labor Standards Act published by Bloomberg/BNA).  She also volunteers in her kids’ classrooms and serves on the boards of Special Olympics of Washington and Seattle Arts and Lectures.

Her client, Carolyn Glenn, Senior Counsel at Kaiser Foundation Health Plan, has been a longtime advocate for Sheehan and takes every opportunity to support Sheehan’s career and personal goals. Carolyn regularly refers her to colleagues and looks for opportunities to bring her in on Kaiser employment matters. Carolyn’s support of Sheehan has led to her becoming one of the Relationship Partners overseeing Kaiser work across the firm.

“I am honored to receive this recognition. Davis Wright Tremaine continues to be a leader in valuing and elevating attorneys with a flexible or reduced hours schedule,” said Sheehan Sullivan. “My relationship with Carolyn has been pivotal to my success – she is always championing me within Kaiser and with other clients. I am fortunate to have such a supportive environment at DWT and wonderful clients like Carolyn,” she added.

“As a single mom myself, I so appreciated having a reduced-hour schedule when my child was younger so I could combine the demands of my work as an employment litigator with raising a child on my own. During the 10 years I have worked with Sheehan, she has exemplified how to litigate at the highest, most sophisticated level with a flexible schedule that has enhanced the quality of her work product without sacrificing an iota of customer service,” said Carolyn Glenn. “I commend Sheehan and DWT for being role-models in our profession and for providing Kaiser with such an excellent strategic partner for our expanding employment law needs,” she added.

“I am thrilled to see Sheehan receive this very well-deserved recognition. Sheehan has championed Davis Wright Tremaine’s efforts to provide workplace flexibility for our lawyers. As noted above, Sheehan herself works on a reduced hours schedule, and has achieved tremendous success as a practicing attorney and as one of our firm’s outstanding lawyer leaders,” said Scott MacCormack, Firmwide Managing Partner, Davis Wright Tremaine LLP. “We are truly fortunate to have Sheehan as a partner at Davis Wright Tremaine,” he added.

Sarah D. Rodriguez, Partner, Shutts & Bowen LLP, and her client Jamie Smith, Partner, MHP Management, LLC.

Well-respected by her colleagues, clients and local community, Shutts & Bowen Partner, Sarah Rodriguez, has successfully tried complex cases, including a federal trial and multiple complex arbitrations while working a reduced hours schedule. Selected as a 2019 Super Lawyer, Rising Star, Sarah has maintained an active and intense caseload spanning construction litigation, construction contracting, and business litigation.

A mother of four young children, including two-year-old identical twins, Sarah has been working a reduced schedule since 2013 while managing family life, a thriving legal career and serving the local community as an active member of the Orange County Bar Association, Central Florida Association of Women Lawyers, mentoring organizations, and her church.

Sarah was a valuable contributor to the inaugural Attorney Development Committee for her firm, spearheading the firm’s formal mentorship program. She has dedicated countless hours to meeting with mentors and mentees, matching experienced attorneys with young mentees, and planning mentorship events, including social events and educational seminars. Sarah also serves as a Mentor for the Support Our Scholars (“SOS”) Scholarship and Mentoring Program, a non-profit that provides financial and emotional support to disadvantaged young women with extraordinary potential during their college journey.

Sarah’s client, Jamie Smith, Partner, MHP Management, LLC, is respectful of Sarah’s time restraints, especially given the legal successes she has achieved on their behalf.  Over time, Jamie has developed a high level of trust and respect for Sarah and the quality of her work.

“Having a flexible schedule has meant the world to me. My reduced hours have allowed me to spend more time with my family while remaining fully devoted to my legal career. I’m truly grateful to have my clients’ support and to work for a firm that values inclusion, hard work, and flexibility in the workplace,” said Sarah Rodriguez, Esq.

“Raising four small children while providing excellent professional services is no small feat.  Sarah Rodriguez is journeying through a season of life where she has significant demands on her time in the home and in the office.  As clients, we value that she is able to maintain her priorities in her household with a flexible schedule while also providing excellent work during the hours that she is in office,” said Sarah’s client, Jamie Smith, Partner, MHP Management, LLC. “From one mother of four to another mother of four, well done!” she added.

“At Shutts & Bowen, we take pride in our flexibility options and the high-performance partners thriving in our program. Sarah is a testament to the success of the DFA program, and we applaud her dedication to her clients and her accomplishments,” said Jack McElroy, Shutts & Bowen LLP’s Firmwide Managing Partner.

The Diversity and Flexibility Alliance is a think tank that collaborates with organizations to develop non-stigmatized flexible work policies that promote inclusive work cultures for all and help to advance more women into leadership positions. The Alliance provides practical research-based solutions, training workshops, and strategic advisory services that increase organizational effectiveness through diversity and flexibility.

 

Contact: Manar Morales

manar@dfalliance.com

202-957-9650

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Sheppard Mullin to be Honored for Its Flexible Working Initiative That Promotes Wellness

Award will be presented during the Diversity & Flexibility Alliance Virtual Conference on Nov. 3

Washington, DC (October 12, 2022) — The Diversity & Flexibility Alliance announced today that it will present its 2022 Flex Impact Award to law firm, Sheppard Mullin. The Flex Impact Award, which recognizes initiatives that demonstrate a significant impact on the culture of workplace flexibility, will be presented during the Alliance’s virtual annual conference on Thursday, November 3.  Registration information is available here.

Sheppard Mullin will be recognized for its Unplug & Recharge Program which provides Associates and Special Counsel with up to 40 hours of “recharge time” annually. These hours, which can be taken by attorneys who bill at least 1750 client chargeable hours, are considered billable credit.

The Unplug & Recharge program, which has been extremely well received by Sheppard Mullin employees, allows attorneys the flexibility to take time to recharge at times that work best with their personal commitments. The program was born out of a design thinking workshop attended by senior members of firm management.  Although the firm has always encouraged unplugging and recharging, the workshop gave leadership a platform to turn practice into policy.

“While many law firms have implemented flexible working policies, we were impressed by Sheppard Mullin’s demonstrated commitment to creating a positive firm culture focused on the health and wellbeing of their employees,” said Manar Morales, president & CEO of the Diversity & Flexibility Alliance. “We are pleased to see a firm putting financial resources behind their commitment to mental health and wellbeing, particularly in light of the increased stress brought on by the pandemic,” she added.

“We are very grateful to receive this award.  We are committed to mental health and wellness for all our attorneys and staff.  Our Unplug & Recharge program is one of the ways we support our attorneys’ well-being, and its successful adoption is a testament to our people and our culture,” said Lucantonio (Luca) Salvi, Partner & Chair of the Executive Committee, Sheppard Mullin.

In addition to Sheppard Mullin, an international professional services firm will also receive the 2022 Flex Impact Award.  See our website for more information.

The Diversity and Flexibility Alliance is a think tank that collaborates with organizations to develop non-stigmatized flexible work policies that promote inclusive work cultures and help to advance more women into leadership positions.  The Alliance provides practical research-based solutions, training workshops, and strategic advisory services that increase organizational effectiveness through diversity and flexibility.

 

Contact: Manar Morales

manar@dfalliance.com

202-957-9650

 

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SAUL EWING MANAGING PARTNER, JASON ST. JOHN TO BE HONORED FOR HIS EXCEPTIONAL COMMITMENT TO FLEXIBILITY

Flex Leader Award to be presented During Virtual Conference on November 3

Washington, DC (October 12, 2022) – The Diversity & Flexibility Alliance has announced that Jason St. John, Managing Partner of Saul Ewing Arnstein & Lehr will receive its 2022 Flex Leader Award. The Flex Leader Award recognizes an executive who is moving their organization toward a more inclusive workplace through holistic flexibility. The Award will be presented on Thursday, November 3 during the Alliance’s virtual annual conference Cultivating a Holistic Work Culture: The Power of People, Purpose & Productivity. Registration is available here.

Jason St. John is being honored for his passionate support for and unwavering dedication to offering flexible working options.  Jason’s compassionate leadership has been integral to the creation of Saul Ewing’s new hybrid working plan, 4+4, which applies to all employees, including attorneys and business professionals.

Understanding that the firm’s culture is built on relationships, Jason and firm leadership took the time to research best practices, benchmark data and gather input from firm members before launching their hybrid initiative. The 4+4 plan specifies that employees are expected to come into the office each Wednesday, in addition to four additional days per month. This extremely popular policy provides employees with the option to work from home all other days, allowing for each individual to work when and where they choose. Wednesdays have also been marked as “Zoom free” to encourage in person interactions on these days.

In addition to the 4+4 plan, Jason has championed the implementation of several other workplace flexibility initiatives including: extending paid parental leave to 16 weeks for all firm members; adding a one-month ramp up period after leave; as well as providing backup childcare, reimbursement for breastmilk shipping and more robust fertility benefits. Additionally, a staff tuition reimbursement policy and expanded gender transition services have been created.

“We have tried to craft a policy that allows for the greatest flexibility while still fostering the collaboration that fuels relationships, mentoring and trust,” said Jason St. John. “Our people appreciate the flexibility and know that the firm cares about their well-being. We believe that our 4+4 Plan is fostering the kind of engagement, connection and collaboration that translates into outstanding client service,” he added.

“Under Jason’s leadership, Saul Ewing has created an excellent hybrid working plan that provides all of its employees with flexibility and autonomy, while maintaining its excellent client service,” said Manar Morales, President & CEO of the Diversity & Flexibility Alliance.  “By offering the same options to both attorneys and business professionals, Jason has created a more inclusive and equitable culture. We are proud to recognize this inspiring and empathetic leader as a trailblazer in the legal community,” she added.

The Diversity and Flexibility Alliance is a think tank that collaborates with organizations to develop non-stigmatized flexible working policies that promote inclusive cultures and help to advance more women into leadership positions. The Alliance provides practical research-based solutions, training workshops, and strategic advisory services that increase organizational effectiveness through diversity and flexibility.

Contact: Manar Morales

manar@dfalliance.com

202-957-9650

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ANNE CHOW TO RECEIVE PRESTIGIOUS LUMINARY AWARD FOR HER COMMITMENT TO DIVERSITY & INCLUSION

Award to be presented at the Diversity & Flexibility Alliance Virtual Conference on November 3

Washington, DC (October 12, 2022) – The Diversity and Flexibility Alliance will present Anne Chow, former CEO of AT&T Business, with its 2022 Luminary Award. This award recognizes a global thought leader who is consistently and uniquely devoted to the advancement of diversity and whose vision will leave a legacy of inclusivity for future leaders. The Alliance will present the award to Anne on Thursday, November 3, during its virtual annual conference Cultivating a Holistic Work Culture: The Power of People, Purpose & Productivity. Registration is available here.

One of the world’s most effective corporate leaders, Anne is being honored for her consistent dedication to combatting unconscious bias, advancing diversity and inclusion, and developing strong future leaders. She has broken barriers as the first woman of color CEO in AT&T’s 140-year history.

Anne led AT&T Business, a $35B global operating unit comprised of over 30,000 people through the pandemic during unprecedented market upheaval across the world, serving customers across all sectors with communications solutions. Currently, she is Lead Director on the Board of Directors of FranklinCovey, a company dedicated to organizational transformation through leadership, individual effectiveness, execution, and culture. Anne is also an Adjunct Professor of Executive Education at Northwestern University’s Kellogg School of Management.

Widely recognized for her inclusive leadership, Anne was named to Fortune’s Most Powerful Women in Business twice, Forbes inaugural CEO Next List of Leaders set to revolutionize American business, Most Inspiring Woman in Communications by Light Reading, and received a Gold Stevie Award as Female Executive of the Year – Business Services. She has also been chosen as one of LinkedIn’s Top Voices in Gender Equity.

Throughout her impressive 32-year career at AT&T, Anne has focused on creating cultures of inclusion which enable strategic growth, forging relationships and discovering and developing future leaders, while also systemically ensuring a vital pipeline of connection and talent. She was the creator and executive sponsor of the AT&T Women of Business, a global employee network that is now some 5,000 people strong, as well as a champion of AT&T’s Women of Color initiative. The co-author of The Leader’s Guide to Unconscious Bias, she has spent her career raising awareness, reframing, and leading through unconscious bias in the workplace.

“Throughout her career, Anne Chow has consistently demonstrated a deep commitment to diversity and inclusion and creating a healthy, people-centered culture,” said Manar Morales, President & CEO of the Diversity & Flexibility Alliance. “We are proud to be honoring such a trailblazer and visionary leader whose legacy will surely leave a lasting impression on the leaders of tomorrow,” she added.

“I’m honored and humbled to receive the 2022 Luminary Award, as I believe that one of my primary purposes in life is to lead inclusively and create cultures of belonging so that individuals, teams, and organizations can realize their greatest potential,” said Anne. “I believe that inclusive leadership is vital for progress in all facets of society,” she added.

The Diversity and Flexibility Alliance is a think tank that collaborates with organizations to develop non-stigmatized flexible work policies that promote inclusive work cultures and help to advance more women into leadership positions. The Alliance provides practical research-based solutions, training workshops, and strategic advisory services that increase organizational effectiveness through diversity and flexibility.

Contact: Manar Morales
manar@dfalliance.com
202-957-9650

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67 LAW FIRMS RECOGNIZED FOR “TIPPING THE SCALES” TOWARDS GENDER PARITY IN NEW PARTNER CLASSES

2021 New Partner Report Released

Washington, DC  (November 4, 2021) – Yesterday, during the Diversity and Flexibility Alliance’s Annual Conference, sixty-seven law firms were recognized for having 50% or more women in their 2021 U.S.-based new partner classes.  The firms, recognized as “Tipping the Scales,” were identified through the Diversity & Flexibility Alliance’s New Partner Report, a compilation of public data released each year for the past ten years. The Report revealed that 42.4 percent of new partners from a Representative Sample of 122 major U.S. law firms in 2021 were women, which represents an increase from last year’s figure of 40.9 percent.

The “Tipping the Scales” firms recognized for having 50% or more women in their 2021 new partner class included:

1. Adams and Reese

2. Akin Gump Strauss Hauer & Feld*

3. Alston & Bird

4. Arnold & Porter*

5. Baker & McKenzie

6. Baker Botts

7. Barnes & Thornburg

8. Beveridge & Diamond*

9. Brown Rudnick

10. Buchalter

11. Buchanan Ingersoll

12. Burr & Forman

13. Cooley*

14. Crowell & Moring*

15. Davis Wright Tremaine*

16. Duane Morris

17. Fenwick & West

18. Fish & Richardson*

19. Foley Hoag

20. Fragomen

21. Gordon Rees

22. Herrick

23. Hinckley Allen*

 24. Hollingsworth*

25. Honigman

26. Husch Blackwell

27. Ice Miller

28. Irell

29. Jackson Lewis

30. Jackson Walker

31. Jenner & Block*

32. Lathrop GPM*

33. Littler Mendelson

34. Locke Lord

35. Loeb & Loeb*

36. Manatt, Phelps & Phillips

37. Miles & Stockbridge

38. Miller & Chevalier*

39. Mintz, Levin, Cohn, Ferris, Glovsky and Popeo

40. Morgan, Lewis & Bockius*

41. Munger, Tolles & Olson

42. Norton Rose Fulbright*

43. Ogletree, Deakins, Nash, Smoak & Stewart*

44. Orrick, Herrington & Sutcliffe

45. Patterson Belknap

 46. Perkins Coie*

47. Phelps Dunbar

48. Procopio Cory

49. Pryor Cashman

50. Quarles & Brady*

51. Reed Smith*

52. Robins Kaplan*

53. Schulte Roth & Zabel

54. Shearman & Sterling

55. Sherman & Howard

56. Shutts & Bowen*

57. Spencer Fane

58. Stoel Rives*

59. Stroock & Stroock & Lavan

60.Thompson Coburn

61. Vinson & Elkins

62. Wachtell, Lipton, Rosen & Katz

63. Weil, Gotshal & Manges

64. Wiley Rein*

65. Williams Mullen*

66. Willkie Farr & Gallagher

67. Wilson Sonsini Goodrich & Rosati*

*Diversity & Flexibility Alliance Member Firms

“In a year when record numbers of women have been forced to leave the workforce, gender parity at leadership levels has never been more important,” said Manar Morales, President & CEO of the Diversity & Flexibility Alliance. “We are optimistic about this small increase in women in partnership classes in large U.S. law firms and we encourage all organizations to recommit their efforts to recruiting, retaining and advancing women.”

“As organizations emerge from the pandemic and develop their post-pandemic hybrid working initiatives, it’s critical that they de-gender, de-parent and de-stigmatize flexibility, while also recognizing the critical impact that flexibility has on women in particular,” Morales said.  “We applaud our member firms, who have made systematic changes and taken intentional steps towards increasing gender diversity. These efforts have led to quantifiable results as our member firms promoted a higher share of female new partners (41.5%), compared to the overall share of women in this year’s new partner classes (40.9).”

The Alliance has been compiling this data since 2012, when the data revealed that women only made up 33% of new partners.  It is important to note that this year the Alliance expanded the number of law firms included in the report, examining all public data from law firms in the AmLaw 200 (versus only AmLaw100 in previous years), as well as Alliance member law firms.  New partner data was collected from 187 law firms this year versus 137 firms in 2020.  For purposes of comparing data and trends to previous years, a Representative Sample was identified in this year’s report, including firms in the AmLaw100 as well as member firms. When looking at the whole sample of 187 firms in 2021, 40.9 percent of new partners were women.

When looking at the Representative Sample, it’s interesting to note that the gap between the share of new women partners and the share of women associates and summer associates is decreasing.  This year’s 42.4 percent figure of the share of women in the new partner class when looking at a Representative Sample comes closer to the percentages of women associates (gap of 5.1% this year vs. gap of 5.9% in 2020) and women summer associates (gap of 11.2% this year vs. gap of 11.8% in 2020).  However, note that when looking at the whole sample of 187 firms, the gap has widened from last year (6.6% this year vs. 5.9% in 2020, regarding women associates, and 12.7% this year vs 11.8% in 2020, regarding women summer associates).

The Diversity & Flexibility Alliance’s New Partner Report is a yearly compilation of data from more than 100 (187 this year) of the nation’s largest and top-grossing law firms examining the gender breakdown of attorneys promoted to partnership in their U.S. offices.  The data is based upon publicly available firm announcements and other self-reported sources on new partner classes with an effective date of promotion between October 1, 2020 and September 30, 2021.

The Diversity and Flexibility Alliance is a think tank that collaborates with organizations to develop non-stigmatized flexible work policies that promote inclusive work cultures and help to advance more women into leadership positions. The Alliance provides practical research-based solutions, training workshops, and strategic advisory services that increase organizational effectiveness through diversity and flexibility.

 

Contact: Manar Morales

manar@dfalliance.com

202-957-9650

LARA ABRASH, CEO, DELOITTE US AUDIT & ASSURANCE, TO BE HONORED FOR HER EXTRAORDINARY COMMITMENT TO FLEXIBILITY

Flex Leader Award to be presented During Virtual Conference on November 3

 Washington, DC  (October 26, 2021) – The Diversity and Flexibility Alliance has announced that Lara Abrash, Chair and Chief Executive Officer, Deloitte & Touche LLP, will receive its 2021 Flex Leader Award. The Flex Leader Award recognizes an executive who is moving their organization toward a more inclusive workplace through holistic flexibility. The Award will be presented on Thursday, November 3 during the Alliance’s virtual annual conference Reflect. Reimagine. Recalculate. Paving the Way to Inclusive Flexibility.  Registration is available here.

Lara Abrash was selected because of her extraordinary commitment to fostering a true culture of flexibility, inclusivity, and empathy at Deloitte. She is an optimistic and innovative leader who has successfully navigated the workplace challenges of the pandemic and has developed a creative, industry-leading hybrid work model that emphasizes employee flexibility and well-being. She has a passion for advancing innovation, as well as diversity and inclusion in the accounting profession, and is leading the industry in its evolution towards the future of work.

Lara leads the Audit & Assurance business comprised of leaders and professionals who pride themselves on the flexibility they receive and demonstrate on a daily basis. She is committed to well-being and emphasizes the importance of taking time off to reflect and recharge, encouraging her fellow partners and managing directors to “live what they preach” so others will follow.  Lara credits the culture at Deloitte with the firm’s successful transition to a “virtual first environment” during the pandemic. Now as restrictions loosen, she has created a hybrid plan that focuses on communicating (expectations and preferences), committing (to boundaries), connecting (through virtual and, when possible, in-person touchpoints) and culture (collaboration and an apprenticeship model).

Using data received through one-on-on discussions and a professional insights survey on how and when employees want to work and where they work, Lara emphasizes the importance of each team creating a hybrid working plan that accounts for unique circumstances, empowers employees to make individual choices and is rooted in data and feedback from employees.  With physical and mental health as a top priority, Lara is managing her team with transparency and honesty and maintains that Deloitte’s transition to a hybrid model will be gradual with no abrupt changes to the way they work.

Throughout her career, Lara has been a mentor and supporter of women’s initiatives such as Deloitte’s Women’s Initiative and has championed the advancement and empowerment of women. Additionally this year, Lara was one of the lead sponsors of Deloitte’s commitment to fueling greater racial and ethnic diversity in tax and accounting through the establishment of Making Accounting Diverse and Equitable (MADE).  The firm’s vision is to increase racial and ethnic diversity by generating more advisory, auditing, and tax career opportunities and leadership pathways for the next generation of certified public accountants.

“A trailblazer in her field, Lara Abrash is the perfect example of someone who is successfully leading with empathy, honesty, authenticity and a commitment to employee well-being,” said Manar Morales, President & CEO of the Diversity & Flexibility Alliance.  “She takes the time to engage with and listen to her colleagues while modeling the importance of flexibility. Future generations of workers are looking to leaders like Lara to pave the way to the flexible and inclusive workplace of the future.”

“Individuals feel empowered and engaged when their voices are heard,” said Lara Abrash, Chair and Chief Executive Officer, Deloitte & Touche LLP. “This year is the year of learning – we are focused on successfully integrating the well-being, including the physical and mental health, of the individual and finding meaningful connections for advancement, development, and innovation. As leaders, it is our responsibility to navigate this journey by remembering to communicate regularly, commit to one another on respecting boundaries, and connect with purpose, whether virtually or in-person, to sustain the organization’s culture,” she added.

The Diversity and Flexibility Alliance is a think tank that collaborates with organizations to develop non-stigmatized flexible working policies that promote inclusive cultures and help to advance more women into leadership positions. The Alliance provides practical research-based solutions, training workshops, and strategic advisory services that increase organizational effectiveness through diversity and flexibility.

 

Registration for the conference is available here.

Contact: Manar Morales

manar@dfalliance.com

202-957-9650

Lathrop GPM and Ogletree Deakins Partners and Clients to be Honored for Attorney-Client Partnerships That Support Flexible Schedules

Diversity & Flexibility Alliance Flex Success® Awards to Be Presented Virtually on Nov. 3

Washington, DC (October 26, 2021) – Today the Diversity and Flexibility Alliance announced that its 2021 Flex Success® Award honorees will be: Liz Dillon, Partner and Franchise Practice Group Leader, Lathrop GPM LLP, and her client Iris Rosario, Senior Counsel, Choice Hotels, and Sarah Kuehnel, Partner, Ogletree Deakins, and her client Bonnie Smith, CEO of Studio B Entertainment.

The Flex Success® Award recognizes Partners at Diversity & Flexibility Alliance member law firms who have achieved success while working a reduced hours schedule as well as a client who has been integral to making workplace flexibility so successful. The Awards will be presented on November 3 during the Alliance’s virtual annual conference, Reflect. Reimagine. Recalibrate. Paving the Way to Inclusive Flexibility. Registration is available here.

“These respected law firm leaders have achieved extraordinary career success while working flexible schedules,” said Manar Morales, President & CEO of the Diversity & Flexibility Alliance. “Their careers clearly demonstrate that partners working reduced hours and remote schedules can provide exceptional client service when they have the support of and collaboration from clients and firm colleagues. We hope these outstanding women motivate other attorneys to seek flexible schedules when needed to thrive in a successful and sustainable career,” she added.

Liz Dillon, Partner, Lathrop GPM LLP

Lathrop Partner Liz Dillon’s flexible schedule generally includes working four days a week, allowing her to spend most Fridays with her family, other than two months of the year when her practice is particularly busy. As the leader of Lathrop’s Franchise & Distribution Practice Group, she oversees more than 30 lawyers and paralegals and has been recognized for her legal prowess in Chambers USA, Chambers Global, The Best Lawyers in America, “Legal Eagles” by Franchise Times and the International Who’s Who of Franchise Lawyers.  Under her leadership, the firm was named the “Best Franchise Law Firm” in the world by Global Franchise Magazine in 2021.

Working together for many years, Liz and her client Iris Rosario, Senior Counsel, Choice Hotels, have developed an open dialog that allows them to work collaboratively to meet the legal needs of Choice Hotels.  Liz’s flexible schedule has also allowed her to volunteer with the Advocates for Human Rights, serve as a board member for the Minnesota Land Trust, and chair its Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Committee, and be recognized as a “North Star Lawyer” by the Minnesota State Bar Association for providing 50 hours of pro bono legal services in 2019 to low-income people.

“I am honored to be recognized by the Diversity & Flexible Alliance for this award,” said Liz Dillon. “We are grateful for clients that support our commitment to work-life balance. Our constant collaboration and effective communication allow both teams to accomplish our objectives and establish healthy boundaries that allow for a fulfilling, sustainable life.”

“Inclusion, diversity, and a healthy work-life balance are a part of Choice Hotels’ values and principles,” said Iris Rosario, Senior Counsel, Franchise, Choice Hotels International, Inc. “Liz Dillon and I have created an effective working relationship, and we can always rely on Liz and the Lathrop GPM Franchise Practice Group for timely and relevant advice.  She is an example of an attorney who can have a successful practice while maintaining a work-life balance.”

“Congratulations to Liz Dillon on her Flex Success Award from the Diversity & Flexibility Alliance,” said Cameron Garrison, Firm Managing Partner of Lathrop GPM. “Liz is an excellent example of how we deliver unmatched value to clients while still allowing partners, associates and professional staff the flexibility to manage other components of their lives. Lathrop GPM is committed to being a leader in allowing flexible schedules that fit the needs of our people while also continuing to deliver the high-quality service and responsiveness our clients demand.”

Sarah Kuehnel, Partner, Ogletree Deakins

For the last ten years, Sarah Kuehnel has been working a fully-remote, reduced hours schedule which reduces her annualized hours target to 85%.  As a military spouse who has moved five times to four different states based on her husband’s military orders, this flexible schedule has allowed her to continue to successfully work for Ogletree Deakins. In 2016, Sarah transitioned from her home office in St. Louis to the Florida Panhandle, where she volunteered to take her third bar exam enabling her to service firm clients in a part of the country where the firm did not have an office.  Sarah’s client, Bonnie Smith, CEO of Studio B Entertainment, is a strong advocate of flexible working arrangements and has always engaged Sarah’s services regardless of where Sarah physically lived. Bonnie has also introduced Sarah and promoted her employment law expertise to her peers at large prestigious organizations to help expand her client reach.

“I am honored to receive the 2021 Flex Success Award a decade into my remote career, which started back in 2011! Ogletree’s support and encouragement, paired with enthusiasm from my clients, particularly Bonnie Smith, has enabled my success while working remotely and flexibly,” said Sarah Kuehnel.  “Indeed, my success would have been impossible without the resources from my firm and dedication of my clients given my need to work remotely from several different states because of my husband’s military career, which has relocated me 5 times in 10 years,” she added.

“I am extremely proud of Sarah’s incredible work; and she is very much deserving of this Award,” said Bonnie Smith, CEO of Studio B Entertainment. “Sarah has been and continues to be a critical part of our team, providing her expertise that allows us to execute with excellence at each and every touchpoint of our business,” she added.

“Ogletree Deakins is proud to offer a modern and flexible working environment for our attorneys,” said Matt Keen, managing shareholder, Ogletree Deakins. “Sarah has demonstrated tremendous prowess in living our Client Pledge in service of Studio B Entertainment and other clients, all while maintaining a healthy work-life balance. This recognition validates our commitment to flexible scheduling options and showcases the vast potential of attorneys like Sarah.”

The Diversity and Flexibility Alliance is a think tank that collaborates with organizations to develop non-stigmatized flexible work policies that promote inclusive work cultures for all and help to advance more women into leadership positions. The Alliance provides practical research-based solutions, training workshops, and strategic advisory services that increase organizational effectiveness through diversity and flexibility.

Registration for the conference is available here.

Contact: Manar Morales

manar@dfalliance.com

202-957-9650

Arnold & Porter and Cox to be Honored for Their Inclusive Hybrid Working Initiatives

Awards will be presented during the Diversity & Flexibility Alliance

Virtual Conference on Nov. 3

 

Washington, DC (October 26, 2021) — The Diversity & Flexibility Alliance announced today that its 2021 Flex Impact Award Honorees are law firm, Arnold & Porter and communications and automotive giant Cox Enterprises. The Flex Impact Awards, which recognize initiatives that demonstrate a significant impact on the culture of workplace flexibility, will be presented during the Alliance’s virtual annual conference on Wednesday, November 3.  Registration information is available here.

Arnold & Porter

Arnold & Porter was selected for its newly implemented Remote Work Options Policy that allows employees to work 50% of their time in the office each month, allowing for 50% remote work. This policy is effective for nearly all employees, including attorneys and non-exempt management and professional staff. Arnold & Porter’s policy also allows employees to determine remote schedules that are best for each individual as long as they meet team and client needs.

“We are honored to receive the Diversity & Flexibility Alliance’s Flex Impact Award for our hybrid work policy, which was designed to meet the needs of our attorneys and professional staff while continuing to provide outstanding client service,” said Ellen Kaye Fleishhacker, co-managing partner of Arnold & Porter.

“While many law firms have implemented new hybrid working policies with their return to office plans, Arnold & Porter took a step further and demonstrated its commitment to equity and inclusion by implementing virtually identical policies for both attorneys and professional staff,” said Manar Morales, president & CEO of the Diversity & Flexibility Alliance. “Additionally, by allowing individuals to create their own 50% remote schedules, the firm is signaling its trust in its employees and acknowledging that everyone has unique flexible working needs,” she added.

Cox Enterprises

Cox Enterprises was selected as a 2021 Flex Impact Award honoree for its Flex Forward initiative which empowers teams to work together to create the right balance of in-person and remote work within their unique needs and job requirements. Flex Forward offers ultimate flexibility with structure.  It means navigating across divisions and different operating models and roles, while implementing team agreements. These team agreements are a new tool that allows for a consistent process for leaders to design flexibility that works for their teams, to create the right mix of work/life balance.

“Being honored with the Flex Impact Award is a tribute to so many at Cox who have continued to push our culture forward,” said Jill Campbell, chief people and operations officer at Cox Enterprises. “Introducing Flex Forward helps us continue to build on our inclusion efforts and support our people. Thank you to all involved and thank you for this recognition.”

“We selected Cox Enterprises for this award because this initiative embodies what we call “flexible flexibility,” said Morales. “By allowing teams to determine how and where they work best, Cox is acknowledging that one size does not fit all when it comes to the hybrid workplace and we all have unique needs and priorities. Cox is certainly paving the way to a more inclusive and flexible future of work,” she added.

The Diversity and Flexibility Alliance is a think tank that collaborates with organizations to develop non-stigmatized flexible work policies that promote inclusive work cultures and help to advance more women into leadership positions.  The Alliance provides practical research-based solutions, training workshops, and strategic advisory services that increase organizational effectiveness through diversity and flexibility.

 

Registration for the conference is available here.

Contact: Manar Morales

manar@dfalliance.com

202-957-9650