Chicago, August 18, 2008 (LAWFUEL) – Baker & McKenzie is among the Best Law Firms for Women in 2008 for the second year in a row, according to Working Mother magazine and Flex-Time Lawyers LLC.
“We are grateful for this recognition from Working Mother and Flex-Time Lawyers. Being named a ‘best law firm for women’ a second time around is testament to Baker & McKenzie’s commitment to the well-being of our attorneys and staff,” said John Conroy, Chairman of the Executive Committee. “We understand the importance of balancing our personal and professional lives and creating a very positive workplace for all.”
The Firm received ‘high’ marks in the areas of flexibility and development and retention of women—two of the five criteria used to select the top law firms. Baker & McKenzie also ranked ‘above average’ in the areas of leadership, compensation and advancement of women.
“Today, nearly half of law school graduates are women. Law firms need to make a fundamental shift in their policies by instituting female and family friendly benefits as Baker & McKenzie has done,” said Carol Evans, CEO, Working Mother Media. “We hope that by recognizing Baker & McKenzie, who has already moved the needle, a paradigm shift will follow.”
Some of the benefits Baker & McKenzie provides its lawyers and staff include flexible schedules; telecommuting arrangements; and paid maternity, paternity and adoption leave. These and other policies have enabled working mothers to devote time to their families while advancing their legal career with the Firm.
In addition, some of Baker & McKenzie’s offices have established Women’s Attorney Steering Committees to organize educational and social luncheons and other events for women attorneys. The efforts of these groups have enabled women of the Firm to form lasting support networks that aid in the development of leadership and business development skills.
Commenting on the recognition, David Hackett, North American Managing Partner said: “It is very gratifying to see that our efforts are being recognized. We are committed to continue to improve our programs and opportunities for women.”
The 2008 Best Law Firms for Women application was developed in a partnership between Working Mother and Flex-Time Lawyers LLC. Firms with at least 50 lawyers were eligible to apply and the application included detailed questions about the issues that are most important to the retention and promotion of female lawyers. Baker & McKenzie was selected based on responses to an application measuring areas such as workforce profile, family-friendly benefits and policies, flexibility, leadership, compensation, advancement and retention of women.
Working Mother profiles Baker & McKenzie in its August/September issue and on www.workingmother.com and www.flextimelawyers.com.
