Manatt, Phelps & Phillips, LLP, has been recognized by the National Association for Female Executives (NAFE) and Flex-Time Lawyers as one of the top law firms for women in the country. The 2012 list of the 50 Best Law Firms for Women was announced by the organizations on November 13, 2012, and was published by Working Mother magazine. The purpose of the list is to celebrate the law firms that are most successful in retaining and promoting women lawyers. This is Manatt's fifth appearance on the prestigious list - each year the designation has been bestowed.
NAFE and Flex-Time Lawyers selected law firms based on hard data, including female representation, women's initiatives, workplace culture, benefits, parental leave and childcare policies, networking, flexibility, mentoring, compensation, partnership, and advancement.
Working Mother magazine writes that this year's 50 best law firms for women are making the legal profession more family friendly. They are also striving to ensure that women lawyers are getting the experience they need to make the ranks of equity partner.
"Manatt is dedicated to providing the tools that empower our female lawyers," said William T. Quicksilver, Manatt's Chief Executive Officer and Managing Partner. "The firm uniquely combines firmwide support networks, business coaching and innovative policies to assist women lawyers in meeting the professional and personal challenges that too often become barriers to success. We are honored that NAFE and Flex-Time Lawyers have once again recognized our efforts."
In its profile of Manatt, Working Mother points out that women earned 70% of Manatt's promotions to partner in 2011, including 67% of those to its equity roles. Manatt's policies encourage and facilitate a healthy work/life balance. Also, firm professionals benefit from informal mentoring, coaching and business development training through the Manatt Women's Initiative.
The Best Law Firms for Women survey was developed in a partnership between NAFE, a division of Working Mother Media, and Flex-Time Lawyers LLC in 2006. U.S. firms with at least 50 lawyers were eligible to take part, answering detailed questions about the issues that are most important to the retention and promotion of female lawyers. The 50 winning firms will be honored at a special awards event in New York City.
This year's list of the 50 Best Law Firms for Women is available online at Working Mother magazine's website.