2014 Marks Firm’s 6th Appearance on Prestigious List

SEATTLE, Wash. (August 5, 2014) – Perkins Coie has again has been named one of the “Best Law Firms for Women” by Working Mother Media and Flex-Time Lawyers LLC.  The 2014 list recognizes a select group of the nation’s law firms for their commitment to the advancement and retention of women lawyers.  This is the sixth time the firm has been included in this respected list.

“Perkins Coie takes to heart the need and clear benefit in offering a workplace environment where women can achieve their highest potential,” said Theresa Cropper, Perkins Coie’s Chief Diversity Officer.  “Our inclusion on this prestigious ranking by Working Mother and Flex-Time Lawyers is a testament to our ongoing investment in programs that offer a workplace where all members of our professional family are recognized and supported.”

Laura Neebling, chair of the Perkins Coie’s Executive Committee added, “I’m delighted that some of the programs that make Perkins Coie a top-tier law firm for all employees have been recognized by Working Mother and Flex-Time Lawyers.  We are proud of the opportunities we offer women in our firm and will continue our long-term commitment to a supportive workplace for all.”

Some of Perkins Coie’s practices and policies focused on at women lawyers include:

• Establishment of a variety of affinity groups, including a firmwide Women’s Forum, which enjoys broad participation and focuses on leadership, marketing and professional development, work/life balance and retention and mentoring of women lawyers;
• Networking events, including regular all-women lawyer retreats as well as practice group and office-specific events;
• Programs for marketing, business development training and mentoring, which are designed to help women advance their careers and sharpen their skills;
• Telecommuting options;
• A reduced-hours program that allows attorneys to work part-time while developing their skills professionally and remaining on track for partnership. Under this program, attorneys need to work only 50 percent of full-time hours for benefits eligibility;
• Leaves of absence for parental, adoption and elderly care purposes;
• Lactation rooms;
• Subsidized emergency in-home and sick child care for lawyers; and
• Full billable credit for all approved pro bono work, allowing working mothers to meet their billable hour demands while honoring their commitments to community service.

The 2014 Best Law Firms for Women are featured in the August/September issue of Working Mother Media’s Working Mother magazine, as well as on workingmother.com and flextimelawyers.com.  For the seventh Best Law Firms for Women initiative, Working Mother Research Institute measured firms on factors including: representation; flexibility; leadership, compensation, and advancement of women; as well as development and retention of women.

Perkins Coie strives to create a work environment where all employees can succeed.  For 12 consecutive years, the firm has been named to FORTUNE magazine’s list of “100 Best Companies to Work For.”  Also, for the past six years, the firm has received a perfect 100 score on the HRC’s Corporate Equality Index and Best Places to Work Survey.  In addition, the firm has received a Gold Standard Certification from The Women in Law Empowerment Forum (WILEF) each year since WILEF launched its award initiative in 2011.

About Working Mother Media: Working Mother magazine reaches more than 2.2 million readers and is the only national magazine for career-committed mothers. This year marks the 27th anniversary of Working Mother’s signature research initiative, Working Mother 100 Best Companies, and the tenth year of the Best Companies for Multicultural Women. Working Mother Media, a division of Bonnier Corporation, includes the National Association for Female Executives (NAFE), Diversity Best Practices and the Working Mother Research Institute.

About Flex-Time Lawyers LLC: Flex-Time Lawyers LLC® is an international consulting firm providing advisory, training and speaking services on workplace restructuring, talent management, work/life balance, and the retention and promotion of lawyers, with a focus on women.

Perkins Coie is a leading international law firm that is known for providing high-value, strategic solutions and extraordinary client service on matters vital to our clients’ success. With more than 1,200 lawyers in offices across the United States and Asia, we provide a full array of corporate, commercial litigation, intellectual property, and regulatory legal advice to a broad range of clients, including many of the world’s most innovative companies and industry leaders as well as public and not-for-profit organizations.

Media Inquiries: Please email Justin Cole, Head of Media Relations.