Working Mother magazine has selected WilmerHale among the Best Law Firms for Women for its dedication to retaining and promoting women lawyers through established best practices. This is the 10th consecutive year the firm has received this high honor. 

The annual list recognizes 50 US law firms for their policies in the advancement of women and for the implementation of work-life balance initiatives. In order to qualify, firms must also make flexible work schedules and substantial paid parental leave a priority. Ultimately, the list explores what's working at law firms to fill the diversity gap and ensure women are getting the support and resources they need to advance.

WilmerHale has sought to implement policies to support work-life balance and develop programs (both formal and informal) designed to assist its women attorneys in their success. This includes a vibrant Women's Leadership Initiative that focuses on professional development tailored to the needs and interests of women attorneys, building relationships within the firm, strategies for business development, and fostering opportunities to engage with women clients and alumni.

“The Best Law Firms for Women are not only setting the standard for the modern-day law firm in supporting flexible work arrangements and offering generous paid leave but also ensuring that lawyers who take advantage of these programs are not excluded from the partnership track,” said Editor-In-Chief of Working Mother Meredith Bodgas.

WilmerHale has long been dedicated to recruiting top women attorneys and helping them rise through the ranks of the firm. The firm's Guiding Principles include a commitment to diversity and inclusion, and women attorneys of color and other diverse attorneys hold leadership positions throughout the firm. 

Since 2012, Susan Murley has led the firm as co-managing partner. Under her leadership the firm has repeatedly ranked as one of the top law firms for women attorneys. Most recently, the annual Yale Law Women family friendly report presented WilmerHale with Gender Equality category honors, The Boston Globe recognized the firm among its list of Top 20 Women-Led Businesses and Law360 ranked the firm among Top 100 Best Law Firms for Female Attorneys.

Also, last month WilmerHale partnered with Diversity Lab to pilot the Mansfield Rule, a measurement of whether law firms have affirmatively considered women and attorneys of color for leadership and governance roles, equity partner promotions, and lateral positions. Law firms that successfully pilot the Mansfield Rule over the next year will be designated “Mansfield Certified” and have the opportunity to send their recently promoted diverse partners to a two-day Client Forum in late 2018 to build relationships with and learn from influential in-house counsel.