The Women in Law Empowerment Forum (WILEF) has awarded WilmerHale the 2022 US Gold Standard Certification. This marks the seventh year that the organization has recognized the firm’s dedication to advancing the careers of women lawyers.

According to WILEF, the organization aims to educate and empower women in law to climb the ranks within their firm’s leadership and serve as pillars of the legal community. The Gold Standard Certification Initiative serves to spotlight top law firms that have demonstrated their commitment to advancing the organization’s mission. To receive the certification, firms must meet a series of objectives concerning the number of women among equity partners, in firm leadership positions and in the ranks of their most highly compensated partners. WilmerHale is one of 19 firms, of the 32 total US firms, to meet all six objectives. 

WilmerHale’s certification indicates that the firm has met at least four the following criteria:

• 25% of equity partners or, alternatively, 40% of the attorneys becoming equity partners during the past twelve months are women
• 10% of women equity partners are women of color or 4% of women equity partners are LGBT
• 20% of firm and U.S. branch office heads are women
• 25% of the firm’s primary governance committee are women
• 25% of the firm’s compensation committee or its equivalent are women
• 20% of the top half of the firm’s equity partners in terms of compensation are women

WilmerHale has a long-standing history of recruiting and retaining top female attorneys. Led by co-managing partner Susan Murley, the firm actively fosters a culture that encourages women to succeed at every stage of their career. WilmerHale supports professional development and inclusion through mentorships, affinity groups, internal fellowships and the Women’s Leadership Initiative.

Learn more about the women of WilmerHale.