http://www.abajournal.com/magazine/article/minority_women_are_disappearing_from_biglaw_and_heres_why
Drinker Biddle & Reath has made the 50-best list four times. Partner Lynne Anderson is proud of the firm’s recognition and focus on women’s initiatives, which she says requires intention and support from the top. “I think any firm has to have more than just the trappings,” Anderson says. “They have to have a roll-up-your-sleeves commitment to the advancement of women in the firm. That takes financial commitment, time commitment—including from the senior levels of the firm.”
Anderson says some of the policies and programs that helped propel Drinker Biddle onto the list include compensation transparency, a 12-week paid parental leave policy, flex-time and reduced-hours work options, and a strong women’s leadership committee that includes the firm chairman.
“What does it take to have a firm that’s supportive of women? It’s not just helicoptering in and out of the issue. It’s sustained and ongoing programs—a committee, a budget and policies that make this work,” Anderson says. “And to be willing to take a hard look at the metrics on a regular basis.”