Marketing for Attorneys and "Family-Friendly" Law Firms

One aspect of marketing for attorneys involves recruiting talented lawyers to the law firm.  This past week, the Yale Law Women (the "YLW") organization announced its 2008 "Top Ten Family Friendly Firms List."  In alphabetical order, the top ten listed were: Arnold & Porter (D.C.), Covington & Burling (D.C.), Dorsey & Whitney (Minneapolis), Debevoise & Plimpton (N.Y.), Gibson Dunn (L.A.), Kirkland & Ellis (Chicago), Kramer Levin (N.Y.), Mintz Levin (Boston), Perkins Coie (Seattle) and WilmerHale (Boston).

According to the YLW press release, here are the statistics from its survey of participating firms:

• Average % of female associates: 44%
• Average % of female partners: 19%
• Average maternity leave: 16 wks.
• Average paternity leave: 8 wks.
• Average % of part-time partners: 4%
• Average % of part-time associates: 7%

Of note is the disparity between the percentage of female associates and female partners, which according to the YLW site has not increased in over 20 years.

The YLW Chair noted that the Top Ten List allows firms to compare themselves with other firms, for lawyers to advocate change at their firms in terms of more balance, and for law students to assess whether they want to work for a certain firm.  In the world of attorney marketing and marketing for law firms, due consideration needs to be given to "marketing" directly to recruits.  Having a more balanced atmosphere and lifestyle can be a plus in attracting talented lawyers to law firms.