The Women in Law Empowerment Forum, an educational and networking venue for women in law firms and corporate law departments, has recognized WilmerHale with a Gold Standard Award for the placement of women in leadership positions.

WilmerHale has long prioritized addressing the issues and concerns that impact the careers of female attorneys, including the historical lack of women mentors at the upper levels of the profession and the unique obstacles faced by women in building client relationships and developing business. The firm’s Women's Leadership Initiative was established to promote the retention and advancement of our women lawyers and assist with building these skills.

"As a firm, we strive to create a collegial environment that allows for challenging professional career paths as well as enriching personal lives," says Co-Managing Partner Susan Murley.

The Gold Standard Award is presented to firms that have 300 or more lawyers and meet at least four of the following six criteria: women account for at least 20% of equity partners, women represent at least 10% of firm chairs and office managing partners, women make up at least 20% of the firm's primary governance committee, women represent 20% or more of the firm's compensation committee, women make up at least 25% of practice group leaders or department.

The firm has also earned other accolades over the last year for its efforts to support women lawyers. In July, WilmerHale ranked in the 2015 edition of Working Mother magazine and Flex-Time Lawyers 50 Best Law Firms for Women for the eighth consecutive year. For the sixth time, Yale Law Women included the firm on its prestigious list of Top Ten Family Friendly Firms and specifically recognized WilmerHale for gender equity, as more than 25% of partners at the firm are women.